The Province of Mid-North America moved 59 graves in August. They moved the graves from the province’s private cemetery in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, to St. Catherine Perpetual Care Cemetery in Moscow, Pennsylvania.
The Diocese of Scranton owns the cemetery where the graves now rest. Bishop Bambera donated the land for the new space. It had become difficult for the province to maintain its own cemetery because no Sisters live in the Scranton area. Workers also moved the mass grave from Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Seven lost sheep found
It took ten days to move the graves of the Good Shepherd Sisters. Just about the time we thought the workers had moved all of them, they found seven more graves under dirt and bushes.
The Sisters had to petition the courts to move the last seven graves, even though they were buried more than 120 years ago. One of the graves held the remains of the first superior at Lourdesmont. It’s like she said: “you are NOT leaving us behind!”
The various contractors and diocesan staff were wonderful to work with. They are very dedicated, caring, and professional individuals. All of the contractors gave us big discounts on the work they performed.
Personally, this project was a huge blessing for me as the coordinator of all of the activity that had to be done. Please pray for all these wonderful people and for Bishop Bambera — all of whom are our benefactors.
Winter affects graves
The ground at the new cemetery has to settle. As winters are harsh in the Pocono Mountains, the grave stones require cleaning. Workers will store the tombstones during winter and place them on graves in the spring. Workers will also clean and store the beautiful statue of the Pieta and a small cross until spring. Then we will have a prayer service at the new site.
As several people said throughout this process — this is the second or third FINAL resting place for our dear sisters! So look for another update in Items of Interest in the spring of 2020.