Additional United States Flags await those arriving for Mass at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at Clearwater, Fla. on this warm and breezy Memorial Day, May 27, 2019. | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.
Mary Brady came from Holiday on this Memorial Day to visit and honor her husband’s grave with fresh flowers and an American Flag and attend Mass. John Brady served in the Armor Branch of the United States Army. | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.
In patriotic dress, this woman prays the rosary while sitting near the gravesites of some of the priests who have served the Diocese of St. Petersburg. | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.
“Not everyone is called to military service,” Father Charles Leke told those assembled for Mass on Memorial Day. “We honor the memory of those who have fallen by trying to live better lives. By trying to be better peace makers. Let us honor their memory by trying harder with the grace of God- to love more, to be less selfish. Let us try to give more importance to God and to others than we do to ourselves. Let us resolve each day to try to make life a little better for someone else. Let us make more time to pray or do small works of service for someone who is close to us.” | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.
“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,” Nelson Darnell proclaims from the First Reading (Wisdom 3:1-9) at Mass on Memorial Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.
Marylinda (Mimi) Antioco proclaims the Second Reading (Revelation 7:9-17), “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.
Deacon Joseph Zucchero makes the sign of the cross on his forehead, lips and heart as he prepares to proclaim the Gospel (John 15:9-13) at Mass on Memorial Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Clearwater, Fla. In that passage, Jesus reminds us, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.“ | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.
Principal Celebrant, Father Charles Leke, raises the chalice of Precious Blood after consecration at Mass on Memorial Day. | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.
Father Hugh Chikawa in prayer at Mass on Memorial Day. | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.
Msgr. David Toups distributes the Blessed Sacrament at Mass on Memorial Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Clearwater, Fla. | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.
In the shade of a stately oak tree, the faithful receive Communion from Father Viet Nguyen at Mass on Memorial Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Clearwater, Fla. | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.
Calvary Catholic Cemetery Chaplain, Father Charles Leke, distributes the Blessed Sacrament at Mass on Memorial Day. Father Leke will soon be leaving the chaplaincy at Calvary Catholic Cemetery to become Pastor at St. Patrick Catholic Church at Largo, Fla. | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.
Cross Bearer, Noah Saliado, leads the recessional at the conclusion of Mass on Memorial Day. | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.
John and Derek are two the groundskeepers at Calvary Catholic Cemetery who maintain the pristine grounds and prepare for special occasions such as Month’s Mind Masses, on the last Saturday of every month, the outdoor Masses on Memorial Day and All Souls’ Day and for burials and graveside services. | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.