Retired U.S. Army Col. Rebecca Tomsyck and U.S. Coast Guard Ensign Claire Portigue bring up the offertory gifts during the Memorial Day Mass May 29 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.CHARLOTTE — More than 100 people attended the Diocese of Charlotte’s annual Memorial Day Mass May 29 at St. Patrick Cathedral.
Father Christopher Roux, rector of the cathedral, noted that praying for the dead is an important obligation for Catholics – especially so on Memorial Day.
“We celebrate this day in honor of those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy,” he said.
He encouraged people “to pray for the happy repose of their souls,” as well as to pray for those who criticize the United States and reject American values.
“We must witness the love of country,” he said, and teach young people about the importance of the freedoms that this country stands for.
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle
READ MORE: Why do we pray for the dead?
The Mass at the cathedral is held each year to honor all military personnel whether active, retired or deceased. Photos of servicemen and women who served or were killed in the line of duty were put on display at the cathedral.