Remembering those who went before us

St Canice's parish church (RC)
in Kilkenny city

Next month will mark remembrance of the dead especially around the feasts of All Saints and All Souls.  Yesterday evening I attended the annual memorial Mass in Kilkenny on a wet and cold winter’s night.  This is an annual event specially for families of the deceased in Saint Luke’s General Hospital. Staff of the hospital participate in the Mass.

I was struck by the beautiful choir, the care shown in the celebration, the prayers of intercession, the carefully chosen readings and the active participation by the congregation.  It is a privilege to have known those whom we love and who have gone before us. We can be sure that, in every Mass, we are united with the whole Communion of Saints, joining our prayers with those of the Church Triumphant in heaven while also, according to Catholic tradition and doctrine, praying for the souls of the Church Suffering.