Word to the Wise
Wednesday, November 2, 2022 - Nov. 2 - The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
[[3 options]; [13 options]; [12 options],]The souls of the just are in the hands of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away wass thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. [Wisdom]
I have two vivid memories of the observance of All Souls Day. The first dates from the Church observance of the feast prior to the Second Vatican Council. Black vestments were worn and the emphasis was on souls in purgatory. Priests were permitted to celebrate three masses that day. [We altar boys were kept busy!] and the beautiful but heavy verses of the Dies irae were sung.
My second vivid memory contrasts sharply with the first. It is from my time as a pastor in San Antonio. The cemeteries would become vast flower gardens! Families would gather and have picnics at the tombs of deceased loved ones. If the latter were adults, a favorite beverage might be poured; if a child, a favorite toy would be placed on the grave. It is a celebration of life and relationship instead of bailing a soul out of jail!
I find the words of the Preface I for the Mass for Deceased to be very consoling: Indeed for your faithful, Lord, life is changed not ended.... The change may be an occasion for grief for those who remain, bur eventually the relationship takes its place in memory (for better or for worse). We are meant to live forever.
We Dominicans make a point of praying everyday for the deceased members of the Dominican family and after each celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, we say the traditional lines: "May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace!" We celebrate three different days in the year when we remember parents, friends and benefactors, and members of the Dominican family. On this day, I assure my Beloved Congregation of my affectionate prayers for all your deceased relatives and friends at Mass. AMEN