While death is inevitable, we Catholics believe that the sacrifice of Jesus destroyed the power of death and opened the gates of heaven. Here are a few tangible things we can do during “Hallowtide” – a festive, solemn and holy period Oct. 31-Nov. 2 originating in the 6th century – to remember and pray for our deceased loved ones.
All Hallows’ Eve
All Hallows’ Eve falls on Oct. 31, when the Church traditionally held a vigil as worshipers prepared themselves with prayers and fasting prior to All Hallows’ Day (All Saints Day). The name comes from the Old English “hallowed,” meaning holy or sanctified – now shortened to the familiar word “Hallowe’en.”
To do: Build a bonfire representing Christ’s light and victory over death, go to Mass and remember your loved ones. (It’s also fine to indulge children in Halloween festivities.)
Day of the Dead
The traditional Mexican celebration Dia de los Muertos – or Day of the Dead – has become a mainstream holiday in pop culture, with its colorfully decorated sugar skulls. It is a celebration of life to honor the memory of deceased loved ones, pray for souls in purgatory and seek intercession on their behalf from those in heaven. It begins the evening of Oct. 31 and runs through Nov. 2.
To do: Build a home altar
All Saints Day
The Feast of All Saints (Nov. 1) dates to the 4th century, when persecuted Christian communities held prayer vigils, lit fires and candles, and celebrated Masses for martyrs.
To do: Go to Mass (it’s a holy day of obligation) and pray to the saints, known and unknown, that they continue to guide us along our path to salvation and intercede for souls in purgatory.
All Souls’ Day
The Feast of All Souls (Nov. 2) is a holy day to honor and pray for all the dead. Catholics believe that through the prayers of the faithful on earth, souls in purgatory are cleansed of their sins so they may enter heaven. The custom of setting a special day to pray for the dead on Nov. 2 was first established by St. Odilo of Cluny in 998.
To do: Pray for the souls in purgatory and give up something on their behalf. Visit a cemetery to pray for the dead, lighting candles or bringing flowers. There is an indulgence for souls in purgatory that can be obtained by those in a state of grace who visit a cemetery or a church and say specified prayers for each.
How to build a home altar
Day of the Dead home altars are usually comprised of three tiers representing the living, the departed souls in purgatory, and the saints in heaven:
1. Set up a three-tiered shelf or table. On the top tier, place a crucifix or icon of Our Lord, surrounded by images of saints or the Blessed Virgin Mary.
2. On the middle tier, place pictures or memorabilia of departed loved ones.
3. On the lowest tier, place favorite foods or beverages of deceased loved ones. You can add colorful skulls made of sugar, clay or chocolate as a reminder that while death is a certainty, we strive for eternal life with God in heaven.
4. Use colorful paper, representing joy, to decorate the altar. Add flowers, such as yellow marigolds that symbolize Mary. Place votive candles on all three levels, symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World. Then, remember your departed loved ones at the altar – through prayer, by sharing funny and meaningful stories, and by serving their favorite foods.