Catholic Cemeteries of Buffalo plan Christmas Masses

A tradition dating back to the 1980s, the celebration of special Christmas Masses will continue at four Catholic Cemeteries of Buffalo on Thursday, Dec. 26, at 5:30 p.m.

Masses will be celebrated at Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kenmore, with Msgr. Francis G. Weldgen presiding. He is a retired priest of the Diocese of Buffalo and member of the Catholic Cemeteries board. Msgr. Thomas J. Moran, pastor of St. Bernard Parish (Youngstown), will be the celebrant at All Saints Chapel Mausoleum in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Lewiston. Msgr. William Gallagher, retired priest of the diocese, will celebrate at Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum in Holy Cross Cemetery, Lackawanna. The Rev. Paul Bossi, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish (Buffalo), will celebrate at St. Francis of Assisi Chapel Mausoleum in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheektowaga.

"All are welcome to attend our Christmas Masses, which allow people to pause, remember and pray for their departed loved ones at this special time of year," said Carmen A. Colao, diocesan director of Catholic Cemeteries of Buffalo.