(AP Photo)
You may no longer see them.
But one can still keep in touch with the departed beloved anytime, anywhere.
The medium is prayer, said Msgr. Joseph Tan, media liaison officer of the Archdiocese of Cebu.
He encouraged the faithful to spend time in prayer as they observe All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2.
“As we remember those who have gone ahead of us, let us be connected with them through prayer. We actually have the capacity to help each other. We pray for them without cease while they aid us through prayers. Our relationships with them still remains,” said Tan.
Catholic doctrine situates the Church of Jesus Christ in three realities: Church Triumpant (souls in heaven including martyrs and saints) , the Church Suffering (souls in purgatory) and the Church Militant (the living).
“All Saints’ Day is the feast of the Church triumphant which includes those who were not canonized by the Church yet were faithful to God in their lifetime. We celebrate their victory as we are reminded to emulate their lives,” he said.
Purgatory is a place for purification of those die in a state of grace.
“All Souls Day is intended for the souls of those who still need further cleansing. We can help them with our prayers,” Tan said.
The living ask the intercession of saints, while the saints, together with the souls in purgatory, pray for the living.
The interplay of all three is a relationship known as the “communion of saints” which is mentioned in the Apostle’s Creed.
Those who visit cemeteries this weekend and pray for the dead on the first eight days of November can merit a plenary indulgence granted by the Church for absolution of one’s sins.
The believer must be in a state of grace which means he or she went to confession, attended Mass, and prayed the “Our Father,” one “Hail Mary,” and one “Glory Be” for the intention of the Church and the Pope.
Masses will be celebrated in cemeteries and churches on Nov. 1 and 2.
Tan reminded the faithful to mainatin the solemnity of the celebration.
“November 1 and 2 are holy days when we remember our departed loved ones. We remember their lives and we want to show them that we still love them although they are gone from this world,” he said.
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