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Cardinal Leo celebrates the annual cemetery Mass in 2023.
Photo courtesy Archdiocese of Toronto
August 11, 2025
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Photo courtesy St. Michael’s Choir School
Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Toronto is once again inviting families to participate in this year’s 38th Annual Mass for the Faithful Departed, taking place across seven resting places across the Greater Toronto Area and Barrie.
The outdoor Holy Masses in remembrance of the souls of the deceased buried throughout the archdiocese’s Catholic cemeteries will be run concurrently at 7 p.m. on Aug. 13.
Amy Profenna, the director of marketing and public relations at Catholic Cemeteries, says the annual Mass continues to be a special healing experience for those who attend with a deceased loved one on their mind.
“ The Mass is truly a unique, solemn experience. You have thousands of faithful gathering in the cemetery grounds, sacred places where their loved ones are laid to rest, and the Mass reminds us that we're part of the communion of saints, both those on Earth and those in Heaven,” she said.
“Having it at the cemetery plays a unique role in the resolution of grief as it allows families to come back to the resting place of their loved ones while being surrounded by others who share that faith and who understand that loss. It's an opportunity for prayer and reflection, but also healing, and that's rooted in the hope of the Resurrection.”
Catholic Cemeteries is expecting upwards of 10,000 to attend this year's solemn Masses, showing the meaningful ways in which the archdiocesan community continues its love for the departed.
Masses will feature a diverse selection of celebrants, including Cardinal Francis Leo, Archbishop of Toronto.
“We are honoured that His Eminence will celebrate Holy Mass this year, and I think having the Cardinal, the auxiliary bishops and monsignors will allow their presence to bring a special pastoral comfort to families. Their words speak to the heart of the Catholic teachings on life, death and eternal hope,” she said.
This year’s Masses will be held at and celebrated by:
In the event of poor weather, services will continue at designated rain spots within each cemetery.
Profenna said all are welcome to join this year's Annual Mass for the Faithful Departed.
“ To stand with hundreds of others who are also remembering their loved ones is a very powerful sense of unity and compassion. That’s what makes this event special. If your loved one was buried here decades ago or if it was a very recent loss, you are always welcome to attend. This is for all who wish to honour and pray for their faithful departed.”
For more, visit catholic-cemeteries.ca.
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