November 25, 2023
“Christ, consoler of those who mourn, you dried the tears of the widowed mother by raising her son to life; comfort those who mourn for their dead.”
– Universal Prayer
On All Souls Day, six sisters from the Missionaries of Charity in Bridgeport went to Mass at ‘Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Trumbull’ to accompany a man they had met in the supermarket whose wife had died. It was a spiritual work of mercy, and the sisters who belong to the order that St. Teresa of Calcutta founded, are known for their works of mercy, especially for those who are sick and dying and suffering.
Sister Fabiana said, “It’s very important to support each other and be together especially today.”
Some 300 people joined them in praying for their deceased loved ones.
Linda Marini of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Trumbull said, “I am here to acknowledge all the faithful departed in my family and around the world.”
Enza Lombardi of Notre Dame Parish in Easton, said she comes to the Mass every year to pray for the faithful departed and for her family members, especially her husband Ralph, who passed away almost four years ago.
Mary Wolpiuk, whose in-laws are buried at Gate of Heaven, said, “I feel like I have a ministry praying for the dead, and I have a long list of those who died from illicit drugs or suicide that I pray for.”
Patricia Hayes, a former teacher at St. Joseph High School and parishioner at St. Catherine of Siena, came to the Mass with her sister Christine Zarrilli of St. Cecilia in Stamford. “We love this Mass,” Patricia said. “It’s very comforting, and we try to come every year because our parents are buried here.”
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