The tradition of celebrating Mass for the deceased near their graves dates back to the first few centuries of Christianity. The first martyrs of the persecutors in Rome, buried in underground catacombs outside the city wall, were honored with the celebration of the Mass, with the tombs of the dead serving as altars. It is fitting then, to offer Mass in a cemetery, connecting ourselves spiritually to those first Christians in Rome. St Mary continues this beautiful tradition with an annual mass at our cemetery on the fourth Sunday of June.