The Catholic Community will observe two annual events on November 1 to pay reverence to all the Saints on All Saints day and on November 2 to pay sorrowing tribute to the departed faithful on All Souls day.
In our busy life, we find no time to daily adore and pray to all the Saints. Therefore, this one day is kept aside to pray and to remember all the Saints. Every Catholic home has its own foundation cross or built separately in the house compound. Inside our house, we have a large number of framed pictures of Saints, hanging on the walls. At least on this special day, we must devote our time to clean the crosses, the statues and framed pictures of the Saints. We should light candles, place garlands and pray. Moreover, we see that many crosses are half-broken and the statues of saints in dilapidated chapels are in ruins.
We should clean the environment to remove the neglect and give a new lease of life on this All Saints Day. Then God’s blessing will dwell in our hearts and in our homes.
On November 2, Catholics will observe All Souls day, which means remembering the near ones who are dead. Our ancient culture has taught us that our parents and elders are to be treated with honor next only to God. So one of the ten commandments which Moses received from God on human conduct and relationship says, ‘Honor thy Father and thy Mother’. Youth and old age is a general aspect and it touches every human life. When we are young, everybody respects us with honuor and dignity. But when we grow old, we have to face bitter and harrowing experiences. Parents willingly sacrifice their time and hard-earned money to provide their children with every possible comfort and fulfill their part of the duty. But unfortunately, their sons and daughters-in-law either throw them out of their homes. Who listens to the commandments of God?
On November 2, the same people will visit the cemetery to pay sorrowful tributes to their parents and near and dear ones for the Open Air Mass with grief stricken faces and tears in their eyes.
