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.

Catholic Cemeteries of Halifax Contact

Christine Spears
Cemeteries Ministry Coordinator
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)