My nephew died in October, 2010. My niece (his cousin) died in March, 2011. Both deaths were tragic, both deaths were “not fair.” Erich and Sara have been on my mind and in my heart every day of the last year, especially during the month of November. November, after all, is the month when the Catholic Church turns its attention to “last things:” we remember those who “have gone before us, marked with the sign of faith;” our Scripture readings at mass imagine the end of this world; and the 2011 liturgical year ends as Advent begins. Turn around, turn around …
As part of the Sacred Heart Home’s recognition of the significance of the month of November in the Catholic Church, we celebrated a Memorial Mass on Saturday, November 12. At the Mass, we remembered those residents who died since last November. The loved ones of the deceased were invited to attend, and carried up a vigil candle (placed on the altar) during the Procession of Gifts, as the names of the dead were called out. Haunting perhaps, but as I heard from family members who participated, it was also a healing and very much appreciated.
As the names of our dead were called out, I couldn’t help but silently add the names of my dead, Erich and Sara. I don’t feel guilty about this; in fact, it seems to me that God is perfectly fine with it. November, after all, is the month for Catholics to remember. To remember and to believe that the baptized follow the pattern set for us by Jesus Christ: Christ has died, Christ is risen ….
