Bishop Michael Mulvey officiated the All Souls Day Mass in the chapel at Seaside Memorial Park and Funeral Home on Nov. 2. Those who came to Mass brought framed photographs of departed loved ones and the photos filled two tables on each side of the altar.
The congregation lit votive candles placed in glass holders that reflected brilliantly on two round tables. Father Pete Elizardo, the rector of Corpus Christi Cathedral and pastor at Sacred Heart Parish, was the master of ceremony.
All Souls Day is a solemn celebration commemorating all those who have died and are now in Purgatory. Bishop Mulvey spoke in his homily about eternity and how we must continue to pray for those we have lost. He added that in honoring loved ones, we remain spiritually connected to them. He also said that those who brought the photos, as well as those who were being remembered, all shared a special unity through prayer and petition.
Msgr. Michael Howell served as cantor during Mass, and several deacons and priests were in attendance as well. They were available to bless gravesites at the request of those who attended. Following Mass, individuals and families went to the gravesites of loved ones and waited for a priest or deacon to come and offer a special blessing.
Those offering blessings of gravesites included Father Rogel Rosalinas, Father John Gaffney, Father Paul Hesse, Father Carlos De La Rosa and Deacon Armando Botello.
“Today we remember those who have died, but with faith and hope in what Jesus promised us, our loved ones are experiencing eternal life,” Father Elizardo said. “We will always carry in our hearts the memory of those we have lost.”