All Souls Day Observed in St Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Pics by Joy Fernandes
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 02 Nov 2022: The All Souls Day, a day of commemoration of all the departed faithful of the St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle was observed on 2 November 2022 at 5.30 pm with a solemn Requiem Mass offered in the cemetery  in the presence of a large number of parishioners. Though there was rain in the afternoon, the evening was clear of rains. 

 

The parishioners came to the cemetery quite in advance to decorate the graves of their loved ones with flowers and candles. The entire cemetery was looking bright and lively with flowers and candles. 

 

The Solemn Requiem Mass was offered by Fr. Pradeep Cardoza-Assistant Parish Priest as the chief celebrant along with Fr. George D’Souza-Parish Priest, Fr. Anston Fernandes (OFM Cap) and another priest.

 

In his homily, Fr. Anston Fernandes narrated the importance and significance of the All Souls Day.

 

 

At the end of the Mass, Fr. George D’Souza conducted the prayer service and later the priests blessed the graves as the family members stood by and prayed for the salvation of their dear and near ones who had departed from this world. 

 

The liturgy of the All Souls Day Requiem Mass was animated by the ICYM members.

 

All Souls’ Day commemorates the faithful departed. In Western Christianity, this day is observed principally in the Catholic Church, although some churches of the Anglican Communion and the Old Catholic Churches also celebrate it. The Eastern Orthodox churches observe several All Souls’ Days during the year. The Roman Catholic celebration is associated with the doctrine that the souls of the faithful who at death have not been cleansed from the temporal punishment due to venial sins and from attachment to mortal sins cannot immediately attain the beatific vision in heaven, and that they may be helped to do so by prayer and by the sacrifice of the Mass (see Purgatory).[1] In other words, when they died, they had not yet attained full sanctification and moral perfection, a requirement for entrance into Heaven. This sanctification is carried out posthumously in Purgatory.