Last Wednesday evening, we entered the church in DARKNESS. It was a SOLEMN AND MOVING PROCESSION. For many participants, it was a reminder of the last time they participated in an Easter Vigil: entering the House of God in darkness following the newly blessed Paschal Candle and holding their own lit candles. THE LIGHT OF CHRIST lifts us up from our Baptism throughout our entire life on earth. This time, the HOLY SPIRIT had guided us to pray for the souls of our RECENTLY DECEASED parishioners in a new way. It is hard for a single individual to resist the Movements of the Holy Spirit. It is nearly impossible for a "family of families" mourning the loss of loved ones to resist the invitation of the Holy Spirit to come and pray together in a totally NEW WAY.

The Holy Spirit had allowed us plenty of time to plan a new event. The inspiration was given to one of our parishioners deeply mourning a recent loss. It was simple and spiritual. In addition to the traditional 9 am Mass on All Souls Days, remembering and praying for all the souls of the faithful departed, why not have an additional evening Mass focusing on those loved ones that have passed away recently.

As background, here are some statistics. On average, we have one funeral Mass in our church every other week. Our parish population of about 1,200 registered families is still relatively young. Many parishes of similar size have a much larger number of funerals. Over the last three years, we have celebrated a total of about 70 funerals. But every funeral is a big loss for our "family of 1,200 families"... When one family in our parish suffers, all families suffer.

Every single funeral Mass celebrates the life of a deeply loved one. It is an opportunity for one family to pray with their extended family and friends. It is always moving to pray for the repose of a loved one shortly after they have been called back home by the Father. It is also a time of reflection for all participants on their own relationship with God and on their own need for CONVERSION: to get closer to God, His Church, and His Sacraments (especially Confession and Holy Communion at Mass). JUST A REMINDER: IF ONE OF YOUR LOVED ONES IS SICK, DO NOT WAIT TO CALL FOR A PRIEST AT THE LAST MINUTE... IT MIGHT BE TOO LATE!

We wrote individual letters to each of the 70 families we knew had lost a loved one within the last three years. We invited them to participate in this special evening Mass on All Souls Day. Announcements were made in the Weekly Bulletin, FLOCKNOTES, posters, and from the "pulpit" at the end of all Masses several weeks ago. As it was a new event, we had no idea how many families would respond and eventually participate.

We knew that those who would come will find consolation in their mourning. But we could not imagine that over 200 people would show up on a Wednesday evening for Mass. Unlike All Saints Day (November 1st), All Souls Day (November 2nd) is not a Holy Day of Obligation and usually does not attract much attendance.

The entrance in darkness was moving. Every family participating received a special candle with the name of their loved one. All the lit candles were placed at the foot of the altar in the sanctuary. It was a truly solemn procession. Our choir's beautiful singing during the procession was lifting up our prayers in the silence of our hearts. The Mass was solemn: two deacons, five altar servers.. and lots of incense rising with our prayers to Heaven! Father Jan's homily about life, death, and resurrection touched every family looking for a closer relationship with God. As concelebrant, I was moved to see a prayerful gathering of so many families I have known for a long time, and who on that night shared their individual mourning with other families in a truly Christian sense of community.

Volunteers had prepared some refreshments allowing for fellowship in the Narthex at the end of the Mass. Another opportunity for reaching out to one another.

Words cannot express the sense of Peace and Joy brought by the Holy Spirit on this awesome remembrance of our recently deceased parishioners. If you were unable to come this year, you are definitely invited to come next year. In 2023, All Souls Day will be on a Thursday. Mark your calendars: 7 pm November 2023! For those of you who participated this year, your feedback is much appreciated. Your thoughts for next year are most welcome: email office@olhoc.org.

Heavenly Father, we pray through your Son for the repose of the souls of all our beloved ones: keep the Light of Christ shining upon them! Holy Spirit, keep guiding our steps in following the Light of Jesus every day of our lives, away from the darkness of our sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. AMEN!

One in Christ,

Fr. Alain