A Note from our Pastor November 5, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we enter the month of November, our hearts turn to the sacred and solemn duty of remembering all the faithful departed. In this holy season, we reflect upon the beauty of eternal life, our connection with the Communion of Saints, and our calling to pray for the souls who have gone before us into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.

On a personal note, this November will be somewhat more special and perhaps even nostalgic since it is the first ‘All souls month’ after the passing of my beloved mother. Likewise, many of you might have special memories of your loved ones who have passed away. However, it is important to remember that this month is also a month of great hope.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death, they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven” (CCC 1030). This purification, which we call Purgatory, emphasizes the profound mercy and justice of God.

Throughout Scripture, we find solace in the promise of life beyond this earthly existence. Jesus assures us “All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out.” (John 6:37) St. Paul’s words to the Romans bring comfort to our hearts: “For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39). This truth reminds us that God’s love endures even in death.

During this month of November, I encourage you to:

• Attend Mass and offer it for the souls of your departed loved ones; Inscribe their names in the ‘Book of the deceased” whom we pray for at each Mass in November.
• Visit cemeteries and pray for all the faithful departed, especially those who may have no one to pray for them.
• Pray for all bishops, priests, and nuns who have been called to eternal life but, since they dedicated their lives to the church in a special way, they might not have a successive family chain to intercede for them.

In our prayers for the departed, let us remember that we are bound together by our faith, and we strive to strengthen the bonds between the Church Militant (us on Earth), the Church Suffering (the souls in Purgatory), and the Church Triumphant (the saints in Heaven). In this way, we participate in the great Mystery of the Communion of Saints and express our hope in the resurrection and eternal life.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

With blessings and prayers,

Fr. James Cherickal