Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day – and I remember that my mother always called it that. It was established to honor those fallen in battle during our nation’s Civil War. However, today Memorial Day honors those who have died in the wars that have taken place since, including those who have died in Afghanistan and the Middle East. We owe these fallen heroes – and the families who mourn them – our gratitude for their sacrifice and our prayers for their eternal repose.

Yes, to recall to our memory those who have died in war means also to commit ourselves to the cause for which they died. To honor their memory, we too must also be resolved to serve our country, to safeguard its promise, to accept responsibility for its destiny – “that these dead shall not have died in vain.” This we do through assuming the responsibilities of good
citizenship, by voting responsibly and paying our taxes; we do through putting the common good ahead of private self interest and in “giving back” through volunteer service.
 
Freedom is not the ability to do as we please but to do as we ought. It means that we can and do assume responsibility for our actions, to do good and not to do evil. As Americans, we honor the sacrifice of those who died in the service of our nation and whose sacrifice has won for us the blessings of liberty. As Jesus tells us, blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.
 
May the souls of all the faithful departed, especially those fallen in the service of this great nation, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

A wonderful way to celebrate Memorial Day is through prayer. Masses at our parish will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. at Saint John Capistran Church and 10:00 a.m. at Saint Thomas More Church.
Both parish offices will be closed for Memorial Day.

MASS OF THANKSGIVING: Next Sunday, June 5th, Brother Seraphim Pio, CFR, a Franciscan Friar, with roots in our parish, will celebrate his 1st Mass of Thanksgiving during the 11:30 a.m. Mass at Saint Thomas More church.  We welcome Br. Seraphim and members of his Community for this joyful event. Please keep him in your prayers as he begins his priestly ministry.