Fellow
Knights,
On December 11, 2003, the newest Archdiocesan cemetery, All Souls Cemetery, opened in Germantown, Maryland, the product of over eight years of planning, hard work and dedication to the Church’s corporal work of mercy of burying the dead. Joining four other Archdiocesan cemeteries already operating in the Archdiocese, it will answer the needs of the Catholic community in upper Montgomery County by providing a more convenient location for the Christian burial of their loved ones.
The physical body of a deceased loved one, which served as the repository of the Holy Spirit, is entitled to be respected. To do so is an act of faith, reminding us that we, as they already called by God, are made in His image and likeness. The Apostles Creed, and the other Creeds as well, remind us that the human body is destined to be reunited with the spirit in our eternal life with God; thus, it is entitled to the same respect that is given to the soul.
The Church, since its beginning, has been vitally concerned with the care of the body. During the early persecutions of the Church in the first centuries of its existence, many Christians were martyred. In Rome and its environs, the catacombs served as underground cemeteries for martyred Christians. The burial niches often served as altars for the Mass of Christian burial. Despite the difficulties early Christians faced, they often risked their lives in order to practice the Christian principles of burying the dead. This obligation is incumbent on us all.
Our Council has maintained its practice of being available to say the Rosary publicly for our deceased Brothers. The turn out is always impressive. It reminds others that we recognize our Christian duty to pray for the deceased. But it also reminds us of our duty as Catholics to meet our obligations to follow the laws of the Church with regard to the proper burial of those for whom we are responsible.
The dedication and opening of All Souls Cemetery in Germantown, Maryland, is in keeping with the Church’s continued concern for those who have been called from life on earth to the eternal life with God. It reminds us of our obligation to care for the physical remains of those who shared life on earth with us, and thus are entitled to our prayers and remembrance.
May you and your families share God’s blessings throughout the New Year.
Fraternally
Rev. Msgr. William F. O’Donnell.
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