In general, the Catholic cemeteries in Halifax are maintained by the Catholic Cemeteries Commission, of which Holy Cross is one. Over the years, through weathering and vandalism, many of the headstones have deteriorated, toppled and broken. The Chapel has weathered to the point of needing significant repairs and refurbishing. The fencing is in disrepair and there is a lack of security lighting. Unfortunately, due to fiscal restraints, the Catholic Cemeteries Commission has been unable to do the necessary repairs and refurbishing. In addition, the Commission’s responsibility is of a more general nature, without responsibility for individual interment markers unless it becomes one of public safety.
A majority of the stones were erected prior to the provision of perpetual care funds and for many of those persons buried at Holy Cross, there are no descendants in this generation to provide the maintenance required for these markers.
Faced with the current conditions at Holy Cross, the Trust has embarked on a project to provide the level of care required to restore the cemetery. With the help of initial donors and volunteers, work has already begun.
We invite you to join in the efforts of the Trust in respecting those who have gone before us and the history they have provided. The Trust would be happy to answer your questions and to receive your donation to this worthwhile cause. See “Gift Options”.
