All Souls Day

Francesca McGuire 23 in the arms of her one of a kind Nonni, who passed in 2022.

Photo Provided by Gina McGuire

Francesca McGuire ’23 in the arms of her one of a kind Nonni, who passed in 2022.

Reagan Beuerlein, Staff Writer and Social Media Director

On Nov. 2, we celebrated All Souls Day in the Catholic Church. According to our faith, the soul of someone who dies can go to one of three places: heaven, hell, or purgatory. The power of prayer is like no other; therefore, Catholics believe that through prayer here on Earth, the deceased may enter heaven because their sins have been cleansed.

Senior Emma Oskorus at age 10, with her beautiful grandma who passed in 2021. (Photo Provided by Gigi Oskorus)

 

Whether it is a prayer service with your family and friends, or one-on-one time with God, it is important to acknowledge the faithfully departed. There are also many other ways to celebrate this day: you can visit the final resting place of a loved one, light a candle, take their favorite gift to their grave, publish a tribute, or hold a remembrance lunch or dinner. By doing this, we too can one day reach our goal to be in heaven with God forever.

 

Senior Camila Zavala shares her thoughts on this special day: “A few months ago, my paternal grandmother passed away. It was really tragic and sudden– the result of a home invasion. I never got to see her much, and the last time I saw her, my sister told me it’d probably be the last time I’d see her. When she died, I was really mad at myself for not spending more time with her or calling her more. On All Soul’s Day, or Dia de los Muertos for me (I’m Mexican), I felt at peace just remembering her and everything that made her unique among all the other grandmas in the world. I still pray for her and I’d like to think she’s watching over me. We weren’t necessarily close, but All Souls Day is a reminder that it’s never too late to create a connection to a loved one who’s passed on”.

Reagan Beuerlein ’23 with her wonderful grandfather who sadly passed in the year of 2019 to cancer. (Photo Provided by Tiffany Beuerlein)

 

Overall, All Souls Day has a special effect not only on those that have gone before us, but also those here on earth today. It gives a sense of clarity to know that we are helping those we love be at peace forever. Knowing that family and friends who have passed are on the right track towards being with God eternally is all we ask for as Christians; an extra bonus is to know that they will be watching over us no matter what. Remember to also pray for those souls who have been forgotten, that they may feel the love they deserve.