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Bishop Rededicates Cemetery Buildings

Diocese of Rochester

"We are really gathered for a spiritual and deep religious experience."

The words of Bishop Salvatore Matano of the Diocese of Rochester Wednesay morning. He blessed and rededicated the gatehouses at the east entrance to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

"These are no ordinary buildings. These are holy buildings, and this is sacred ground."

The gatehouses were used at the turn of last century by people taking the electric trolley to the lake. The buildings are again available for use for post-funeral gatherings, retreats and by non-profit organizations.

"This place, these buildings, help us reach beyond the limitations of our earthly life, to answer the deepest yearnings of the human spirit."

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks offered her support for their new uses.

"We have amazing infrastructure, and whenever we can repurpose, for a modern use, whenever we can repurpose, to remind people of our roots and our heritage, and where we came from as a community, that really is a cause to celebrate."

They go back to the days of the Most Reverend Bernard J. McQuaid, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Rochester.

"Now it becomes a connecting point for people from all over the community: For families, for friends, all the people who will celebrate different occasions here in these new spaces," said Brooks.

Credit Caitlin Madison/WXXI

Bishop Matano focused on the new use of the buildings for post-funeral gatherings.

"Today we pray that these renovated towers of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery may offer comfort to those who come here in faith to return to the Lord their loved ones, and to see God's merciful consolation."

Renovation of the buildings took about a year to complete.