Cupich, auxiliary bishops to lead Memorial Day cemetery services

Archdiocese of Chicago Archbishop Blase J. Cupich, auxiliary bishops and archdiocesan priests will celebrate Memorial Day with Field Masses at 37 Catholic cemeteries Monday, May 30.

The Masses are in conjunction with the national program "Serving God and Country: A Memorial Day Salute to Our Heroes," developed by the Catholic Cemetery Conference, to honor men and women of the armed forces who died while serving, as well as active military and veterans. During all 37 Masses, veterans will be asked to come forward for a special blessing followed by the playing of "Taps."

Cupich will celebrate a Memorial Day Field Mass at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, 7201 Archer Ave. in Justice, at 10:30 a.m. Immediately following the Mass, Cupich will bless a 20-foot-tall bronze statue of St. Pope John Paul II that is placed on a 6'10" American black granite base. The statue was commissioned by the Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2013 and designed by Teresa Clark of Clark Design.

Other Masses will be held at 10:30 a.m. at locations including: All Saints Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, 700 N. River Road, Des Plaines, with celebrant the Most Rev. Raymond E. Goedert, retired auxiliary bishop of Chicago; Ascension Catholic Cemetery, 1920 Buckley Road, Libertyville, with celebrant the Rev. Msgr. Wayne F. Prist, pastor emeritus, Queen of All Saints Basilica; and St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, 1185 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, with celebrant the Most Rev. Francis J. Kane, auxiliary bishop of Chicago.