Memorial Mass Draws 2,500 faithful to the National Shrine

Approximately 2,500 Catholics gathered in the Great Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Pentecost Sunday for a special noon Mass to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, particularly those who paid the ultimate price for American liberty. 

The 22nd Annual Memorial Mass of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, which was attended by service members from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces including some of the nation’s highest ranking senior officers, opened with a posting of the colors and the singing of the National Anthem.

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio was the principal celebrant and homilist. In the pulpit, Archbishop Broglio prayerfully remembered all U.S. veterans, service members, military chaplains and their families, particularly the infirm and faithful departed.

“We remember those who have died since our last archdiocesan celebration… our prayer extends to all of those who have fallen in combat, as a result of illness or old age, as well as, an earnest uplifting to a loving Father of those who still bear the effects of war in their bodies or minds," the archbishop said in his homily.

“This gesture of communion also includes an earnest petition for those who mourn the loss of loved ones young and old. The divine love that enflames our hearts reaches out to those who experience the emptiness of those whose presence is no longer the same and to those who care for our dear Veterans.”

The Memorial Mass concluded with the sounding of Taps.

EWTN will televise the Memorial Mass in its entirety across North America on Memorial Day—Monday, May 30, 2016—at noon and again 12 hours later at midnight (EDST).