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Celebrate All Souls Day

In Mexico, and many areas of Latin America, All Souls Day is known as the Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, and is one of the most sacred days in the cycle of feasts. More festive than mourning, the people laugh at the enemy, Death, because as Christians they know that our soul does not die. Through the glorious Resurrection, we can say with Job, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and because He lives, I too shall live.”

Folklore tells that the souls return to earth to visit during the first days of November, and elaborate preparations are made to welcome them.

Families go to the Camp Santo (cemetery) to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones with elaborate designs made of the beautiful yellow zempaxuchitl, a form of marigold. In some places, families take a picnic and bring along mariachi musicians to celebrate in the hallowed graveyards. Home altars known as ofrendas are set up and decorated with food, religious images, flowers, fruits and candles. Beautiful cut paper called papel picado hangs festively in the churches and homes. Humorous little images of skeletons abound to remind the people that the enemy, Death, has been conquered. Prayers and Masses recall to mind the cherished friends and families who have passed from this earth.

In recent years, a number of parishes in the United States have adapted this custom to celebrate the lives of the deceased members of the parish.

We, too, can celebrate All Souls with joy. On your family altar, place photos or other reminders of each of your loved ones who have passed from this world. Add flowers and perhaps a candle. Pray the rosary for the dead. Have Mass said for the repose of their souls. And always remember to thank the good God for all the joy they brought you on this earth, and the joy we hope to spend in eternity.