Praying for the souls of deceased priests
More than 25 priests of the Archdiocese of San Francisco joined Archbishop Cordileone and retired Bishop Daniel Walsh, on Friday, Nov. 4, at Holy Cross Cemetery for the Mass for Deceased Priests. An annual tradition now in its 8th year, the Mass is celebrated the first Friday of November to pray for the souls of the priests who dedicated their lives to the service of the Church.
The Mass takes place in All Saints Mausoleum Chapel where the Archbishops of the Archdiocese, including Archbishop Alemany, are interred. Following the liturgy, the priests process singing litanies to the section of the cemetery where priests are buried. There, the Archbishop and priests bless the graves and conclude with the Salve Regina.
In this month of All Souls, let us remember all those who have shaped our lives, including the priests who have gone before us.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Photos by Dennis Callahan.