A Mass and ceremony held April 24 at Rochester’s Holy Sepulchre Cemetery commemorated the Easter uprising of 1916, a battle that helped pave the way for an independent Ireland. The event also remembered Catherine Wheelwright, who is buried at Holy Sepulchre and was the mother of Éamon de Valera, a leader during the uprising who went on to be a prominent Irish politician.
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The chapel at Christ Our Light Mausoleum was full for the Mass, with many people looking on from the second floor.
Members of the American Legion Color Guard march toward the grave of Catherine Wheelwright.
Michael O’Connor waves an Irish flag as he takes part in the procession to Catherine Wheelwright’s grave.
Jim Van Brederode plays the bagpipes during the procession.
Richard Dollinger (from left), Shawn Casey, Brian O’Connor and Chris Shalvoy stand at the grave of Catherine Wheelwright.
Chris Shalvoy (left) and Mark Dowdell prepare a wreath to be placed at the grave of Catherine Wheelwright.
Owen McDonnell of Southbury, Ct., listens during the ceremony at Catherine Wheelwright’s grave.
Members of the American Legion Color Guard take part in the ceremony.
Éamon Ó Cuív and his wife Áine stand at the grave of his great grandmother, Catherine Wheelwright, who is buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
The grave of Catherine Wheelwright stands at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
