Reflection

All Saints and All Souls Day

This week was the feast of All Saints. Throughout the year, the Church celebrates the lives of men and women who lived lives of heroic faithfulness. On this feast, we honour all holy men and women, those we officially recognize as saints or blessed, along with all those who are in heaven and known only to God, and, indeed all those faithful still living, who look forward to reaching the fullness of blessedness in heaven. 

At this time, we thank God for the tremendous sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. May God bless the memories of the saints, especially Mary and St Joseph. May we learn how to walk wisely from their examples of faith, dedication, worship, and love.

This week was also the feast of All Souls. In the book of Ecclesiastes, we hear the words, 'There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die…. a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.' (an extract from Ecclesiastes 3:1-11)

A long-standing tradition in the Church is to use All Souls Day, November 2, and the whole month of November to remember those who have died. We remember because life has changed, not ended.

At this time, may we pray for those who have died. May we pray for those people who lived among us and somehow touched our lives. May we especially pray for our family and friends, our neighbours and those in the Nazareth College Community who have passed away. May we open our hearts in a special way to those who mourn those who have died.

Holy Family of Nazareth, be our inspiration and our guide.

Jesus of Nazareth, help us to grow in Faith, Wisdom and Knowledge.