Remebering Our Loved Ones
The Day of the Dead, or as it’s known in Spanish, Dia de los Muertos, happens at the beginning of November each year. The Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos is celebrated with a range of different traditions including makeshift altars called an ofrenda, an elegant skull of sugar, pan de muerto, processions, and more.
A central feature of the Day of the Dead is the creation of an ofrenda. This is a family altar that is beautifully decorated and dedicated to deceased loved ones. Families construct altars in their homes or at the gravesites of their relatives. An ofrenda typically include photographs of the deceased, their favorite foods, drinks, and personal possessions.
There is often confusion around how to celebrate this occasion as a Catholic, and whether it’s for all Catholics or just those with Mexican heritage. Please know, it is a celebration for all to embrace. There are many traditions from many countries where the dead are honored and remembered with altars and flowers- some of these traditions stem from Catholicism and some of them don’t, but as humans, it’s very normal to remember the dead.
The Church dedicates the month of November to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. In this month we are especially reminded to pray for the dead—family, friends, acquaintances, enemies, leaders, stars, etc. This reminds us of their presence and their connection with us.
On November 1st, the church celebrates The Solemnity of All Saints. This day unites and reminds us of all those who are in heaven, canonized or not, known, or unknown. These souls have fought the good fight and won the race and are now wearing the crown of righteousness (cf. 2 Tim 4:7-8). The Mass to celebrate The Solemnity of All Saints will be at 7:00pm on November 1st.
On November 2nd we celebrate All Souls Day. At St Benedict, the Mass to remember all those who have left this earth will begin at 7:30pm. All are welcome to attend. The names of those who have had their funeral mass at St Benedict, this past year, will be read aloud at this Mass and we will remember them with a lit candle that will be placed in front of the altar by a family member or friend.
At St Benedict Parish we will once again, create an ofrenda for those who would like to share their deceased family members pictures or a memento. We will also have several tables in the church for anyone to share a picture of a deceased loved one with our St Benedict Family. Together we can pray for each other’s deceased family members. The ofrendas will be set up for the last weekend in October.
If you would like to participate in this tradition, please, bring a picture of your deceased family member or loved one or a memento of them, anytime during the last week of October. We will display the pictures and items in church. Please remember to put a name or address label and a phone number on the back of your picture so we can respectfully return the picture to you, at the end of November.
"Almighty Father, source of forgiveness and salvation, grant that our relatives and friends who have passed from this life may, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of all the saints, come to share your Eternal happiness through Christ our Lord. Amen. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.