BRIDGETON – The community of Holy Cross Parish came together May 26 at Saint Mary’s Cemetery to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military – both during war and peacetime.
“As we reflect on what we’re celebrating this Memorial Day, two verses of Scripture come to mind: ‘There’s no greater love one has than to lay down his life for a friend’ … and also, we hear from Jesus, ‘I’ve come not to be served but to serve and to give my life as a ransom for many,’” preached Father Dennis Weber, SdC, from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Father Weber joined his brother, Father Matthew Weber, Holy Cross pastor, and Deacon Bill Johnson for the liturgy, which also honored current and past members of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1578.
After Mass, Father Matthew Weber invited all to join him along the cemetery’s wall that faces Penn Street. Just weeks ago, the wall was covered in gang graffiti. Now, thanks to collaboration between Holy Cross Parish and the City of Bridgeton, the wall is covered in words of peace, love and faith in English and Spanish.
“It was a dishonor to our beloved deceased buried here at this holy ground and to the people of this neighborhood who had to view it every day. Now, it’s been transformed from a dark space to an uplifting place,” he said as he prepared to bless the wall with holy water.
He said he was grateful for all of the community members who made the new wall possible, including local artist Angela Harris – who helped create the final design of a cross on a hill with sunshine; Esaul Martin, coordinator of the city’s Southeast Gateway Neighborhood Revitalization; and Sherwin-Williams and Brush Masters Painting Contractors, both of Vineland.
“We thank these people and organizations and ask God’s blessing upon them,” he said.
The wall was painted maroon – Bridgeton High School’s color.
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