All Souls’ Day, a solemn occasion dedicated to praying for the departed, was observed with deep reverence across the Shillong Archdiocese on Sunday. The Mother Parish of Laitumkhrah, the central parish of the Archdiocese, witnessed particularly large gatherings as the faithful came together in prayer and remembrance.

Hundreds of believers offered prayers, laid flowers, and lit candles at the cemetery, paying tribute to deceased family members, friends, and all the departed faithful. The faithful sought God’s mercy and eternal peace for their souls.

A Holy Mass at the Grave Yard of Laitumkhrah Parish was presided over by Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, Archbishop of Shillong, who served as the main celebrant. In his homily, Archbishop Lyngdoh reflected on the spiritual meaning of All Souls’ Day and called upon the faithful to contemplate eternal life and the hope found in God.

“Our prayer today is not only to remember those who have gone before us, but also to renew our hope in God, who grants us eternal life,” Archbishop Lyngdoh said.

He urged families and communities to continue practicing acts of love, prayer, and remembrance as expressions of unity with the souls of the departed.

All Souls’ Day remains an important tradition in the Catholic Church, emphasizing prayers for the souls in purgatory so that they may attain eternal rest in God’s presence.

Following the Mass, Archbishop Lyngdoh led a special prayer service and blessed the graves, as the congregation joined in solemn devotion to honor and remember their loved ones who have passed on.