“It is a Holy and wholesome though to pray for the dead”. This old saying highlights the special place the memory of our deceased holds for many of us. We miss them, we mourn them, we grieve them, we remember them!
All Souls Day is an opportunity to do something special for the dead. It is customary to visit the cemetery, and pray for the repose of their souls. Indeed, the Church has always stated that those who do will receive a special
We can also attend Mass, and pray for the happy repose of our loved ones. Masses for All Souls – this year a Thursday – will take place in St. Finians, Dillonstown at 10am.
The Mass is THE BEST way. It acts as a remission for sin, and a remedy for the pain of grief. It is a sacrifice, but that’s all we can do for those who have died, and while we hope for God’s mercy and forgiveness for all our loved ones, the Mass is a guarantee of God’s grace.
But any sacrifice on All Souls Day is a good exercise – it reminds us of our mortal life, and helps us to detach from this world. It can be a good example to others, and gives us a grace that can lead us away from sin and closer to God.
We are all going to die – one day. It should not be something we live in dread of. We should all try to prepare & pray or ‘a happy death’, This is one where we are at peace with God and those around us; where we have not left anything unsaid or unforgiven; where we have made practical preparations by discussion funeral arrangements with loved ones, and prepared a will.
There is nothing morbid about ‘getting ready’ to meet the Lord. For Christians, as the Preface of the Mass says, “In him (Christ) the hope of blessed resurrection has dawned, that those saddened by the certainty of dying might be consoled by the promise of immortality to come. Indeed for your faithful, Lord, life is changed not ended, and, when this earthly dwelling turns to dust, an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven”.
So, death is ‘going to God’, and for us all may it be after a long and happy life – but there are some who will die suddenly, unexpectedly, and ‘before their time’, we have no control over these things. All we can do is ‘be ready’, when the Lord calls, and celebrating the Feast of All Souls is one way to do this.
Eternal rest grant onto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen!
Togher Parish 