CHARLOTTE — Memorial Day is an opportunity to pray for the souls of all the military men and women who have died serving our country, and for their families, said Bishop Peter Jugis.
During a Mass for the military offered May 30 at St. Patrick Cathedral, Bishop Jugis noted that "the observance taking place here in this church is slightly different from the observance taking place beyond the walls of this church, in secular society."
"At this Mass we not only remember our war dead," he said. "We gather together to pray for our deceased family members, friends and relatives who have given their lives in war – praying for their salvation and the eternal repose of their souls.
"May the graces of this Holy Mass benefit them and help them to be prepared for entrance into heavenly glory."
053016-military-mass-2Bishop Jugis begins the Liturgy of the Eucharist during the May 30 Mass for the military.It is important to pray for our deceased family and friends, Bishop Jugis said. "Death does not sever the relationship that we have with them. Our prayers are still effective signs of our love and affection for them."
We should also pray for veterans and for those still serving in the military today, he said, especially those serving in dangerous assignments. May "God protect them and shield them from all evil and all harm."
Veterans still carry the physical and emotional scars of their military service, he noted, so "we pray that God may be their close and constant companion, to heal them, strengthen them and bring them peace."
Bishop Jugis also encouraged those in attendance to pray for justice and lasting peace, through their own conversion of heart.
"Peace has to begin in the heart of every human being," he said, "and that peace happens only by dedicating our life to a right relationship with God."
That means loving God, obeying His commandments, confessing our sins and asking for forgiveness as Jesus taught us, he explained.
053016-military-mass-3Retired Army Col. Rebecca Tomsyck greets Bishop Peter Jugis after the Mass for the military offered May 30 at St. Patrick Cathedral. Tomsyck served 10 years in Europe and the Middle East."Wars, conflicts and disorder (in the world) are all the result of war, conflict and disorder and sin in the human heart," he said, adding, "We all know the slogan, 'Know Jesus, know peace; no Jesus, no peace.'"
"As we offer this sacrifice of salvation of the Holy Mass," he concluded, "we ask the Lord to bless our veterans, we ask the Lord to bless those who are currently serving, and we ask Him especially to bless those who have died while serving in the military, and for their families.
"Jesus heals, Jesus saves."
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor