As a parish community, we prepare once again to gather in prayer at the resting places of our loved ones. The annual Blessing of the Graves is a deeply significant tradition in our faith — an act of love, remembrance, and hope.
The Church teaches us that praying for the dead is one of the spiritual works of mercy. It flows from our belief in the Resurrection and our hope that, through God’s mercy, those who have died may come to share fully in the joy of heaven. By offering Masses, prayers, and blessings, we assist the souls of the faithful departed, helping to purify them and hasten their entry into eternal life with God. This is a profound act of charity, reminding us that death does not break the bonds of love and prayer that unite the Church on earth with the Church in heaven.
It is also a vital opportunity to teach the younger generations about the sacredness of remembering the dead. Bringing children and young people to the blessings helps them to understand the importance of prayer, respect for the past, and the Christian hope of eternal life. These quiet acts of faith will shape their own journey of belief and help to keep our traditions alive.
This year, we especially remember those who have died in the past twelve months. Their passing is still very fresh in the hearts of many families, and we unite in prayer with all who mourn. May these blessings be a moment of comfort, and a reminder that our loved ones live on in Christ.
We encourage those attending the cemetery blessings to bring their own Holy Water. It is a beautiful tradition to sprinkle the graves of family and friends during the prayers, asking God to bless the place where their bodies rest in the hope of resurrection.
The schedule for the 2025 Blessings of the Graves is as follows:
- Dysart Cemetery – Saturday, 3rd May, after 6.15pm Mass in St. Borchill’s Church.
- Salterstown Cemetery – Sunday, 1st June at 7.00pm (Mass in St. Finian’s at 11.30am).
- Port Cemetery – Monday, 2nd June, after 7.00pm Mass in St. Colmcille’s Church.
- Clonmore Cemetery – Sunday, 8th June (Mass in St. Colmcille’s at 10.00am).
- Dunany Cemetery – Sunday, 29th June at 7.00pm (Mass in St. Colmcille’s at 10.00am).
- Drumcar Cemetery – Sunday, 27th July at 7.00pm (Inter-Church Ceremony; Mass in St. Finian’s at 11.30am).
We ask you to spread the word among family members, neighbours, and friends — especially those who may now live away from the parish — so that together, we may honour our dead and renew our trust in the Risen Christ.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… they will rest from their labours, for their deeds follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)
Togher Parish 