By Patricia Osegbue
The Catholic Church has called on christians to live righteous and exemplary lives while remembering the departed through prayers, as part of its annual All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day celebrations.
The call was made during a special Mass for the faithful departed held on Nov. 2, at the Archdiocesan Cemetery of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha.
The Mass, attended by dozens of Catholic faithful, was celebrated by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Prudentius Aroh, who represented the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke.
In his homily, the Rector of the Basilica, Rev. Fr. JohnBosco Ezika, described the gathering as a spiritual connection between the living and their departed loved ones, irrespective of where they were buried.
He explained that prayers offered for the dead were an expression of the church’s belief in God’s mercy and the hope that souls undergoing purification in purgatory would attain eternal rest.
Describing death as “the golden key to eternity,” Fr. Ezika reminded the congregation that everyone would eventually face divine judgement, urging christians to make good use of their time on earth through acts of kindness, righteousness and service to God.
He noted that the passing of time and the celebration of birthdays should remind people of the temporary nature of earthly life and the need to prepare for eternity.
“Time flies as each birthday we celebrate shortens our lives. We die instalmentally,” he said, encouraging the faithful to reflect on their lives and remain conscious of their spiritual responsibilities.
The rector commended members of the Purgatorian Society for their commitment to praying for departed souls, describing their devotion as an important expression of christian faith and charity.
Speaking on the significance of the celebration, a worshipper, Mrs. Ndidi Okeke, said the occasion provided families with an opportunity to entrust their departed loved ones to God’s mercy.
She stressed that remembering the dead should go beyond ceremonies, noting that christians have a continuing responsibility to pray for those who have passed on.
Similarly, another participant, Mr. Kenechukwu Ania, said the cemetery Mass strengthened his faith and reminded him of the importance of living a righteous life.
He observed that the celebration was not only about remembering departed relatives but also an opportunity for the living to examine their relationship with God and prepare for eternal life.
The annual observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day reminds Catholics of the communion of saints, the hope of eternal life and the importance of prayer, faith and good works.
Patricia Osegbue is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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