Weekend Wisdom - May 25th, 2025

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Did you know that Memorial Day was initially called Decoration Day? This holiday originated in 1868, several years after the Civil War, to honor those who died. Today, we remember and honor those who have died in service in the U.S. military. As you walk through or pass by a cemetery, take a moment to say a prayer for all the faithful departed.

Did you know that most the main altars in Catholic churches around the world contain a relic of a saint? (the relic is typically a bone fragment, hair, or dried blood of a saint). This practice comes from an ancient tradition dating back to the earliest days of the Church.

Practicing the Christian faith was illegal throughout the Roman Empire until Emperor Constantine made it legal in 313. Before then, the faithful would often meet in underground catacombs to escape harsh persecution. Mass was celebrated on stone slabs covering the tombs of martyrs to show proper reverence for the ultimate sacrifice they made for Christ.

This past March, I did some research to find out more about the altar at St. Mary Parish. I learned several interesting facts! First, the altar, ambo, and tabernacle stand are made of birch wood, since many birch trees were on the property for the new church. Second, the top of the altar is a solid piece of white marble from the original altar at St. Mary’s in downtown De Pere.

Third, the relic under the altar came from the 4th Pope, who was ordained St. Peter! St. Clement I, like the three popes before him, was martyred. There is now a marker underneath the altar noting when it was consecrated.

You may wonder why the altar is reverenced with a kiss at the beginning and end of Mass. This shows reverence for the altar which is a symbol of Jesus Christ. It also continues the ancient tradition of showing reverence for the sacrifice of martyrs. Finally, because the Mass is a participation in the heavenly liturgy, this gesture serves as a reminder that during Mass, we participate with all the angels and saints in Heaven.

May God bless you and your family!

Deacon Mark