Catholics of the Diocese of Wilmington oppose cell tower at All Saints Cemetery

From: Catholics parishioners in the Diocese of Wilmington and other Catholics and Christians who have grave sites at or who have family buried at Diocese of Wilmington Catholic Cemeteries (All Saints Cemetery, Cathedral Cemetery, Gate of Heaven Cemetery)

To: The Reverend W. Francis Malooly, D.D., Bishop of Wilmington

Dear Bishop Malooly,

In your own words, “An integral part of the Catholic funeral rites is interment or entombment within the sacred surroundings of a Catholic cemetery. The Church has always maintained cemeteries as the resting places for those who have fallen asleep in Christ and are awaiting His return at the end of time.” The Diocese of Wilmington (DoW) website section, About Catholic Cemeteries, says the following: Why do we need Catholic cemeteries? ".....Surrounded by family and friends, and the familiar symbols of faith, many find consolation and courage, knowing their loved one is at peace awaiting Resurrection. And, when our temporal world requires refuge, our Catholic Cemeteries offer solace...religious sanctuaries in an increasingly secular world." The purpose of DoW Catholic cemeteries has been clearly defined.

A 13-14 story commercial cell tower with a diesel generator and a 300-gallon fuel tank that needs refilling could never be considered part of "sacred surroundings" at All Saints or any diocesan cemetery. It makes no difference whether it is disguised or not, as our "religious sanctuary" is forever compromised by the infiltration of a commercial entity.

Regarding the reason given for the cell tower, “to provide a community service”, AT&T is only one of many companies with wireless businesses; their cell towers provide service to their paying customers. Our Catechism says “authority must act for the common good as a moral force based on freedom and a sense of responsibility. Authority is exercised legitimately only when it seeks the common good of the group concerned.” Full wireless coverage already exists in Delaware for AT&T customers. It is the responsibility of the DoW Catholic Cemeteries to act for the good of the Catholics of our Diocese as well as other Christians, both living and deceased, who have placed their trust in the DoW Catholic Cemeteries. Other interests should not conflict with nor take primacy over the responsibility to preserve the sacredness of our cemeteries.

Please do not allow a commercial venture on cemetery grounds in the Diocese of Wilmington.