We Remember

Following opening remarks by Mr. Craig Paris, Prior Edward Seton Fittin,OSB lead those assembled in prayer and blessed the flags that were to be placed at the graves. Mr. James Gallombardo, '81 asked the students to take their places at the graves of the veterans. He then read the name of each monk-veteran and gave a brief summary of his service. As a flag was placed at the grave of the monk, three trumpeters from Delbarton played 'taps'. Following the placement of the flags there was a special blessing given to all current and past service members present at the event. The ceremony concluded with a final prayer for the deceased.
Students from Delbarton place flags at the graves

Following the alumni ceremony, the monastic community gathered in the cemetery to honor all the deceased monks of St. Mary's Abbey. Following a reading from sacred scripture, various monks read aloud the names of each deceased monk, some 170 names. Following the reading of the names, the monks sang the "Ultima", a Latin hymn to the Virgin asking for a happy death.