Memorial Day Masses and Services

"Our Catholic Christian faith gives us hope, and hope affords us the ability to be consoled by the truth that the souls of the just are in the hand of God...” (Wisdom 1:1). May those who served our nation so faithfully rest in the peace of heaven." - Bishop James Ruggieri

The origins of Memorial Day date back to the Civil War when many cities and towns would set aside a day to remember those who died in the war. Originally called Decoration Day, it was officially proclaimed by General John Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, on May 5, 1868, and was first observed on May 30 of that year when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Through the years, the holiday began to be known as Memorial Day and was a day to commemorate all those whose lives were lost in service to their country, not just Civil War veterans. In 1971, when the federal law went into effect moving major holidays to Mondays, the name Memorial Day became official, and the date was set as the last Monday in May.

Masses and Prayer Services

Farmington

Farview Cemetery, 165 Farmington Falls Road - Father Paul Dumais will be leading the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.

Lewiston

St. Peter's Cemetery, 217 Switzerland Road - Bishop James Ruggieri will celebrate a Memorial Day Mass in the mausoleum at 10 a.m.

Millinocket

Millinocket Cemetery, East Avenue - A Memorial Day Mass will be celebrated at the Monument Altar in the Millinocket Cemetery at 9 a.m.

Rumford

St. John's Cemetery, Isthmus Road - The Parish of the Holy Savior will hold a Memorial Day Mass at 8:15 a.m. at St. John's Cemetery. Parishioners are encouraged to bring a chair if they wish.

South Portland

Calvary Cemetery, 1461 Broadway - A Memorial Day Mass will be held at 9 a.m. in the Armed Forces Section of Calvary Cemetery. In the event of rain, the Mass will move to Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Rd., South Portland  

Yarmouth

Holy Cross Cemetery, 75 Smith Street - The Parish of the Holy Eucharist will celebrate a Memorial Day Mass at 9 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery. In the event of rain, the Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main Street in Yarmouth.