Home › Archive for News

News

New Catholic cemetery opens in The Villages

Posted on by

OXFORD  |  Driving along County Road101 you may notice a flurry of development, followed by rural cattle and farmland. Then Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cemetery comes into view with its high gate. It is the newest cemetery in the region of The Villages and the only Catholic cemetery for more than 50 miles.

Located within 10 miles of four parishes and within 25 miles of 10 parishes, the cemetery is the answer to the desire and needs of the more than 20,000 Catholic families in the area.

Bishop John Noonan cut the ribbon inaugurating the cemetery, April 28, 2026, and blessed the grounds and buildings.

Bishop John Noonan prays before a statue of Mary at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Oxford. Her statue marks the first mystery of the rosary. (GLENDA MEEKINS)

The long-awaited day arrived greeting those gathered with skies as blue as Our Lady’s mantle, while occasional clouds offered respite from the sun. It seemed appropriate for the opening of the Diocese of Orlando’s second new cemetery in six years – named after Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.

Eric Cerini, director of cemeteries for the Diocese of Orlando, said it was an exceptional moment, especially since U.S. dioceses are not building new cemeteries due to their great cost and the trend toward cremation rather than full body burial. Rather than new construction, diocesan and parish cemeteries are expanding with the addition of cremation gardens.

In the Diocese of Orlando, three parish cemeteries are expanding this way. And in the past six years since its opening, Queen of Angels in Winter Park assisted with 538 casketed burials versus almost 1,000 cremation burials, according to its cemetery manager Stephen Kuehne.

Cerini praised Bishop Noonan for recognizing the need for a new cemetery near The Villages and for willing to commit to such a project.

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary is a vast 60-acre property. Its first phase includes more than 2,000 full body burial sites, the air-conditioned Lumen Christi Columbarium that houses more than 1,000 glass-front niches for cremated remains, 140 above ground granite burial sites, 46 private estates and an administration building. According to Cerini, the property is about one-third built out with plans for expansion in the future. Two and a half acres of retaining ponds serve to beautify the landscape and assist the local fire stations with water distribution.

“Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cemetery stands as a testament to our commitment to providing a place of peace, remembrance, and hope,” said Cerini. “As we open our gates, we welcome families seeking a sacred space where memories are cherished and faith is honored.”

The Lumen Christi Columbarium offers serene views of the lake. (GLENDA MEEKINS)

Bishop John Noonan recalled his arrival to the Diocese of Orlando 17 years ago and how priests and parishioners frequently spoke of the desire for more Catholic cemeteries. “And now, the dream has become a reality,” he said. “Anytime you open a cemetery, that’s a rare occasion, but to open such a beautiful cemetery, it is really astonishing. And it’s really hope-filled for me just to see that we care not just for the people in certain aspects of their life, but most especially during a very important moment in all our lives. The day we are born, but the day we die and the day where they are putting us back into the ground is a beautiful occasion. Again, to know that we’re going to a place that’s not only holy, but beautiful.” He added, “When people come in here, they’re going to not only see its beauty, but get a real sense of peace and hope. And that’s where we all want to be in a sense. When people are mourning, it’s not about words….there’s an ambience of peace here and calm and prayerfulness.”

The bishop was astonished by the beauty of the landscape and feeling of peace the cemetery imparts. Speaking to cemetery designer Wendy Fry he told her, “When I saw it, I couldn’t believe it.… when you see the reality, it’s beautiful.” He further complimented her ability. “You are one of those rare species of being, able to talk about – not just landscape – but landscape in the sense that brings peace.”

Bishop John Noonan and cemetery director Eric Cerini cut the ribbon April 28, 2026 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cemetery accompanied by staff and those who made the cemetery a reality. (LUCAS BLACKWELL)

And that was one of the primary goals in designing Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cemetery. Fry explained, “This is designed so that it’s not your average cemetery — that’s just enormous row after row after row of burial. We tried to make the burial gardens for the full-body burials and the cremation burials more intimate, more garden-like, so that you could recognize where your loved one’s buried and you could come back and find them. So that’s a special thing. We weren’t going for maximum density. We were really going for the experience, so that it would be more little neighborhoods or little gardens or  little recognized, sizable locations, as well as different size burials depending on what your budget was.”

The cemetery is designed in the shape of a rosary, with medians representing the first three beads and later the mysteries. A statue of Mary welcomes visitors arriving at the first mystery. Eventually paths will enable guests to walk and pray the rosary. Approaching the Lumen Christi Columbarium and offices, one follows a cross made of blue pavers calling to mind Our Lady.

Commenting on the theme of Our Lady, Bishop Noonan said it recalled the Pietà, “as she takes her son down from the cross and holds him in her arms. I think that’s a beautiful example. And for Catholic cemeteries, that’s always kind of the model for all of us, being held in the arms of Mary. And being able to find that peace of bringing the Lord into our life again.”

Priests from surrounding parishes came to experience the cemetery for themselves so they could return and share what they found with parishioners. Pastor of St. Mark the Evangelist in Summerfield, Pauline Father Rafal Kandora shared the excitement of his parishioners. His is the closest Catholic church to the cemetery – only 4 miles away – less than a 10-minute drive.

Father Ralph DuWell, pastor of St. Timothy in Lady Lake said, “(The cemetery) exceeds my expectations.” He noted many parishioners go to the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, but many others wants to be buried in a Catholic cemetery. “Right up until the time they meet St. Peter, they want to identify with the Catholic roots.” His parish receives hundreds of calls a year inquiring about a Catholic cemetery. He noted many parishioners, “although they’re not supposed to do this, have taken their ashes and they put them in the closet waiting for a Catholic cemetery.” He was happy to know those remains would soon find their way to their home on sacred land.

Director of Cemeteries, Cerini confirmed this indicating he has received numerous calls from faithful wanting to lay their family member’s ashes to rest at last.

Father Patrick Sheedy, pastor of Blessed Trinity in Ocala was surprised to find the cemetery is only a 30-minute drive away. He plans to tell his parishioners of its proximity and beauty.

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Oxford is open as of April 29, 2026, by appointment only to those already on a previous waiting list. A public grand opening will be announced in the near future.

For more information email Travis Oberlies, toberlies@catholiccemeteriescfl.org.

Spring 2026 Update – Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery

Posted on by

Exciting Progress at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cemetery!

Dear Families,

We are pleased to share an exciting update on the progress of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cemetery. We remain on track for a second‑quarter opening this year, and we are profoundly grateful for the blessings, hard work, and community support that have brought us to this point.

Comparison of Site Progress Between Recent Aerial Photos

The first image shows the cemetery property earlier in development. Key features such as the central lake, roadways, and building footprints are visible, but the surrounding grounds remain largely ungraded and without vegetation. The large open field in the lower portion of the image shows early site preparation, with earthwork outlines clearly defined but little surface refinement.

In the second image, taken several weeks later, significant progress is noticeable. The grounds appear more refined, with substantial grading completed across the main cemetery field. The curved roadway system, central roundabout, and landscaped areas are visibly more developed. The structures near the entrance and administrative area show additional construction progress, and the overall site appears more cohesive and closer to its finished design.

Taken together, these two photos highlight the remarkable pace of development as we move steadily toward welcoming families to this sacred space.

 

We look forward to sharing additional updates with you and eagerly anticipate the day we can open the cemetery and begin serving families in faith and hope.

In Christ,

Eric Cerini

Winter 2026 Update – Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery

Posted on by

A Sacred Space Taking Shape - Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cemetery

Dear Friends in Christ,

We are blessed to share the latest progress on Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. This sacred ground is being prepared with care and prayer to serve as a place of peace, hope, and remembrance for generations to come.

As you can see in the photos below, construction is advancing beautifully. Sod is now being placed, and the vision for this holy space is coming to life. We remain on track for an anticipated opening in the second quarter of 2026. More information regarding product offerings and pricing will be released closer to the opening date.

We ask for your continued patience and prayers as we complete this important ministry. Thank you for walking with us on this journey of faith and for your trust in our mission to provide a dignified resting place for your loved ones.

December 2025 – Advancing Toward Completion (Construction progressing and sod placement begins)

Please keep our team and this project in your prayers. We look forward to welcoming you soon to this beautiful space dedicated to prayer and remembrance.

In Christ,

Eric Cerini

Fall 2025 Update – Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery

Posted on by

Fall 2025 Update - Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery

Dear Families and Friends,

We are thrilled to share the latest progress on Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. What was once an open field is now blossoming into a sacred space that beautifully reflects our Catholic faith and reverence for eternal life.

The transformation is truly inspiring. From the careful preparation of the grounds to the thoughtful design of the cemetery layout, every detail is being shaped with prayerful intention. Our vision remains clear: to accompany, guide, and support God’s people from this earthly life to everlasting life.

We are on track to welcome families in 2026, and the excitement is building. The final licensing hearing is scheduled for December 4th, and we are actively recruiting a Cemetery Manager to help lead this holy endeavor.

We invite you to continue praying with us—for the safety of our workers, the success of our preparations, and the peace of all who will one day rest here in the hope of resurrection.

Thank you for your continued interest and support. We look forward to walking this journey with you.

With blessings,

Eric Cerini
Director of Cemeteries

Heaven-sent ministry brings healing

Posted on by

WINTER PARK  |  Paulina Toledo is a loving mom, wife and pro-life advocate. She is mother to four children, two in heaven.

“I think when you’re given the gift of being a mom, especially after experiencing two miscarriages, you know when you’re given the gift of life and you fervently want to protect it and advocate for it,” she said.

Toledo felt comfortable discussing her experiences thanks to the Kingdom of Heaven ministry at Queen of Angels, which provides burial for miscarried children and babies who died shortly after birth.

The first miscarriage occurred when her son was six months old, and she just learned she was pregnant again. Excited, she told her husband, Ivan, and they shared the good news with their mothers. The next day, she began miscarrying. She was only five weeks along. She had what doctors called a chemical pregnancy. The embryo implanted in the uterine wall and stopped developing. Because of its nature, there was nothing to bury. Still, she and Ivan named their child Marylily, after their mothers Maria and Liliana.

Her second miscarriage was much more difficult, but still she felt God’s mercy. “I was eight weeks pregnant. It was the Monday before I was supposed to hear his heartbeat. We believe it was a boy. We named him Santiago. We were going to make sure everything was okay,” she recalled.

Because of her previous miscarriage, she immediately recognized the signs when the pain and cramping started. Even before the quickly rescheduled ultrasound, she said she knew.

“My child was more than a clump of cells. I knew he most likely had a heart that was beating. I knew that he looked like a little jellybean.”  Later that day, her miscarriage progressed. “I saw my son. I held my son. So, I knew this was my baby. It was unlike my first son, who I was able to snuggle with in the hospital and kiss him. This was our meeting. This was the first time I was able to hold him in my home, in the bathroom. And this is just how I was going to welcome him into the world and send him back home to Jesus,” she said.

Because of that, she called Deacon Mark Fry at Queen of Angels Cemetery in Winter Park. “God just gave him this grace to be able to minister to me in that moment,” she recalled.

Coordinating with their partners in the Kingdom of Heaven ministry, he called DeGusipe Funeral Home. “We were able to lay our son to rest, have a beautiful ceremony, and give our son that dignity, that peace to be rested there,” she said. “It’s very gracious to enter into that healing because of that ministry.”

About a month later, she became pregnant again. Her daughter is due in November.

Although she acknowledged some fear of miscarrying again, she said there is also joy because the two children she lost are already in heaven. “As parents our goal is for our kids to get to heaven… two of my babies already made it. They’re in heaven. They’re praying for us and they’re interceding for us. That’s all we want,” she said.

The Kingdom of Heaven ministry at Queen of Angels Cemetery recently engraved the names of the 122 children buried there. The ministry serves parents who have lost children due to miscarriage, still birth or soon after birth. (GLENDA MEEKINS)

Within her grief she’s found healing. “The grief just sanctifies you, honestly, because whenever we grieve, we unite our heart to Jesus. So, from the beginning, when I found out we were pregnant again, I said, ‘Lord, it’s up to you. If you want her to come home now or if you want her to enter into this world, we’re going to do everything in our power to get her back home to you,’” she prayed. “When you’re open to life, you’re also open to the end of that life and you’re open to surrendering the life you create to God.”

Deacon Fry considers it a blessing to accompany families at such a sensitive time. His work at Queen of Angels began in December 2024. “I didn’t know the scope of it. I have to guard my own mind and heart at times because I can get caught up in it as well,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking at a whole different level, but having this opportunity has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Deacon Fry has presided over prayer services for babies lost at five weeks up to children one week old. Not all of the families are Catholic.

“We have a number of families that are Baptist or claim no faith at the moment, but are more than willing to allow this random Catholic deacon to talk to them about their lives and come out for a service early on a Saturday morning, in a more private setting, before the cemetery opens up,” he said. “They allow me to walk with them and allow the cemetery to be a place of healing for them.”

Many families hear about the ministry by word of mouth or from area hospitals. Deacon Walt Skinner is a chaplain at Winnie Palmer and frequently refers families suffering loss. Deacon Fry calls him “the ministry’s greatest champion” as he shares flyers about the ministry and encourages all chaplains, regardless of their faith affiliation, to seek a sacred burial for miscarried children.

Recently, 122 names were engraved on a stone commemorating the children buried since 2021.

Babies are buried in the garden across from three large granite stones bearing their name. The headstone depicts Mary and the Sacred Heart. Toledo said it reminds her that her children have gone back to their Mother. (GLENDA MEEKINS)

Deacon Fry said the ministry is also a form of evangelization. “No matter what (the parents) know about the Catholic faith, to see that we’re open to and welcome anyone to one of the Corporal Works of Mercy — burying the dead — is meaningful. Jesus talks about it in the Bible, so people have read it and know it. But Jesus never said anything in the Bible about what faith they had to be. We’re following that same model. We’re making it available with the understanding you’re going to see a deacon there and there will be a prayer service.” He said the service is also biblical. “I’ve never had anyone, when I ask them to bow their head and pray for God’s blessing, say, ‘No, thank you.’ No one turns down a blessing from God. It’s the greatest part for me to impart a blessing to anyone that crosses our path.”

He added, “It’s an opportunity during one of the saddest times of a person’s life. It’s a moment when the Lord is trying to give the greatest healing possible to them. And to be open to that is such a blessing.”

To learn more about the Kingdom of Heaven ministry or to contact the Queen of Angels Cemetery in Winter Park, click here.

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, August 21, 2025

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery – June 2025

Posted on by

Thank you for your interest in Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery.

In the spirit of protecting consumers from misrepresentations and fraudulent activity, the cemetery business is well regulated by the State of Florida. We honor you in abiding by this regulation.

The preparation of the site continues to be on schedule as you see in the accompanying aerial photo. Recruiting efforts have begun to fill the position of Cemetery Manager, which is required for our next and final licensing hearing on December 4th.

I appreciate your continued prayers for the safety of the workers and the timely completion of our tasks. Regards and blessings, 

Regards and blessings, 

David Branson
Director of Cemeteries

Ancient rocks radiate symbol of eternal love

Posted on by

WINTER PARK  |  Forty-five-million-year-old igneous rocks now stand surrounded by four Marian statues and hundreds of gravesites at Queen of Angels Cemetery, Phase Two, in Winter Park. The Rock of Our Salvation fountain is a symbol of God’s omnipresence, from creation through eternity.

Installation began Sept. 9, 2024, and took several days of meticulous positioning by artist Robert Wertz and geologist Greg Prescott despite being saturated by frequent rainfall. But Wertz and Prescott began selecting the rocks well before that. Over several weeks, the two visited the Beaver Canyon quarry in the Okanagan Highlands of Washington state numerous times, selecting ideal pieces.

Geologist Greg Prescott stands atop the Beaver Canyon quarry in 2019. Prescott refined the art of drilling through the stones to enable beautiful fountains. (COURTESY GREG PRESCOTT)

Prescott, a veteran geologist of more than 40 years, was first captivated by the aesthetic of the rocks when he discovered them through his late business partner, Bob Jewett. Both seasoned geologists had seen thousands of columns of basalt across the Pacific Northwest and beyond, but none so distinct in shape and coloration. Prescott explained the columns are usually dark and symmetrical, but these tell the story of their formation.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Prescott said. “And I know of no other occurrence in the world.”

In a simplified summary, the rock was formed from the lava flow of the Klondike Mountain Formation which poured into a caved in, faulted block of earth near the end of the Tertiary Period, the first age of the Cenozoic Era. “As is typical at the changing of the great geologic eras there was widespread crustal violence,” he explained. “The Mesozoic Era, the age of the reptiles, had just ended, and the Earth was rocked by great upheavals.”

Multiple volcanic eruptions took place, filling the valley. Over thousands of years, the pile of lava flows cooled and in Beaver Canyon, began crystallizing, creating the vibrant colors for which these columns are noted.

The crystalized minerals contain magnesium oxides that create dark swathes, along with iron oxides that create orange and red earth tones that become encapsulated in silica. It is this detail that prevents the rocks from discoloration. Otherwise, you could simply rub the color off. Like human beings, each rock is unique.

“There is a story written there,” Prescott said. Observing how people are drawn to the rock structures, he believes they are “searching for something lasting, permanent, and beautiful” and find elements of that in the rocks.

Each rock has water springing from its center, spilling into a pool beneath it. In Christianity, water represents life and purification. Although many metaphors can be drawn from the fountain beginning with the waters of Baptism bringing new and eternal life, cemetery director for the diocese David Branson had something specific in mind. The idea is that hope springs eternal, calling back to Moses and the Exodus. This stone too harkens back to the creation of the world.

Artist Robert Wertz at the installation of his Rock of Our Salvation Fountain at Queen of Angels Cemetery, Sept. 9, 2024. The igneous rock that forms the fountain is 45 million years old and is part of the Gospel Gardens in Phase 2. (GLENDA MEEKINS)

The Rock of Our Salvation fountain recalls the moment God told Moses to strike the rock in the desert to quench the thirst of the Israelites during the Exodus — who thirsted physically and spiritually. Ex 17:6 reads, “I will be standing there in front of you on the rock in Horeb. Strike the rock, and the water will flow from it for the people to drink. Moses did this, in the sight of the elders of Israel.”

The visual effect of these ancient rocks pouring forth water also makes Christ present, immersing visitors into the New Testament recalling 1 Cor 10:4, “and they drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was the Christ.” Both verses will be inscribed on a plaque by the fountain.

The connection is not lost on Wertz. “I’m a believer and when I go out to the quarry, I feel closer to God there than 16 sermons. I look at it as something God created. He created the earth, the universe, beautiful things like this on the planet – most people don’t get to lay their eyes on,” he said.

As the florist at his church, he makes bouquets using the same design principles he uses in designing his structures, considering the elevations, variations, and continuity. “To me it’s a devotional thing in the morning, in the garden, saying, ‘This is for you, Lord. What do you see? Help me see what’s beautiful here. I carry the same thing into this,” he said.

He recalled a day during the installation. As he and Prescott were leaving, they saw a man standing, staring at a headstone in the cemetery. They both commented they hoped he hadn’t lost a child. Forty-five minutes later, after they returned, he was still standing there. “People are processing some pretty heavy stuff when they’re here,” Wertz said. “For someone like that man, a place like this is important. If people can come here and have something beautiful touch them in that moment, that’s a worthwhile contribution.

“I look at God as being the ultimate designer and creator. So, what I’m doing is just taking something He made and presenting it so people can see it. That’s important to me,” he continued. “Life is chaotic, hectic, stressful. There are losses, there’s grief, and there’s all kinds of negativity. When we can stop and see beauty, and truly relax, I think we ought to have a beautiful setting and focal point to do that.”

Queen of Angels Cemetery Phase 2 is open. For information, visit here. To watch footage of the igneous rocks, click here. 

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, June 13, 2025

Marian statues convey love, mercy

Posted on by

WINTER PARK  |  Queen of Angels Cemetery is celebrating its fifth anniversary as the first diocesan cemetery in the Diocese of Orlando as Mary’s open arms continue to welcome the faithful.

In Phase II of the cemetery, four new Marian gardens are marked by beautiful bronze statues of the Blessed Mother: Our Lady of La Vang, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Blessed Virgin Mary Our Lady of Mercy, and Mary, Mother of Christ. The four statues were cast in Italy by Biondan, an international art firm.

David Branson, director of cemeteries for the diocese, said he selected the four Marian statues after first looking at apparitions of the Blessed Virgin outside of Europe. “To speak to the universality of Mary’s providence, passion, mercy and grace upon us is a universal and global experience and blessing,” he said. 

His obvious first choice was Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, who relates to Spanish-speaking cultures, communities in North and Central America. The Knights of Colombus and many other societies have embraced her as their patroness.

Our Lady of Guadalupe first appeared to Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill, Mexico in 1531, asking “Am I not here, I who am your Mother?”.

Speaking in his native language, she asked him to tell Bishop Juan de Zumárraga to build a church there so she could give her love, compassion, and protection to the people. She emphasized her role as a mother to all, offering solace, healing and guidance to those in need. 

Although it was winter, she had him pick roses and carry them in his tilma. Upon visiting the bishop, the roses spilled out revealing her image on the cloak. The bishop agreed. The statue depicts her standing over the moon, a sign of her dominion in heaven. 

Branson chose Our Lady of La Vang next, the Virgin that appeared to the Vietnamese hiding in the jungle in 1798 after emperor Cahn Thinh ordered all Catholic churches destroyed. Gathering each night to pray the rosary beneath a tree, Our Lady of La Vang appeared to the people who were sick and hungry and comforted them. She told them to boil the leaves of a fern growing there to heal them. She promised her help to all who came to pray there.

For Branson she represents “the expansion and growth of spreading the Gospel.” Father Chau Nguyen, pastor of St. Philip Phan Van Minh Parish in Orlando said the addition of the statue was wonderful news for the local Vietnamese community. “That people have a place to recognize and be laid to rest under the protection of Mary” is  a source of great comfort.

“It is natural for us to run to our mothers when we need protection and help,” Father Nguyen said. “When we put the cemetery under those titles of Mary, we know we can trust in the protection of a wonderful mother. We beseech her intercession at every moment of life.”

Branson said Mary, Mother of Christ was an obvious choice because of Mary’s participation in the salvation of mankind. “As a young mother figure with the infant Jesus in her arms, she speaks to the fabulous story of Mary’s role of being mom to our Savior,” he said.

Deacon Mark Fry is the family services counselor at the cemetery and frequently gives tours to interested families. 

“Christ is the word for Messiah, the Savior. When you say Mother of the Savior, that’s a pretty big deal,” he said. “He came to give us that eternal hope, where we will be for all of eternity.”  Paraphrasing Pope Francis from his homily Jan. 1, 2023, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Deacon Fry said, “God’s love for humanity is made concrete through Mary, as the Word became flesh in her. And Christ continues to have a heart of flesh that beats for each person because of Mary. Our Savior has this love for each one of us. He came into the world through Mary. I think that’s very powerful.”

Our Lady of Mercy rounds out the four statues. 

“Mary is a gateway of mercy for us to our Father. It’s in her mercy and petitions on our behalf that support us in front of God our Father and through the heart of our Lord, Jesus Christ,” Branson said. “Mercy is a representation of the depth to which Mary supports us, intercedes for us, continues to be with us as we go through our daily lives. It is her mercy, being an advocate for us, that helps us at the time of our judgement.”

Deacon Mark Fry said Our Lady of Mercy is in harmony with the name of the cemetery, Queen of Angels, depicted by the crown she wears. The tallest and heaviest of the four statues, he recalled someone on a recent tour saying, “Mercy is very heavy.” Pondering the statement, he agreed. “Mercy comes to us in the heaviest moment of our lives,” he said. “To Jesus, through Mary… Everything about Mary is meant to bring us even closer to Jesus, to God.”

Our Lady of Mercy, also known as Our Lady of Ransom, appeared to St. Peter Nolasco, his confessor St. Raymund of Penafort and King James I of Aragon and Catalonia in 1218. It was a time of persecution of Christians by the Moors who had invaded Spain. Our Lady of Mercy requested the foundation of a religious order dedicated to rescuing Christians held captive. The apparition led to the establishment of the Royal and Military Order of Our Lady of Mercy and Redemption of Captives, known as Mercedarians. Mary’s merciful hand assists those feeling helpless, offering solace and strength.

Reflecting on the four gardens, Father Miguel González, rector of St. James Cathedral in Orlando noted, “At Queen of Angels Cemetery, the presence of Our Blessed Mother brings consolation to those who grieve and mourn, finding comfort, finding hope, finding a mother that genuinely cares and embraces us in her maternal love as she leads us to her Son.”

Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, June 5, 2025

Bishop blesses next phase of Our Lady of Peace Cemetery

Posted on by

WINTER PARK  |  As sun shone down over phase two of Queen of Angels Cemetery, Bishop John Noonan, followed by a procession of faithful, staff, and benefactors blessed the property and Marian statues which delineate the four sections surrounding the Rock of Our Salvation Garden.

The new phase boasts a committal shelter for services prior to interment, more than 3,000 full body sites including monument spaces and family estates, more than 500 underground cremation spaces, and two future granite columbarium columns to flank the Rock of Our Salvation fountain.

Bishop Noonan sprinkled holy water and said prayers at each Marian statue — Our Lady of La Vang, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Blessed Virgin Mary Our Lady of Mercy, and Mother of Christ. Peaceful religious music filled the air facilitating a serene atmosphere in which to honor the corporal works of mercy of burying the dead.

Among those who came to celebrate the blessing was Nenette Saclolo from Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Winter Park. Her cousin died this past December. He will be moved to the Mother of Christ section soon.

“It’s so peaceful and quiet and serene. It is very important to have a Catholic cemetery so close by,” she said noting she and her sister-in-law, Norma Bacani and niece, Anne Marie Bacani of Good Shepherd, meet at the cemetery almost every week to visit. Anne Marie said the family was grateful to find a Catholic cemetery in which to bury her father near their home.

Also present was Marlena Solomon, of St. Joseph Parish in Orlando. She came with her extended family of 12 relatives to partake in the ground blessing and visit her grandmother, Maria Quintanilla’s, gravesite on what would have been her 83rd birthday. “It was extra special since it is her birthday,” said Solomon. Her brother, William, spoke of the difficulties of the past year and the comfort of being there together with his family. The family participated in Mass together and then came for the blessing. “She was the glue, the rock, the nucleus that held everything together. We’re making the adjustment,” he said of Quintanilla. “She was the best.”

Bishop Noonan, who spoke to the families there acknowledged their relatives interred at Queen of Angels. “It’s a day to visit your loved ones,” he said, describing the expansion as beautiful. “We remember it is our duty to provide for the needs of our people in life and in death. We give witness to the sacredness of a Catholic cemetery where the dead are laid to rest with prayerful Christian dignity on grounds that foster devotion, reverence and respect of our Catholic faith.”

Closing the ceremony, cemetery director David Branson assured those present, “We are humbled by the love of the families we have the opportunity to serve.” n

To learn more about Queen of Angels Cemetery, located next to San Pedro Spiritual Development Center in Winter Park, click here.

Click here to watch BTS of the blessing.

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, May 08, 2025

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery – March 2025

Posted on by

Thank you for your interest in Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery.

In the spirit of protecting consumers from misrepresentations and fraudulent activity, the cemetery business is well regulated by the State of Florida. We honor you in abiding by this regulation.

The preparation of the site continues to be on schedule as you see in the accompanying aerial photo. We are scheduled to begin the foundations of St. Mark Columbarium and the Administration Office by early May.

Also with this Update is the concept of the Cemetery’s entrance on CR 101.

I appreciate your continued prayers for the safety of the workers and the timely completion of our tasks. 

Regards and blessings, 

David Branson
Director of Cemeteries