Catholic cemeteries adjust All Souls Day observance due to coronavirus concerns

Praying for the deceased during Mass on All Souls Day is a Catholic tradition, but that tradition has been placed on hold because of the coronavirus.

News 12 Staff

Nov 3, 2020, 12:00 AM

Updated 1,414 days ago

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Catholic cemeteries made changes to this year's feast of All Souls Day when Catholics remember and pray for the dead.
Praying for the deceased during Mass on All Souls Day is a Catholic tradition, but that tradition has been placed on hold because of the coronavirus.
Normally on All Souls Day, Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury would be filled with more than 200 people attending Mass in memory of their loved ones who had passed this year.
Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island, which oversees three large burial grounds, including Holy Rood, canceled All Souls Day services over concerns of trying to maintain social distancing.
Some residents say they're disappointed while others say they understand.
"For safety purposes, yes I think it is a safe thing to do," said Mario from Floral Park.
Instead, Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island is holding services on select Saturdays during November and December at its three cemetery locations.
"Keep them in your heart and keep going," said Mario.
Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island say it will also have a modified schedule during Christmas season.