(FCC Newsdesk, May 26, 2025)
Memorial Day Masses to honor the sacrifices of service members took place throughout the diocese today, Monday, May 26.
In New London, Bishop Richard F. Reidy concelebrated Mass with priests from the New London deanery at St. Mary Cemetery before a gathering of about 100.
"We come to remember," the bishop told them under a perfect backdrop of sunny skies, a brisk breeze, and singing birds to honor the U.S. Armed Forces men and women who died in military service to our country..jpg)
Bishop Reidy asked those present to remember all who gave their lives in service — those in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as all "of our beloved deceased."
In his homily, the bishop talked about the meaning behind honoring the deceased.
"This morning as we gather on this beautiful day, look around. Look around at this cemetery, neatly trimmed and flowers lovingly arranged," he said. "Peolpe have brought living things to mark the graves of those who are deceased, to mark them with love."
It's part of a natural instinct to decorate the places of mortal remains, he added. But as part of a "super-natural" instinct, we bring not just flowers, but prayers.
"And not just a tangible appeal to our senses, but a spiritual appeal to our God," he said.
While in Norwich, Monsignor Les Janik, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Norwichtown and St. Joseph Church in Norwich, concelebrated Mass with priests from the Norwich deanery at St. Joseph Cemetery before a dedicated group of approximately 100 people. In his homily, Monsignor Les reflected on the nature of mourning, reminding those gathered that only those who love truly mourn. He also quoted from a poem by Charles M. Province in tribute to those who served.
As in New London, a lone trumpeter played Taps from the corner of the crowd, concluding the ceremony with quiet reverence.
It is the Soldier, not the minister,
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the Soldier, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to protest.
It is the Soldier, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the Soldier, not the politician,
who has given us the right to vote.
It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.
Charles M. Province
