Memorial Day Mass

By Maxim Almenas

As family and friends arrived at Gate of Heaven Cemetery’s new Chapel Mausoleum of the Resurrection on Memorial Day, they were met by fields covered with American flags, a red, white, and blue floral wreath, and a life-size statue of Saint Padre Pio.

Inside, they were amazed by the tall marble columns, the life-like Stations of the Cross statues, and the magnificent two-story mosaic of the resurrected Christ. Many were wives, husbands, or adult children of those who had served in one of the branches of the United States military, and others were veterans who had served and came to honor and remember their fallen brethren during the national Mass celebration, “Serving God and Country: A Memorial Day Salute to Our Heroes.”

Joseph W. Cardinal Tobin, C.Ss.R., D.D., Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, the main celebrant, made the occasion all the more extraordinary by blessing the new Chapel Mausoleum, including all the interred and all in attendance.

“We bless this place of worship – this house of prayer. It will have special meaning because it will welcome – yes, daughters and sons of God, but many who are grieving,” explained Tobin during his homily. “Now, the word of God does not say that we do not grieve. Of course, we do. But [St.] Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, says, ‘Don’t grieve like people who have no hope.’ We have hope because of those final words of Jesus, ‘It’s done.’ It’s completed. The new race is born.”

As the remarkable turnout of men, women, and children, over 300 in attendance, listened intently,

A bittersweet moment was felt inside the new chapel mausoleum at Gate of Heaven Cemetery as Andrew P. Schafer, Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark, announced his retirement after 20 years at the helm, overseeing the development, construction, and dedication of several magnificent and sacred mausoleums and grounds, and a total of 30 years serving the cemetery ministry for the Archdiocese of Newark.

“It’s been an unbelievable journey. It’s been an honor,” said Schafer as he looked back and thanked Cardinal Tobin while attempting to control the emotions in his words. “My faith in God has grown as a result of this experience.”

Schafer also expressed gratitude to the clergy, and the religious, including Sister Donna L. Ciangio, O.P., Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Newark, Sister Patricia M. Wormann, O.P., Delegate for Religious of the Archdiocese, deacons, music ministry, law enforcement families and officers, several of which were also veterans. He also thanked the Knights of Columbus and the Borough of East Hanover.

He was incredibly grateful for the dedication of his cemetery staff spread across ten cemeteries, including the three chaplains, Reverend Paul Houlis from Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Reverend Michael Barone of Holy Cross Cemetery, and Reverend Dave Sison of Saint Gertrude Cemetery.