The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

One of the most memorable experiences I had in the Philippines was witnessing the unique way they honor their dead. Many graves resemble small houses, complete with rooms and air conditioning, where families can gather. Each year, on All Souls' Day, November 2, Filipinos visit the graves of their loved ones to clean and repair them. They bring prayers, flowers, candles, and food, turning the day into a time of celebration and reunion.

This day, often called "Undas," is not just about mourning. It’s a time for families to come together at the cemetery, share stories, and enjoy meals, celebrating the lives of those who have passed rather than just grieving. It’s a way to connect with both the living and the departed through memories and offerings. It is the time to honor, to remember and to pray for those who have gone before us.

Today, as we gather to remember and pray for all those who have passed, especially our loved ones. In the Gospel of John (6:37-40), Jesus assures us that everyone the Father gives him will come to him, and he will never cast them out. This reminds us of the love and acceptance we find in Christ, in both life and death.

As we honor our loved ones who have left us, we remember the words of Elie Wiesel: “If we forget, the dead will be killed a second time.” Keeping their memories alive is vital. Our loved ones live on in our hearts, and their legacies shape who we are. Every time we speak their names, we honor their existence and keep them a part of our lives.

Consider these sayings:

"The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living." "Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them.”

When we reflect on the joys, struggles, and lessons of those who have gone before us, we preserve their love for each of us. We celebrate their lives and acknowledge their impact on our journey.

Jesus also wanted to be remembered. At the Last Supper, he said, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). When we celebrate the Eucharist, we’re not just recalling a moment in history; we’re entering into a living relationship with him. Each time we partake in this sacred meal, we renew our commitment to his teachings and recognize his great sacrifice for us. And we remember our bothers in God’s love;

Bishop Edward; The two commandments are sort of represented in the two beams of the cross. One reaches up to heaven and one to all humanity. Jesus united heaven and earth and reminds us that we are incarnate spirits. The connection between heaven and earth remains through Jesus.

We remain connected to our deceased in Jesus. The spiritual and corporal works of mercy unite us, but especially the Eucharist.

The same Jesus those in heaven behold in the Face is the same Jesus we receive in communion. The communion of saints.

We are also united in prayer.

Those is purgatory cannot yet pray for us so we pray for them.

On this All Souls' Day, let us remember and pray for our loved ones with gratitude and love. Let’s share their stories, keep their memories alive, and continue the legacy of love they gave us. By doing this, we ensure they remain present in our lives, guiding us on our paths.

May we remember that our dead are never truly gone until we forget them. Let us remember the souls of the faithful departed brothers and sisters in our daily prayers; may we also take a moment to reflect on how we can honor their memories through our actions, our love, and our faith.

In Christ's promise of eternal life, let us find comfort, and in our remembrance and prayers, let us put our hope in Jesus that one day we will be with them in heaven, our true home.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them" "May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace

Amen.