All Soul's Day

All Soul's Day

Catholics celebrate all soul's day today. Back in the Philippines, it is at this time that we visit the dead in the cemetery. Families would congregate and even picnic there sometimes. Traffic is usually jammed miles long around the vicinity of the big cemeteries.

It seems that this is very similar to the traditional Dia de los Muertos of our Latino brethren. During yesterday's Mass of Remembrance in our parish, Fr. Jerry described how dia de los muertos is usually celebrated. I could not help but smile and nod as I listened to the many similarities to my childhood memories. The cemetery was not a lonely scary place to be in. There were eating, singing, kids collecting molten wax from candles.

I'd like to pass on this tradition to my children. Even if we are not able to visit our dead loved ones, I'd like us to say prayers for them particularly on this day.

For all souls, those who died of various diseases like cancer and Mesothelioma , for souls who are not remembered, and in particular for the souls of our dead loved ones... eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.