Blessing of Graves Nov. 2 in Culver

The community is invited to honor community members buried at Culver's Masonic cemetery as part of an observation of All Souls Day, specifically, and "Hallowtide" generally (All Hallow's Evening, or Halloween, Oct. 31; All Saints Day, Nov. 1; and All Souls Day, Nov. 2) on Saturday, Nov. 2, beginning with a candlelight procession starting at approximately 5:30 p.m. at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 124 College Ave., to the cemetery on South Main Street.

The procession is expected to take around 30 minutes on foot and arrive at the cemetery at 6 p.m., where the blessing of graves and prayers will be led by St. Mary's pastor Father. Stephen Felicichia. Participants are also welcome to drive to the cemetery for the 6 p.m. ceremony rather than walk there as part of the procession.

After the blessing, hayrides back to the church will be offered to anyone wishing to take them. A free chili cook-off, with a prize, will take place starting around 6:30 in the parish hall, with food and fellowship available to all.

All Saints Day dates to the early centuries of Christianity when Christian martyrs were honored, with a special day to remember those designated as saints dating to the 9th century. All Saints, or All Hallows Day, was followed by a day designated to pray for all of the souls of the departed starting in the 10th century, known as All Souls Day. The popular Halloween holiday derives its name from being the evening before All Hallows, or All Saints Day, on Oct. 31. Together, these three days were known historically by Christians as Hallowtide.

Those with questions may direct them to St. Mary's parish office at 574-842-3667 or damage@stmaryculver.org.