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August 1, 2026
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Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Toronto will celebrate the 39th Annual Mass for the Faithful Departed this August, with seven resting places across the Greater Toronto Area and Barrie scheduled to welcome families for services on Aug. 12.
Concurrent Holy Masses in remembrance of the souls of the deceased buried across the archdiocese’s Catholic cemeteries will begin at 7 p.m., each led by a different celebrant, including Cardinal Francis Leo, Archbishop of Toronto.
Amy Profenna, the director of marketing and public relations at Catholic Cemeteries, predicts the annual commemoration will welcome approximately 8,000 people across the seven locations this year.
“The Annual Mass for the Faithful Departed has become one of the archdiocese's most meaningful traditions, drawing families from every corner of the Greater Toronto Area and Barrie, and the attendance speaks not only to the size of the event, but to the importance of remembering and praying for our loved ones,” she told The Catholic Register.
“For many families, this Mass has become a cherished tradition. Some have attended for decades, while others are coming for the first time after experiencing a recent loss. What brings everyone together is a shared faith and the hope we have in Christ's promise of eternal life.”
Catholic Cemeteries is honoured to welcome Leo along with the archdiocese’s auxiliary bishops, monsignors and priests who will celebrate this year's Masses, noting their presence “reflects the Church's ongoing pastoral care for families who are grieving and reminds us that no one walks this journey alone.”
As attendees gather in prayer at each Mass, homilies will focus on bringing the Church's message of hope to life and reminding the faithful that, through Christ's Resurrection, death is not the end but the promise of eternal life.
“Hearing those words proclaimed in the very place where a family’s loved ones rest is deeply meaningful and offers both comfort and renewed faith,” Profenna said.
While the offering of renewed faith has become a main takeaway for many attendees of the service over the years, Profenna also spoke to the day’s sense of universal hope and shared connection in the face of loss that Catholic Cemeteries hope to facilitate once again this year.
“While the Mass is rooted in the Catholic faith, grief is a universal human experience, and the loss of someone we love touches every family, regardless of background. Many people who attend tell us that simply being surrounded by others who understand that loss brings a sense of comfort and peace,” she said.
“Even for someone who is grieving deeply, the experience of gathering in prayer with thousands of others can be profoundly healing, reassuring families that they are not alone and that their loved ones continue to be remembered in prayer.”
This year’s Masses will be held at and celebrated by:
In the event of poor weather, services will continue at designated rain spots within each cemetery or at nearby parishes.
Profenna reminds the faithful that all are welcome to participate in this year’s commemorations, inviting them to continue unifying in solidarity with one another.
“These Masses remind us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. We come together as one Church to pray for the faithful departed, support one another and celebrate the promise of the Resurrection. Seeing families, friends and parish communities united in prayer across all of our cemetery locations is a beautiful witness to our Catholic faith and to the enduring bonds of love that continue even after death,” she said.
Visit catholic-cemeteries.ca.
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