In Mexican and many Latino cultures, Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls Day culminate into one of the most sacred days of the year and is referred to as the “Day of the Dead” or “Día de los Muertos.” In recent years, this special feast was highlight in the superb Pixar film, “Coco”, which beautifully illustrates the importance that our ancestors can continue to play in our life and the life of our families. The film highlights the amazing respect and reverence that so many families continue to express in remembering and keeping alive the impact and influence their departed relatives and loved ones had on their lives.
In the Catholic Church, the month of November traditionally is a time to remember our deceased loved ones with a memorial Mass in their honor. The Catholic Feast days of All Saints Day and All Souls Day are not just about remembering the many famous and canonized “Saints” recognized, officially by the Church, but also to remember our own personal “saints”, who rest now with God and continue to watch over us. We need to remember them and the significant impact they had and continue to have on our life.
During my morning walks each day this month as well as at prayer and eucharist, I spend time praying for and to my own “saints” in Heaven. I lovingly remember my parents, uncles, aunts and other family members who helped shape me into the person I am today. Likewise, I recall friends, colleagues and former students who have returned home to God, but who I still love, deeply miss and find ways to keep their memory and impact on me alive.
One of my favorite songs that I like to reflect upon each year during this month is “Standing on their Shoulders” by Joyce J Rouse, aka Earth Mama. It reminds me that I must follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before me and who greatly impacted my life. We are all called to cherish the impact of our departed loved ones and to carry on their legacy of love by passing it onto those that follow us.
I encourage you to pray with the following music video of this great song and to remember those in your own life and reflect on how you might better embrace their gifts and legacy in your daily life. Likewise, let us also remember all those we have lost this year from Covid-19.