by Paul Maldonodo

Recently San Antonio experienced a tragedy that caught most of us off guard. The flood of 98 caused several deaths and homes to be destroyed. As we viewed the news and read the newspaper articles we couldn't help but feel the loss of so many who experienced this tragedy.

I found myself here at the cemetery that day the rains came and as I looked out my office window I must admit I was a bit worried of any damage to our cemetery. With record rains our cemetery was under water at least a foot and a half. This caused several graves to sink and stones to shift. Although most of this has been corrected and graves have been filled, we encourage you to come by the office if your loved ones grave or headstone has not been corrected.

As we drove around the cemetery accessing any damages we noticed that the new side of cemetery had more sunken graves and shifted memorials than the older side. This due to the fact that in the older section we require an outer container. The new section do not require outer containers.

What can be done about the sinking of graves? Well although the sinking of graves is a natural process, the use of an outside liner or vault will help this problem. While this being is an added expense, the use of outer enclosures is important and encouraged. It not only prolongs the elements from reaching the casket a bit longer but it also helps in keeping your memorials and graves from shifting as much.

Our Catholic Cemeteries offices can assist you in selecting liners and vaults that can be fit your need.