One hundred and twenty-one years later, on the Holy Cross Plat, a large crucifix overlooks the final resting place of Bishop Duane G. Hunt, Bishop Joseph Lennox Federal, along with many priests and sisters. Near the crucifix that was suggested by Bishop Joseph S. Glass many years earlier, is an altar that
I was humbled and honored to attend the noon Mass celebration of All Souls’ Day in the Risen Savior Mausoleum. The Mass for All Souls Day or the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, was celebrated by Fr. Thuy Ha, Msgr. Colin Bircumshaw, Msgr. Terrance Fitzgerald, Msgr. Joseph Mayo and Deacon Lynn Johnson. The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City’s Office of Liturgy, organizes the two incredible Masses that are celebrated at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum ˑ 275 U Street ˑ Salt Lake City, UT 84103 ˑ Telephone: 801-355-2476 ˑ Website: http://www.mtcalvarycemeteryslc.org/ ˑ Director: John Curtice
The main entrance to the cemetery is on the corner of 4th Avenue at T Street in Salt Lake City. A green sign with white lettering can’t be missed and is supported by lovely rock-work. There is a curving drive that leads through the many graves and up to the mausoleum where today’s mass celebration is held. The mausoleum is a made of a multi-textural brick that is tan in color. A tall pillar, in the center wall, holds a large white cross. To the right of the wall is a slanted wall of glass panels that include double glass doors that lead into the mausoleum where the mass will be celebrated.
Once inside the double glass doors of the mausoleum, is a large room with glass panels on the opposite wall. The side walls have crypts with names, small wall vases, wonderful smelling flowers and a few have American flags. Folding chairs are divided into two sections with a center row. There is a make-shift altar table at the end dressed in white linens and adorned with two candles and a cross. There was a guitarist with a wonderful voice that provided the accompaniment to the mass. Fr. Ha lead the mass and a heartfelt homily was delivered by Deacon Lynn. After mass, all the celebrants greeted parishioners.
The Director of the Cemetery, John Curtice, graciously gave me a tour and enlightened me on the history of the cemetery. There is an incredible view of Salt Lake Valley from the hillside of the cemetery and the state capital building can be viewed off to the right. During the tour, I was able to view some of the incredible headstones, altars and benches where loved ones can pay tribute to their deceased family members. There is a garden just below the mausoleum, and a monument pays tribute to the innocent victims of abortion. Once a year, a multi-denominations candlelight vigil is held, and has been for many years since the Roe vs Wade decision.
A Gospel verse from ‘The Gentle Mastery of Christ’ is on the right side of the glass panels on the outside front wall: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 Just as we celebrate the sacrament of Baptism in a Church when we enter parish life, the burial rite celebrated in a Catholic cemetery completes that tradition. Although we may originate from different parts of the world, we are laid to rest and joined with others from same faith at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery.