By Erin Scherer
Outreach Coordinator
Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services of Colorado (CFCS)
My name is Fr. Maximilian Kolbe. I am a Franciscan Friar and priest from Poland…I am known as the Saint of Auschwitz or the Martyr of Charity. Of course, what happened to me is not what is important tonight…. Today, just like in my day, you are called upon to lift things up to the Lord, and tonight, you have the opportunity to do so with the help of the Virgin Mary. Gabriel Negri, Associate Funeral Director, acting as St. Maximilian Kolbe
Actors dressed as saints along the path at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery reenacted lives of faith and courage, inviting visitors to contemplate their lives and redirect their focus to a renewed hope in the resurrection.
The annual Night at the Cemetery for middle and high school students and Brew Night at the Cemetery for adults over 21 took place over the past two weeks. Guests toured the cemetery and were greeted by saints along the way, culminating in a beautiful candlelight Mass at Gallagher Chapel.
Among the saints was St. Maximilian Kolbe, brought to life anew by Gabriel Negri, an associate funeral director at Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services of Colorado (CFCS). As St. Maximilian Kolbe believed the best way to Jesus was through total devotion to Mary, Negri handed out a Marian consecration card while warning guests, “Please do not take these words lightly nor pray them without the intent of doing what they say because tonight, what is important, is what will become of you.”
The event aimed to bring youth groups to a sacred space and break through the world’s callousness so they could come to know and understand the power of the saints, explained Gary Schaff, CFCS’ executive director. Over the years, the event was opened to adults as well. Now, everyone can experience the beauty of the cemetery, learn about its rich history, starting with Denver’s first bishop, Joseph Machebeuf, and other noteworthy people buried at Mt. Olivet, and understand CFCS’ mission to “Fill the void of loss with faith” in a unique and tangible way.
“When we lose somebody, it can be so devastating,” said Luna Novoa-Otero, an associate funeral director at CFCS and St. Mary Magdalene actress, reflecting on a personal loss. “I think having God and the Word of God really helped me get through that situation. Seeing it portrayed in different ways, through different saints, different stops, the way that we talk about our cemetery… I think it just brings people this sense of relief in knowing that the word of God can help you through any situation, any walk of life, at any point.”
Sarah Schumacher, CFCS business manager who embodied St. Monica, echoed this sentiment as she tied the mission into her reflection about her saint’s son, St. Augustine.
“Because my son was able to fill the void of losing me with faith in God, he was able to celebrate my life and have hope in the resurrection and salvation of my soul,” she said to those gathered, encouraging them to turn to St. Monica as a friendly intercessor. “So, I’d encourage all of you, if you’re struggling with…any sort of loss in your life, look to God and your faith because, with God, there’s great solace and comfort because he is endless love and endless mercy.”
The more than 450 guests in attendance were impacted by the witness of heavenly friends and the prayerful atmosphere, finding encouragement in their faith.
“Being here at the cemetery is a reminder that this world isn’t our home and we’re on a journey to somewhere else, and it just gave some good inspiration for the journey along the way,” said Katie Purple, one of the event’s attendees.
For 10-year-old Marie Monroe, the experience at the annual Night at the Cemetery event was an exciting one. “I really liked how they had actors, and there are so many cool people buried here! And I really liked knowing more about the saints. I think it was great!” she said.
This year, attendees were introduced not only to canonized saints, but also to virtuous, faith-filled new friends. In this way, the Night at the Cemetery and Brew Night at the Cemetery events aimed to show the power of a life well lived in service to God and neighbor.
Among those witnesses were Servant of God Emil Kapaun and local Catholic Freddie Joe Steinmark, a faithful Catholic football player from Wheat Ridge who courageously battled cancer and whose story inspired the My All-American movie.
“He’s a saint with a little s, not a big S. [We] recognize other people in the cemetery that practiced their faith, and maybe they’re not necessarily a recognized saint in the Church yet, but they lived a holy life of sacrifice,” said Jennie Marquez, CFCS’ operations director, speaking of Steinmark.
At the end of the tour, luminaries lit the path toward Gallagher Chapel for a candlelight Mass. Different priests invited attendees to refocus their gaze on Christ and take inspiration from the lives of the saints, many of whom led them to the chapel that evening.
“The Mass was outstanding. It was so pretty—just at night like that. Just absolutely beautiful,” expressed Charlene Mize.
“The saints’ stories were very inspiring. The Mass was beautiful! And it was just a wonderful night to be out here and to contemplate that we’re all going to die someday and to have that hope that we get to go to Heaven and to see our loved ones in the resurrection,” shared Erin Monroe.
Joan Birmingham, a funeral director at CFCS who acted as St. Joseph of Arimathea, was struck by the connection between the saint and her vocation walking with families in their time of great need.
“Much like the cemetery workers here, we come along at a pivotal time in the lives of families, and we protect and secure their loved ones. We honor them, and then we’re gone, and that’s okay. We do it for the love of Christ. I loved Jesus so much, and there is no fear in love,” she said.
For more information on the Night at the Cemetery and Brew Night at the Cemetery events, visit www.cfcscolorado.org.
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