Why we remember

A message from Vice President Fr Anthony Casamento csma: The month of November offers a special opportunity of remembrance and to commemorate the lives of those we’ve held dear.

In our Christian tradition, this week we remember those we have known, who are no longer with us in this life. In the Catholic tradition, we call this All Souls Day (observed each year on 2 November) and on this day, as well as throughout the entire month of November, our hearts are filled with memories of loved ones who are no longer here on earth.  

The month offers us a special opportunity to reflect on our good fortune to have such kind and inspiring people who have had an impact on our life, and the time we’ve shared.  It’s important for us to remember their lives and offer our prayers that they may successfully complete their journey back home to God.

There are many ways in which we can commemorate the lives of those we miss: perhaps there is a place in the world that was special to that person; a favourite park or experience that reminds you of them; we may visit the place where they have been laid to rest and speak to them, letting them know that they are still with us.

Across our own campuses in each of our chapels we have an opportunity to remember them in the Book of Remembrance. You are invited to write the names of your deceased relatives and friends in these books and each Mass offered on campus during the month of November will be offered in their memory.

Those who are no longer with us have added to the colours of our coat and taught us so many ways in which to live and love. They offered us the gifts of faith, trust, and courage which we intertwine with our doubts and fears as we stand between what we have known and what is yet to be.  

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, may they rest in peace - Amen