Exploring The Old Catholic Cemetery: A Guide

how to get to old catholic cemetery

There are several Catholic cemeteries across the United States, each with its own unique history and character. One of the most well-known is St. Mary's Catholic Church Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia, which is the oldest Catholic cemetery in the state, dating back to 1795. With over 5,100 interments, it is a serene and sacred place that has become a testament to the passage of time. Another notable Catholic cemetery is Manhattan's only Catholic cemetery, located at St. Patrick's Basilica in New York City. This cemetery, with its catacombs and surrounding headstones, dates back to the early 1800s. Additionally, in Galveston, Texas, there is the Old Catholic Cemetery, which is part of a group of seven cemeteries in the area. Each of these Catholic cemeteries offers a glimpse into the past and serves as a peaceful resting place for those who have passed on.

Characteristics Values
Location Manhattan, New York, New York
Cemetery Name St. Patrick's Basilica
Contact Person Frank Alfieri, Director of Cemetery and Columbaria
Contact Number 212.226.8075 Ext. 1008
Email frank [at] oldcathedral.org
Address 1000 S. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Nearby Streets Broadway St., 40th St., Avenue L, 43rd St., 41st St., Trinity Episcopal Cemetery, Avenue K, New City Cemetery

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Manhattan's St. Patrick's Basilica Catholic Cemetery

The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral was established in 1801 as a cemetery for St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, the first Catholic church in New York. In 1809, construction began on the cathedral, which was completed in 1815. Designed by Joseph-François Mangin in the Gothic Revival style, it served as the first Catholic Cathedral of the Archdiocese of New York until the current St. Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan opened in 1879.

The cemetery and its underground catacombs have served as the final resting place for influential figures in New York and American history, including bishops, noteworthy New Yorkers, and two saints-in-the-making: Venerable Pierre Toussaint and Father Isaac Heckler. The catacombs consist of 35 family crypts and five clerical burial vaults, while the adjacent cemetery has 355 family plots.

The basilica offers candlelit catacombs tours, providing a glimpse into the church's history and notable tenants. These tours help generate funds for the upkeep of the historic outdoor cemetery, where 200-year-old gravestones are slowly deteriorating. Visitors are expected to dress respectfully when visiting this sacred site.

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Galveston, Texas' Old Catholic Cemetery

The Old Catholic Cemetery in Galveston, Texas, is one of seven cemeteries located on Broadway Street between 40th and 43rd Streets. The other cemeteries in this group are Old City, Oleander, Evergreen, Hebrew Benevolent, New City (or Yellow Fever Yard), and Trinity Episcopal. The boundaries of the Old Catholic Cemetery are a chain-link fence at 41st Street, separating it from Trinity Episcopal Cemetery, an iron fence at Avenue L, and a chain-link fence at New City Cemetery on Avenue K.

To get to the Old Catholic Cemetery in Galveston, Texas, you can drive or take public transportation to Broadway Street between 40th and 43rd Streets. From there, you can walk to the cemetery complex, which is easily identifiable by its group of seven cemeteries. The Old Catholic Cemetery is separated from Trinity Episcopal Cemetery by a chain-link fence on 41st Street. It is also bounded by Avenue L and Avenue K, with an iron fence and a chain-link fence, respectively.

If you are using a GPS device or online mapping service, you can enter the intersection of Broadway Street and 40th Street as your destination. This will bring you to the general area of the cemetery complex. Once you arrive, look for the chain-link fence on 41st Street or the iron fence on Avenue L to locate the specific boundaries of the Old Catholic Cemetery.

Alternatively, you can use a cemetery mapping service or website that provides specific GPS coordinates for the Old Catholic Cemetery. This will allow you to get turn-by-turn directions directly to the cemetery. Some websites also provide volunteer opportunities and allow users to upload and share photos of the cemetery and individual memorials.

The Old Catholic Cemetery in Galveston, Texas, is maintained by the city, ensuring that it is properly cared for and accessible to visitors. This historic cemetery, along with the other six cemeteries in the complex, offers a glimpse into the area's past and serves as a resting place for those who have passed away.

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Virginia's St. Mary's Catholic Church Cemetery

Saint Mary's Catholic Church Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia, is the oldest Catholic cemetery in the state, dating back to 1795. It is located at 1000 or 1001 South Royal Street, across from the Freedmen's Cemetery Memorial, and occupies an oblong plot between Royal and Washington Streets. The entrance on South Washington Street is unmarked, featuring only the date of the cemetery's founding, 1795.

The cemetery is associated with the Basilica of Saint Mary, a historic Catholic parish that has served the community since the early days of the United States. The parish offers a wide range of services and educational opportunities within the Catholic tradition. Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery is still an 'active' cemetery and is well-maintained, with the sacred remains of many souls under the perpetual care of the parish priests and staff.

You can find directions to Saint Mary's Catholic Church Cemetery using online tools such as MapQuest. The cemetery is situated slightly south of Old Town Alexandria, and its rich history, beautiful architecture, and diverse ministries provide a welcoming environment for individuals looking to explore and engage with their faith.

The cemetery has a strict set of policies in place to preserve its character and landscape qualities, ensuring a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. These policies are enforced by the pastor of the associated church, who has authority over the cemetery, and the Cemeterian, who has full authority for enforcement with respect to the public and various personnel.

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Chicago's Calvary Catholic Cemetery

Calvary Catholic Cemetery holds a significant place in the history of Chicago, particularly for the Irish Catholic community. It is the final resting place of thousands of Irish immigrants, as well as notable figures such as mayors, governors, and public figures. The cemetery features costly monuments, vaults, and mausoleums that honour some of Chicago's most respected Catholic citizens. These include a monument dedicated to Colonel James A. Mulligan, an Irish soldier who bravely lost his life in the Civil War, and other memorials for prominent individuals like William M. Devine, Charles J. O'Neill, and Thomas Lynch, among others.

The cemetery can be easily accessed via the main entrance on Chicago Avenue, also known as Clark Street in Evanston. It is located near the adjoining village of South Evanston and has a rear entrance on Sheridan Road, with a wide road connecting the two gates. The office of the cemetery is now located on the grounds, providing assistance and information to visitors.

With over 45 cemetery locations across Chicagoland, the Catholic Cemeteries of Chicago offer a range of interment choices and affordable prepayment options to meet the diverse needs of families. The peaceful and majestic landscapes of these cemeteries provide a place of reflection and remembrance, honouring the legacy of generations.

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Philadelphia's Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery

Holy Cross Cemetery is one of the main Roman Catholic cemeteries in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Established in 1890, the cemetery grounds span approximately 225 acres and serve as the final resting place for many Catholic residents of Philadelphia. The cemetery is located in Yeadon, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. It is closed on Sundays.

The cemetery is gated and strictly adheres to its opening hours. The cemetery office is located at the Bailey Road entrance, while the buildings on the MacDade Blvd side are for maintenance only. Holy Cross Cemetery is owned by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia and was operated by the Archdiocese until 2014 when it turned over the care of its 13 cemeteries to StoneMor Inc.

Holy Cross Cemetery offers a tranquil and respectful environment for families to honour their loved ones. They provide services such as burial planning and pre-planning options to help manage end-of-life arrangements thoughtfully. The Pre-need Counseling Service of the Catholic Cemeteries Office assists individuals in making prudent decisions without pressure. All lots and crypts must be paid in full before burial or entombment.

Cremation is acceptable, although the Catholic Church prefers the burial of the body. When cremation is chosen, the burial of ashes in a suitable container is required and may be buried in an existing family plot or in graves and niches. Only temporary displays, such as fresh flowers, artificial flowers, and potted plants, may be placed next to a monument or marker.

Holy Cross Cemetery was one of the busiest cemeteries in the Philadelphia region during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918, requiring the employment of over 100 seminarians to bury the dead.

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Frequently asked questions

The Old Catholic Cemetery is located between Broadway St./40th St./Avenue L/43rd St. The boundaries are a chain-link fence at 41st St. and an iron fence at Avenue L.

St. Mary's Catholic Church Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia, is the oldest Catholic cemetery in the state, with its history dating back to 1795.

Yes, there are several Catholic cemeteries in the Philadelphia Archdiocese. These include Holy Cross Cemetery, All Saints Cemetery, and Cathedral Cemetery, among others.

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