Yesterday we celebrated the feast of All Saints, today we celebrate the feast of All Soul’s and next week we will commemorate Remembrance Day. November is a month we pray for the dead, whether they have died recently or long ago. I share reflections provided by Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, Fr. Jim Mockler and Dr. Sandra Millar.
It is very significant that in the funeral liturgy, there is no formal blessing at the end of Mass, but rather this invocation: “Dear friends, may every mark of affection and every gesture of friendship that you give to others be a sign of God’s peace for you.” It is through mutual love and affection, through forgiveness of grievances, through a hand outstretched in care and concern, that we best keep faith in our God and with our departed loved ones.
All Saints’ Day provides us with a precious opportunity to remember all holy men and women of the past, as well as those who walk beside us today. We honour the officially canonized saints, the ‘famous’ ones, but also those who faith and deeds were only recognized by their friends and family, maybe even by God alone. - Fr. Raymond Lafontaine
All Saints’ Day provides us with a precious opportunity to remember all holy men and women of the past, as well as those who walk beside us today. We honour the officially canonized saints, the ‘famous’ ones, but also those who faith and deeds were only recognized by their friends and family, maybe even by God alone. - Fr. Raymond Lafontaine
A few years ago, while walking through Montreal’s Cotes des Neiges Cemetery I came across this inscription on a tombstone: “Remember me as you pass by. As you are now so once was I. As I am now, one day you’ll be. So stop and say a prayer for me.” This sums up All Souls Day – it is not only a call to pray for our deceased loved ones. It’s also an awakening to our own mortality and that one day we will be welcomed into God’s loving embrace. - Fr. Jim Mockler
Grief and bereavement include moments to pause and remember . . . After the public nature of a funeral, and when all the concerns of friends seem to fade, having a space just to sit with your own thoughts, offer prayers, and find comfort in knowing that God is present in our lives can be immensely comforting. This year it is more important than ever as so many have been unable to attend a funeral. Take a moment to pause around November 1st to remember all those who have shaped our lives, it is both important and helpful. - Revd Cannon Dr. Sandra Millar
Remember, Lord, those who have died and have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, especially those for whom we now pray.
May these, and all who sleep in Christ, find in Your presence light, happiness and peace.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen
Through Christ our Lord. Amen