LEWISTON — Nearly 350 people gathered on May 30 for a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert P. Deeley in the Mausoleum Chapel at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lewiston.

Deeley told the assembly that we all owe a great debt to those who gave their lives in service to the country.

“They were not thinking about themselves as they went off to fight for their country,” he said. “They were thinking of their families and neighbors. They were thinking about the ideals of this country and its values. They were thinking of their duty as faithful citizens.

“We honor the memory of those who have fallen by trying, ourselves, to live unselfishly. As well, we can try to be better peacemakers and work each day to make life a little better for someone else.”

Local priests in attendance included Monsignor Marc Caron, pastor of Prince of Peace Parish in Lewiston; the Rev. Robert D. Lariviere, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Auburn; and the Rev. Lionel Chouinard, pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Lisbon Falls and Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Sabattus.

Deeley also offered prayers for the men and women currently serving in the armed services.

“We are grateful for their willingness to protect us and the freedoms which make us a people and a nation,” he said.