Catholic Cemeteries of Halifax

100th yr Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion: remembering the victims

IN 2017 Halifax will recall a major event in its history as many people, organizations, and the city herself, commemorate the 100^th Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion. This tragic event changed the young city of Halifax and took the lives of hundreds of people. Many of the victims were buried in local Catholic cemeteries which still exist today: Mount Olivet on Mumford Rd. and Holy Cross on South Park St.

These cemeteries are managed by the Catholic Cemeteries of Halifax of the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth. Given the historical significance of these two cemeteries the Archdiocese wanted to commemorate the victims of the Explosion in a special way.

Yellow Markers

To increase the awareness of the grave sites of Explosion victims in the Mount Olivet and Holy Cross cemeteries, yellow, wooden dowels have been placed near the specific graves as identifiers. This simple yet significant initiative has been helpful for family members looking to find the final resting places of relatives who died in the Explosion. The yellow markers recently caught the attention of the Metro Halifax newspaper. You will find the story by clicking here.

New book: Gone but not Forgotten: Victims of the Halifax Explosion in Catholic Cemeteries

In honour of the 100^th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion, the Archdiocese has published a book titled: Gone But Not Forgotten: Victims of the Halifax Explosion in Catholic Cemeteries. The book aims to recognize and remember the hundreds of Catholic who perished in the Explosion. Shared within its pages are the names and stories of over 200 victims who were buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery and Holy Cross Cemetery. Copies of Gone But Not Forgotten sell for $25.00 and are available for purchase at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1531 Grafton St., Halifax.

Cemetery Mass

Each year there are annual Masses in our cemeteries to remember the faithful departed. This year the Mount Olivet Cemetery Mass will take place on Saturday, September 9, at 10:00am with Archbishop Mancini as the celebrant. All are welcome. Please bring a lawn chair! In the event of rain the Mass will take place at Saint Agnes Church, 6903 Mumford Rd., Halifax.

On December 6, Archbishop Mancini will also celebrate a Memorial Mass at 12:15pm at Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion.

Cremation Niches At Mount Olivet Cemetery

Since 1896, the peaceful grounds of Mount Olivet Roman Catholic Cemetery in the west end of Halifax have offered a quiet and gentle final resting place. To meet today's needs Columbaria with niches for the committal of cremated remains are now available, near the large crucifix seen from Mumford Road.

To purchase cremation niches for your family, contact the Catholic Cemeteries of Haliax Office (902) 429-9800 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..