Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery

As the oldest and largest Cemetery in “the city of cemeteries,” Colma, California, Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery is rich in California history. This historical legacy translates into the important values of tradition, experience, stability and trust. For over 125 years, Holy Cross management and staff have been committed to providing compassionate and responsive service to families during their time of greatest need.

Experience fosters understanding and encourages a caring competence. Holy Cross staff utilizes its century of experience with Catholic funeral and burial traditions to build a bridge of hope and consolation for families during their most difficult days. Our longevity embodies a devotion to excellence and a commitment to service that has endured for generations.

The foundation for Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery began when Mt. Calvary Cemetery in San Francisco was nearing capacity. Archbishop Patrick W. Riordan looked south of the city in the 1880’s to remedy the need for more burial space. In 1886 he purchased 300 acres of the Buri Buri rancho for the new cemetery in what would eventually be known as the town of Colma.

Holy Cross opened in 1887 with people complaining that it was “too far from San Francisco”. Archbishop Riordan’s foresight proved correct, as the area developed into San Francisco’s “City of the Dead”. A reporter for the The Monitor concluded that the Archbishop had chosen the site well. “A more suitable place for the burial of our dead would be difficult to find”. The space currently remaining will serve the Catholic Community for another 150-200 years.