Faith fact: Graveyard shift

Friday  |  May 24, 2013  |  08:00 AM

As Catholics, we understand death as a passage leading, ultimately, to resurrection and eternal union with God. The preface from the Catholic Burial Rite reminds us, “Life is changed, not ended.” In keeping with Catholic belief in the resurrection of the body, burying the dead is a corporal work of mercy. In days of yore, cemeteries often were situated alongside churches, and in the United States visiting graves was a predominant part of the Memorial Day weekend. Families, in fact, even held picnics at cemeteries; and the holiday was also known as Decoration Day because people brought wreaths, bouquets and other adornments to the graves of loved ones.

This article comes to you from Grace In Action (Our Sunday Visitor) courtesy of your parish or diocese.