LEWISTON – A Mass of Christian Burial for G. Michael Welch was held Saturday morning at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, following prayers at the Fortin Group Funeral Home in Lewiston.

Principal celebrants were the Most Reverend Bishop Richard Malone, the Most Reverend Bishop Joseph Gerry, the Rev. Lionel Chouinard and the Rev. Daniel Greenleaf.

The Mass was assisted by Msgr. Rene Mathieu, Msgr. Marc Caron, the Rev. Andrew Dubois, the Rev. Michael Seavey, the Rev. Louis Phillips, the Rev. James Morisson, the Rev. Paul Labree, the Rev. Robert Lariviere, the Rev. Timothy Nadeau, and the Rev. Frank Murray.

The Most Reverend Bishop Joseph Malone recited committal prayers at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lewiston.

More than 350 balloons were released at the cemetery in celebration of Mr. Welch’s life.

All arrangements were under the care of the Fortin Group Funeral Homes of Lewiston and Auburn.