Catholic cemeteries serve as a perpetual reminder that death is just a part of the journey that leads to new life. Catholic cemeteries are sacred places that strive to create an environment conducive to prayerful visitation and are reminders of the promise of the resurrection of the spirit.
21 April 2024, New Mexico, Steven Zimmerman — I have always been attracted to cemeteries: their peace, sanctity, reverence, and conduciveness to prayer. For quite some time, my profession was working in a graveyard, then later in a funeral home.
Most importantly, Catholic cemeteries are reminders of the promise of the resurrection. We hear about this promise in the Gospel of John:
I am the resurrection and the life; whosoever believes in me will never die. – John 11:25-26
We know, as Catholics, that death is not the final destination. Death is a transition to the presence of God. The imagery in a cemetery reminds you of life with God, Jesus, and the Saints.
What I like most about cemeteries is the evangelism that occurs seemingly without anyone knowing. What evangelism, you might ask? The statutes and images you find on headstones or as headstones.
The Church formally confirmed using statues and other art as a means of veneration at the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 A.D. They clarified, approved, and encouraged honoring Our Lord, Our Lady, saints, and angels through the proper use of statues.
We may cross ourselves when we see a representation of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or other Saints. The Sign of the Cross is connected to our baptism, where the Lord claimed us as His own by marking us with the Sign of the Cross. When we sign ourselves, we affirm our loyalty to Him. We are calling Him to mind.
When we see a specific Saint, in my case, Saint Francis, we may recall events from their lives or stories our departed family has told us. We may even recall Gospel readings or parts of a homily we’ve heard.
For Catholics, the cemetery is a great way to remind us of our true home, God’s Kingdom, and that we must make it to Mass that coming Sunday.
For many others, a trip to a Catholic cemetery could lead one to the Gospel itself. That’s precisely what happened to me.
I was visiting a cemetery and saw a giant statue of Saint Frances as part of a headstone. Behind Saint Francis was a crumbling wall with what I later learned was the San Damiano Cross. I wanted to know about Saint, who animals surround.
I learned about Saint Francis, San Elizario, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Grace, Mercy, Salvation, and the Roman Catholic Church. I began speaking to priests, such as Bishop Mark Seitz and others. During all of this, I also covered faith-related subjects for the El Paso Herald-Post. I was learning everything I could.
As I said at the beginning of this article, Catholic cemeteries serve as a perpetual reminder that death is just a part of the journey that leads to new life. In my case, a Catholic cemetery led me to Saint Francis, San Elizario, and Jesus Christ. The evangelism of a cemetery led me to the RCIA and baptism.
Next time you visit a cemetery, pay attention to the Gospel messages all around you.
Click any image to enlarge it
All photos copyright 2013-2024 by Steven E Zimmerman. These photos are not for commercial use.
