The Gift of November
For Catholics, the month of November is a special gift from our Church. The entire month is dedicated to remembering and honouring all our friends and family who have gone before us.
Although the entire month is dedicated to those who have gone before us, there are two special days at the beginning of the month to set the scene.
All Saints Day on November 1st honours all the saints. On this day are invited to think about the lives of both the official and well known saints as well as all the unofficial saints, known only to God and perhaps to us. Remembering them is a way of staying in touch with them in the Communion of Saints. A friend today described the Communion of Saints as “A cheering crowd behind us, giving encouragement”
All Souls Day is celebrated on November 2nd and on this day we remember and pray for those who have gone before us who are undergoing purification in Purgatory. As members of the Body of Christ we can help our deceased family members with our prayers and sacrifices
John O’Donohue in his book “Beauty: the Invisible Embrace” explains things this way:
“Our friends among the dead now live where time and space are transfigured. They behold us now in ways they never could have when they lived beside us on earth”
“When we lose someone to death they slip out of visible form into invisible presence. But because we cannot see them does not mean they are not there. Though they cannot reappear, they continue to be near us. Part of the healing of grief is the refinement of our hearts whereby we come to sense their loving nearness.”
I definitely sense the nearness of ancestors, especially at this time of year. I think especially of my parents. I remember them with love, cherish the memories and am so grateful for how their influence continues to shape my life. My Dad died very suddenly of a heart attack at the young age of 64. Although that was many years ago, I still feel close to him and “Consult” him when I am worried or have decisions to make. In my Dad I saw a man who quietly and generously helped many people. From him I learned the importance of both action and contemplation. I know that my Dad is still near me, still encouraging me to be a better person.
My younger brother died of cancer at the age of 55 and he taught our family how to hold our large spread out family together. He was the one who always made the important phone calls, the regular personal visits. He always talked about the importance of keeping in touch. He is still teaching our family and whenever I think of him or look at his picture, I make an effort to reach out to a family member. My brother is not far away and still prompts us to keep in touch.
Another November tradition which helps us remember and honour our loved ones is to look at pictures of them. In our family we have lots of photos, some old-fashioned hard copies and some on our phones. During this month especially, we take the time to look at these pictures individually. Then we spend time in prayer with each person as this is another way of expressing our love and gratitude.
So, during this special month of November, a gift given to us by our Church, let us continue to pray for our loved ones as a sign of our continued love for them. They will pray for us also because love never dies.