All Saints Day

[pegkerr]

When we got to church today, there were five extra candles on the altar.

"What are those for?" Fiona asked. "Are we having five baptisms today?"

I pointed to the banner. "No, it's All Saints Day. That's the day that we honor the people who have died in the past year." I turned to the point in the bulletin where the prayers are written and showed her the paragraph. "See? Those five candles stand for these five people, whose names will be read during the service."

"How come Grandpa Bob's name isn't there?"

I gave her a hug, knowing how Fiona is still grieving for her grandfather. "He wasn't a member of our church, Fiona, but we still remember him on this day."

When the names were read at that point in the service, Fiona added under her breath, "And Grandpa Bob."

I hugged her again and leaned over to whisper, "Why don't we take that candle that Grandma Bev gave us at Grandpa Bob's funeral and light it when we get home?"

She brightened. "Yes, let's. And can we light it on November 23?"

I was touched at the realization that she remembered the exact date of his death. "Yes, of course."

For all of those of you remembering loved ones who died in the past year, we light our candle for you too, and offer you an All Saints Day blessing.

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Comments

[tinymich.livejournal.com]

*smile* your girls were evidently close to him. I never knew either of my grandfathers - they both died before I was born - so I envy them. they're lucky girls to have such a wonderful family.

[jbru.livejournal.com]

When I read these little tidbits about your family, I just get the feeling that there is so much love in that house. Thanks for sharing a little bit of it with the rest of us.

[haniaw.livejournal.com]

You are raising such very special daughters. This brought a tear to my eye.

Our church had a special service last week specifically dedicated to those who had passed in the last year. There was a lovely mass and then a special ceremony. Those of us who had lost someone (my father died in February) came up when their name was called and were given a red rose. The roses were placed in a vase below the altar. It was a very comforting ritual although it was very sad to see how many had died from the parish in just one year.

...Hania

[pegkerr.livejournal.com]

Oh, that really is a very lovely ritual! I might suggest that our church do something like that next year.

[coalboy.livejournal.com]

I did not get to church for either All Saints' or All Souls'. Thank you for posting the hymn, one of my favorites. I just sang verse one to myself, trying to remember the rest of the verses & will consult Oremus if I don't remember them.