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Bishop Burbidge’s Homilies for Masses Commemorating Dead
In November the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints and the Feast of All Souls, two days where the faithful pray for those who have died. All Saints Day was instituted to honor all saints, known and unknown. On All Souls Day, prayers are said for the departed who have been baptized, but are not yet in full union with God in heaven.
In his homily on the Solemnity of All Saints, Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge noted the universal Church pauses on November 1 to honor those who have been canonized to sainthood. He noted, “We also remember our beloved family members and friends who provided us with ‘saintly’ example and who remain for us a source of inspiration.”
On November 2, Bishop Burbidge celebrated the Feast of All Souls, presiding at Mass at Saint Joseph Church in Warrenton. Noting that at every Mass that prayers are said for the faithful departed, Bishop Burbidge added, “The feast of All Souls is a reminder of the privilege and duty that is ours to pray daily for our deceased family members and friends and all the faithful departed, so they may know and celebrate fully the promises of the Lour Our God.”
On November 3, Bishop Burbidge celebrated Mass at for the Deceased Clergy of the Diocese at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Newton Grove. Bishop Vincent S. Waters, third Bishop of Raleigh, and thirteen priests are buried in the parish cemetery. Following Mass, Bishop Burbidge and ten priests who concelebrated with him and those in attendance processed through the cemetery as the Bishop blessed the graves.
Above: Bishop Burbidge blessing the graves at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Cemetery in Newton Grove following Mass for Deceased Clergy on November 3.