The month of November, since the ninth century, has been dedicated to all of the Faithful departed. Since that time, November begins with All Saints Day and then All Souls Day. As the calendar year nears its end, and as the Church year is certainly "hastening" to Christ the King Sunday, the month is a providential opportunity to reflect on the communion of Saints, and our eternal life in Christ as well. Together with all of this, it is also a time to remember again the Church's teaching on purgatory, the Communion of Saints and all of our loved ones and friends who have "gone before us marked with the Sign of Faith." These past several days here in the Diocese of Fort Worth were a personal opportunity for me to do that as well. As previously noted, St. Boniface parish in Scotland, Texas celebrated its 100th anniversary. Prior to the Mass, I was able to visit the parish cemetery, right behind the Church, where the parishioners are still able to walk to burials. The cemetery is beautifully kept up, and is visited often by parishioners. This parish cemetery is a reminder of the custom, once so prevalent, of visiting cemeteries on All Souls day, and marking them with candles and flowers. This is still true in Italy and in Mexico, with the Dia de los Muertos.
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| Theology on Tap in Fort Worth |
On Tuesday evening I had the occasion to spend time with young adults at Theology on Tap. To a packed room we were able to speak of, and reflect on the importance of the Saints and devotion to them, and the process of canonization. In part of the presentation, I was able to show them the new Roman Missal, which will go into effect on November 27, and all of the Saints days there. Part of their response to this was a genuine welcome of the Missal and as one young adult expressed to me, "We are looking forward to the new translation, and know that it will be a a great improvement over the other."
"All You Saints of God, Pray for Us"
And,
"Eternal Rest Grant unto Them O Lord, and Let Perpetual Light Shine upon them."
AMEN