All Souls Day at Hove Cemerery

Today, 2^nd November, is All Souls Day and for the first time I attended the Blessing of the Graves at Hove Cemetery. There were four Catholic priests in attendance; Fr Kevin Dring and Fr Francis, Sacred Heart; Fr Jerry O’Brien, St Peter’s and Fr Alistair Simmons, St Theresa’s with St George’s and the Mass Centre.

 

For Western Christianity – and particularly for Catholics - All Souls Day commemorates the faithful departed. According to Catholic doctrine, the souls of those faithful who, at death, have not yet attained full sanctification and moral perfection may be helped to attain the beatific vision in heaven through prayers and the sacrifice of the Mass. Indeed, prayer for the dead has roots in Judaism and early Christianity, prayer for both named individuals and classes of deceased, while the memorial feast itself originated in the 11^th century.

This occasion is popularly known as the Feast of All Souls in the UK, but has different names overseas - for Spanish speakers it is El Dia de los Muertos ‘the Day of the Dead’ – and there are varying national traditions and beliefs. For example, many believe the souls from Purgatory are allowed to return to earth on All Souls Day: Austrians believe they wander the forests, praying for release; Poles hold that the dead visit their parish church at midnight and then visit their families ( - so a door or window is left open for them and sometimes an extra place is set at the table!).

Throughout November we remember the Faithful Departed. At Sacred Heart Church we celebrate a special Mass for all deceased parishioners, a book of remembrance is kept by the altar and, as individuals, we pray for our deceased relatives and friends (and for those with no one else to pray for them), and may take advantage of indulgences particular to this time.

And, of course, we also visit the graves of our deceased, spruce them up, sprinkle some holy water, leave a votive candle or two and some flowers - especially chrysanthemums and marigolds that symbolise the beauty of the paradise that we lost and can now regain through the sacrifice of Jesus.