The Knights of Columbus’ request to hold the annual mass had originally been denied.
The National Park Service (NPS) reversed course and permitted the Knights of Columbus to hold its annual Memorial Day Mass inside Poplar Grove National Cemetery in Petersburg, Virginia. The group has held an annual mass at that cemetery for over 50 years.
The group’s attorneys reported that NPS had originally denied the Catholic group’s request under a new permit policy that designated “religious services” as demonstrations that were prohibited. The policy update required religious services to be held outside the cemetery.
The lawsuit requested a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the federal agency for disfavoring religious entities in violation of the First Amendment, as other non-faith-based groups were allowed to hold events within the cemetery. The agency agreed to allow the mass to be held after the suit was filed.
The group stated, “This is an incredibly important victory for the Knights of Columbus. They’ve held their Memorial Day Mass at the cemetery every year since at least the 1960s. For them—like for millions of Americans—it’s a time-honored tradition to pray for and honor our nation’s fallen soldiers.“
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for Director Chuck Sams as he heads the National Park Service.
- For officials in the president’s administration to uphold and respect the free exercise of religion.
Sources: Life News, FOX News
