May 25, 2026

Bishop Byrne celebrates Memorial Day Mass for the fallen

REGIONAL
Story and photo by Carolee McGrath

 

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne celebrated a Memorial Day Mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery on Tinkham Road  in Springfield, Monday, May 25 at 10 a.m. The Mass was held inside the Most Holy Redeemer Mausoleum.

In his homily, Bishop Byrne referenced the words of President Abraham Lincoln, in his second inaugural address in 1865 when Lincoln said “With malice toward none; with charity for all.”

Memorial Day has been observed since the late 1800s, following the Civil War, to honor those who were killed while serving in the U.S. military.

“Honoring the fallen goes back to a time in our country when we were so divided. We were fighting for unity,” the bishop said. He added the faithful should continue to pray for unity, for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country, and for their families.

Bishop Byrne also reminded the congregation that May 25 is the memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church.

“It’s on this day we should turn to Our Lady and pray for all of the fallen and for our country,” he said. “We should pray that we have malice towards none, and charity for all.”

Cantor Robin Sheehan led the congregation in singing “America the Beautiful,” and “God Bless America.”

Dozens of Memorial Day Masses were held across the Diocese of Springfield, in both diocesan cemeteries and churches, to honor the fallen.