Halifax Explosion 100th Anniversary

Remembering the Halifax Explosion

Next week Halifax commemorates the 100^th Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion on December 6. The Catholic community in Halifax in 1917 was among the many groups deeply affected by this great tragedy. In the Archdiocese we are honouring those lost in the Halifax Explosion and recalling the devastation of that day in a variety of ways.

To commemorate Explosion victims, especially Catholic victims, Archbishop Anthony Mancini will offer a Memorial Mass at 12:15pm at Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica. All are invited to this Mass of Remembrance for all who died and suffered on that day in 1917.
The diocesan website has a page dedicated to the 100^th Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion that highlights the impact of the explosion on the faithful at the time. The page which includes history, stories, and photographs was put together by our diocesan Archives Office and can be accessed by visiting www.halifaxyarmouth.org/explosion.
The Catholic Cemeteries of Halifax has published a book titled: Gone But Not Forgotten, as we way to remember and share the stories of some of the over 400 victims of the explosion buried in two of our cemeteries in Halifax: Holy Cross Cemetery on South Park St. and Mount Olivet on Mumford Rd. Copies of Gone But Not Forgotten can be purchased at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 1531 Grafton St., Halifax. The cost of each book is $25.00
Saint Patrick’s Parish, Halifax, is hosting an exhibit People in the Face of Disaster: Remembering the Halifax Explosion in the parish hall now until December 6, 2017 to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion. It will not be limited to the parish story, but will feature stories of people and organizations connected to the worst disaster in Canadian history. The exhibit will be opened daily 11:00am to 4:00pm and will be free to the public leading up to the anniversary day.

Catholic Cemeteries of Halifax Contact

Christine Spears
Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
(902) 429-9800 Ext. 308

Daniel MacDonald
Cemetery Services Coordinator
Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
(902) 429-9800 Ext. 319

Bradley VanDam
Manager, Catholic Cemeteries
Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
(902) 429-9800 Ext. 311
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Archdiocesan Funeral Guidelines

Archbishop Mancini in collaboration with the clergy, religious and lay faithful of our Church of IMG 2500 web Halifax-Yarmouth prepared the document on Catholic funerals in the Archdiocese of Halifax Yarmouth. The document is titled "Catholic Funerals: Theological and Pastoral Considerations".

The document touches on the frequent experience in our faith communities that funerals draw people with diverse connections to the Catholic faith or faith in general. Liturgical options, specifically the separation of the Funeral Rite (Order of Christian Funerals) and the celebration of the Eucharist, can facilitate a fuller involvement of mourners at Catholic funerals. As well new opportunities are presented to evangelize and catechized a Christian understanding of life, death and resurrection. For the faithful the opportunity to celebrate Eucharist at a memorial Mass within a short time of the funeral liturgy can be much more meaningful experience of communion.

This guidelines addresses issues like eulogies, use of Christian symbols at funerals, cremation, and the celebration of the funeral rite at funeral parlors as well as other points to assist parish personnel in the ministry to those who are grieving.

download: English (pdf) French (pdf)