Sept. 12 mass to remember those who have died during pandemic

The Most Rev. W. Francis Malooly, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, will celebrate a mass of remembrance for those who have passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those who are buried in one of the three diocesan cemeteries.

The mass will take place at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, in the Chapel of the Risen Christ on the grounds of All Saints Cemetery on Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington.

In the interest of public safety, the mass will not be open to the public, but will be livestreamed on the diocesan YouTube channel.

“Due to the restrictions on public gatherings over the last six months, many families were unable to hold a traditional wake, Mass of Christian Burial or graveside service for their loved ones who passed away during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Mark Christian, executive director of Catholic Cemeteries Inc., Diocese of Wilmington. “By holding this mass, Bishop Malooly and our cemeteries staff honor and remember in prayer those who have died and recognize the pain their families have endured during this unusual time in our history. It is our hope that this mass will offer some comfort and closure to those who are in mourning.”

During the mass, the bishop will offer prayers for those who were buried in diocesan cemeteries from mid-March through the end of August, and for all those who have died during the pandemic around the world.

The public is invited to participate in the livestreamed mass by going to YouTube.com/DioceseofWilm or by searching Diocese of Wilmington on YouTube. ​