Shillong, November 2: Catholic faithful gathered at the Mary Help of Christians Cemetery in Laitumkhrah on Monday to pray for their departed loved ones and remember them on the occasion of All Souls’ Day.
The Archbishop of Shillong, Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, presided over the Holy Mass, during which the faithful prayed for the souls of the departed and entrusted them to God’s mercy.
Graves decorated with flowers reflected the enduring love and affection of families for those who had passed away. The solemn atmosphere, marked by prayer and silence, brought together the sorrow of separation and the hope offered by faith.
In his homily, Archbishop Lyngdoh reflected on death, the departure from earthly life and the promise of eternal life. He explained that, according to Christian belief, life does not end with death, but continues beyond this world, offering hope and consolation to those mourning their loved ones.
He described death as a departure from earthly life and eternal life as everlasting communion with God. This belief, he said, strengthens the faithful in praying for the departed and encourages them to entrust their loved ones to divine mercy.
The Archbishop also reminded the congregation that although their loved ones were no longer physically present, their love and memories continued to live in the hearts of those left behind. Through prayer, the faithful keep alive this enduring bond while holding on to the hope of eternal life.
Families attending the Mass remembered those who had touched and shaped their lives, finding comfort in collective prayer and shared faith.
The Catholic Church observes All Souls’ Day every year on November 2 to pray for the souls of the faithful departed. It follows All Saints’ Day, celebrated on November 1.
Visits to cemeteries, floral tributes and prayers at graves are among the important traditions associated with the observance. The occasion also reminds the living of the brevity of earthly life, encouraging them to cherish their relationships and deepen their faith in God.
