28 May 2018

Br. Irenaeus Dunlevy, O.P., on Memorial Day

"The upbeat greeting of 'Happy Memorial Day,' said with the same enthusiasm of Independence Day, has always seemed off to me. This somber national holiday honors the dead rather than focusing on a particular victory. Also known as Decoration Day, the holiday began in the wake of the Civil War. At that time, flowers began to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers from both sides of the war during the peak spring bloom - late April in the south and late May in the north. Placing a flower on a grave brings one face-to-face with death, sacrifice, and life after death. How does one have a Happy Memorial Day? It's akin to asking how one has a happy funeral.

"The question of how best to commemorate the dead is a question of religion. Without faith, Memorial Day consists solely in cookouts, trips, and parades that celebrate the freedom our nation enjoys. Sure, these activities celebrate the fruits of our servicemen and women's sacrifice, but it also turns Memorial Day into merely the start of summer, the day of dispensation to don white linen pants. . . .

"Our Catholic faith, particularly the Mass, helps us to celebrate Memorial Day as true patriots. For one, we pray for the dead. . . . In addition to praying for the dead, the Mass also brings time together. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Brother Irenaeus Dunlevy, O.P., reflected on the meaning of Memorial Day and on a good way for Catholics to observe this special day.

To access Br. Irenaeus' complete post, please visit:

Dominicana: Happy Memorial Day? (28 MAY 18)

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