From left are Robert Marek, director of operations for the Catholic Cemeteries Association; Craig Neal, executive director of the Catholic Cemeteries Association; Derby Mayor Tony Staffieri; Archbishop Henry J. Mansell; Msgr. David Walker, director of the Catholic Cemeteries Association; Kevin Gerckens, the cemetery’s manager; and Gene Kinnel, vice president of McCleskey Mausoleum, which built the addition. (Photo submitted)

DERBY – Archbishop Henry J. Mansell recalled the events of September 11, 2001, in his remarks at the blessing of the expanded mausoleum at Mount St. Peter Cemetery on that date this year.

The archbishop also reflected on the 68-acre cemetery’s beauty and congratulated those who made the expansion possible.

The expansion added 1,450 crypt spaces and 365 cremation niche spaces, bringing the total capacity to 3,093 crypt spaces and 605 cremation niche spaces.

The mausoleum is located near the cemetery’s main entrance on Route 34.

The mausoleum also has a state-of-the-art video and audio security system to maintain safety for families and visitors, said Craig Neal, executive director of the Catholic Cemeteries Association. Electronic memorial candles can be lit in the name of departed loved ones.

The stained glass depictions include the Creation, Christ presenting the keys to heaven to St. Peter, and the Assumption of Mary. A 9½-foot- tall bronze statue of the Resurrection of Christ is the exterior focal point of the building.

The building is one of 18 mausoleums under the care of the Catholic Cemeteries Association, which operates and manages 30 cemeteries within the three counties of the Archdiocese of Hartford.

Information is available at (203) 735-8026.