CATHOLIC CEMETERIES AND MORTUARIES TO HOST THREE DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATIONS THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 
October 21, 2024  |  By:   |  Press Releases  |  

Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will host three Día de Los Muertos celebrations, beginning with the 10th annual celebration at Calvary Cemetery & Mortuary in East Los Angeles on Saturday, October 26, followed by celebrations on Saturday, November 2, at San Fernando Mission Cemetery now in its third year & Mission Hills Mortuary in Mission Hills and Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard now in its seventh year. The events will offer a unique opportunity for families to enjoy a Catholic tradition that unites faith, prayer and cultural heritage to honor the faithful departed. All celebrations will include Holy Mass and a “fiesta” with a wide choice of food and vendors, traditional altars, art exhibits, folkloric dancers, live music and activities for children. Patrons and the public are encouraged to contribute to a community altar with a picture of a deceased loved one.

“As November approaches, known in the Catholic Church as the Month of Remembrance, it is a time for us to come together to honor our loved ones who have passed away,” said Brian McMahon, Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries’ director of Community Outreach. “This time serves as a reminder of the spiritual connection with our faithful departed through prayer and celebration of life. Our collaboration with religious leaders, local artists, and community organizations helps make these celebrations possible. In commemorating Día de los Muertos, we aim to bring different communities together while highlighting the beauty and significance of this day.”

The celebrations will be preceded by a Catechetical Day at Calvary Cemetery on Thursday, October 24, where nearly 200 students from nine Catholic schools will learn about the significance of Día de los Muertos, a celebration of All Souls Day, and will participate in altar building, sugar skull and photo frame decoration, making marigold tissue flowers, and face painting.

2024 Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries Dia de los Muertos Celebrations:

  • October 26, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Calvary Cemetery in East L.A., 4201 Whittier Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90023.
    • Mass at 12 p.m. presided by Msgr. John Moretta, pastor of Resurrection Parish in Boyle Heights, followed by a procession and blessing of altars.
  • November 2, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard, 2370 North H St. 93036.
    • All Souls Day/Dia de los Muertos Mass presided by Archbishop José H. Gomez, followed by a procession featuring the pilgrim images of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego and blessing of altars. The liturgy will be livestreamed on https://catholiccm.org/diadelosmuertos.
  • November 2, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., San Fernando Mission Cemetery, 11160 Stranwood Ave., Mission Hills, CA 91345.
    • All Souls Day/Dia de los Muertos Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Matthew Elshoff for the Our Lady of the Angels Pastoral Region, followed by a procession and blessing of altars.

Food samples and refreshments will be provided by Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries. Event sponsors include, Vallarta Supermarkets, Clark & Green Associates, Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Office of Religious Education, Parishioners Federal Credit Union, Forneris Farms, and Batesville. For more information, visit catholiccm.org/diadelosmuertos, or call toll free at (844) 286-6041.

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