In today’s passage of the Gospel Jesus tells us whom we shall be after accomplishing this earthly pilgrimage: “Indeed they cannot die any more, because they are like Angels and are sons and daughters of God, being children of the resurrection”. This term ‘children of the resurrection’ tunes us to our final destination that is heaven. It takes on greater importance in the month of November when traditionally we pray with a higher commitment for our deceased brothers and sisters. This prayer for the dead in the Church has been kept alive since Early Christianity. The Church, as a good mother, remembers her departed sons and daughters during each Mass. Every Eucharistic Prayer contains a prayer for the dead, for example – in the Third Eucharistic Prayer the priest says: “To our departed brothers and sisters and to all who were pleasing to you at their passing from this life, give kind admittance to your Kingdom”. Why should we pray for the dead and why is this prayer so important? The answer is pretty simple: while being on this world we may pray for ourselves, for the living and for the dead; yet, when our earthly pilgrimage is over we cannot help ourselves anymore and we need to rely on the prayers offered by our living brothers and sisters. Prayer for the dead helps our loved ones and expresses our spiritual charity and mercy for them and also confirms our faith in the resurrection and life eternal.
On Monday, November 11th, we observe the memorial of St. Martin of Tour and simultaneously Remembrance Day that is a memorial of the members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. There will be an additional Mass in our church at 9 am.
On Saturday, November 16th, there will be a memorial Mass celebrated at 10 am for the deceased whose names are written in our Book of Life. Please, write down the names of your loved ones and come for the Mass to pray for them.
As you might see, the renovation of the confessional has been completed so that we may use it for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In our church Confessions are heard on Sundays from 10:30 am, on Thursdays during the Adoration from 6:15 pm and anytime upon request. I would like to express my special appreciation for having done this renovation.
May the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace!
God bless,
Fr. Peter
