All Souls

Naia, on placement from Challenge in Wellington, cleaning Dad's grave in South Auckland in September this year.

The last of Mum's siblings, Aunty Joan, died this year. Fr Phil Bennenbroek, who I live with in community, lost his Dad not long ago. Various confreres have died recently too. The generations come and go and every year on this day we remember our loved ones and all the dead especially those who have no one to pray for them. My mother instilled in me prayer for the Holy Souls.

Today, too, those who are able may visit the graves of their loved ones and place flowers on their grave. I find it such a tangible act of love and an opportunity to remember them in prayer.

Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them, May they rest in peace.

Today, All Souls Day, falls on a Sunday when we acknowledge and celebrate the Lord's Resurrection. The Gospel today is taken from Luke 7:11-17, the widow of Nain. Jesus says to the young man who had died and was being carried out of the town for burial, 'Young man , I tell you get up.' We pray for all those who have died that they too will here the voice of Jesus telling them to get up to enjoy the fullness of life in his presence.

Nine years after my father's death I was inspired to compose a song for him after visiting his grave. As you remember your loved ones who have died and those known and unknown to you, you may like to listen to 'Song for Dad.'

Blessings on your week