Christian Perspectives

Some theological insights of the commemoration of the faithful departed

We are got to make a sincere attempt to build up our spiritual life when participating in liturgical celebrations throughout the year. Commemoration means as it is said, our sense of spirituality is made whole, and thus it undoubtedly leads to carry out the Will of God in our day-to-day life.

As we do remember and pray for the faithful departed on the 2nd of November, its apt I would say, to be aware of the theological background and its historical setting as well.

The feast of the commemoration of the faithful departed is consisted of symbolic values through which the faithful are fed with spiritual nourishment. Hence this feast, celebrated on the 2nd of November each year, embraces the due reverence and respect to the dead. Dead ones are neither neglected nor forgotten. Departed near and dear ones do always live in our memory; their beautiful memories are brought forward in this way.

St. Basil (around 4th century) invited the neighbouring dioceses to share the relics of the martyrs with the sole purpose of commemoration of those who sacrificed their lives for the good of the church.

Around 6th century, Benedictine monks used to commemorate the feast of the faithful departed after the feast of Pentecost, thus at the 15th century Dominican monks as one family allowed every priest to offer three masses on this particular day. Historical background further proves that Pope Benedict XIV has approved this in 1748. Pope Benedict XV has allowed this noble custom of offering three masses for three different intentions (very especially those all who became victims of the World War were considered in this regard).

(*Intention of the priest who offers. *For the faithful departed, *Intention of the Holy Father.)

It should be noted that in Mexico, almost all cemeteries were crowded, from early morning people used to come to the cemeteries to spend the whole day. Burial places were decorated beautifully, in a way the whole place was given a new strength, thereby they showed that they will never leave the dead from their lives.

Also prayers were offered for them in a special way. Priests were seen in burial places visiting them, they used to preach on that day, and thus, they prayed over them and blessed them with holy water including the places.

'All souls day' ritual activities were rooted in Jewish atmosphere; Jewish influence was very much intermingled in such customs and practices. 'Relating with their forefathers after death' was prominent in the existing background.

And they appointed Levites, Hemam the son of Joel, and of his brethren Asaph the son of Barachias: and of the sons of Merari, their brethren: Ethan the son of Casaia. And with them their brethren: in the second rank, Zacharias, and Ben, and Jaziel, and Semiramoth, and Jahiel, and Ani, and Eliab, and Banaias, and Maasias, and Mathathias, and Eliphalu, and Macenias, and Obededom, and Jehiel, the porters. Now the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, sounded with cymbals of brass." (I Cori. 15/13 - 19).

As it was mentioned earlier, candles were lit, decorations were arranged in order to give due respect to the dead, such outward symbols did depict the inward attitude of those who were living.

We are got to be aware that this idea is lived even in our Catholic faith. "When God shall take my soul, thou shalt bury my body: and thou shalt honour thy mother all the days of her life: For thou must be mindful what and how great perils she suffered for thee in her womb" (Tobit 4/3-4). In accordance with this scripture passage, we are reminded about the sense of respect and reverence belongs to those who are gone before us. Thus the second letter of Maccabees 12/45.

"And because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them.

With godliness... Judas hoped that these men who died fighting for the cause of God and religion, might find mercy: either because they might be excused from mortal sin by ignorance; or might have repented of their sin, at least at their death." Embraces some theological insights of this day, yet as Christians our ultimate end of life is highlighted. We may help those who are gone before us in offering masses for them and praying for them to be partakers of the Eternal life, so that the Good Lord may wipe away all their iniquities.

As the concluding remark I wish to note that the Death is a positive reminder to each one of us to be more and more human and Christian in our way conduct.

Rev. Fr. Indra Fernando

Parish Priest, Batagama

Pope wants saints marchin' in

All Saints Day "rekindles the desire to be united forever with the family of saints," Pope Benedict said, citing the line "Lord how I want to be in that number, when the saints go marching in" from the New Orleans spiritual classic.

Speaking in Italian from his window overlooking St Peter's Square, the pontiff added: "May this lovely hope burn in all Christians, and help them to overcome all difficulties, all fears, all tribulations!" In the Western Christian tradition, All Saints Day honours unknown as well as known saints.

Originally a slow New Orleans funeral dirge, "When the Saints Go Marching In" was popularised in the 1930s as a quick paced jazz standard by Louis Armstrong, its apocalyptic lyrics remaining intact.

In another speech, Pope Benedict told an audience with Charismatic Catholics in Rome that the movements and new communities within the Church are like "eruptions of the Holy Spirit in the Church and in contemporary society." Participants in the 13th Conference of the Catholic Fraternity of Charismatic Covenant Communities and Fellowship were received by Pope Benedict at the Vatican on Friday morning, *Catholic News Agency* reports.

"As I have stated on other occasions," the Pope said, "ecclesial movements and new communities, which have flourished since Vatican Council II, constitute a unique gift from the Lord and a invaluable resource for the life of the Church. They should be welcomed with confidence and esteemed for their various contributions so that they might be of efficient and fruitful benefit to all."

The charismas of the Holy Spirit have an impact on the local Church too, said the Pope as he expounded on one of the conferences themes. He noted that the New Testament tells us that charismas appear as visible signs of the coming of the Holy Spirit, and that these charismas are "not a historical event of the past, but an ever living reality" in the Church.

"The movements and new communities," Pope Benedict said, "are like eruptions of the Holy Spirit in the Church and contemporary society. We can affirm that one of the elements and positive aspects of the Communities of Charismatic Covenant Renewal is the emphasis that the charisms and gifts of the Holy Spirit receive in these and their merit is in having recalled the actuality of these [charismas and gifts] in the Church."

Pope Benedict also recalled that both Vatican II and the Catechism of the Church praise the good accomplished by Catholic charismatic communities, while also emphasising that their authenticity is "guaranteed by their openness to submit to the discernment of ecclesial authority. Precisely because there is a promising flourishing of ecclesial movements and community, it is important that pastors practise a prudent and wise discernment process with them."

Catholic literary awards

The Catholic Writers Association's annual gathering at Archbishop's House was held recently under the patronage of Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Dr. Marius Peiris.

The guest speech was made by Dr. Dayananda Welikadarachi. Leonard Cooray, Moris Bollegala and Roy Perera were present. Rev. Fr. Reginald Jayamane of Bakthiprobodaya also participated.

A "Pooja" dance was presented by Dankotuwa Balika Vidyalaya. Most of the literary awards went to rural students in nationalised christian schools. There were awards to essay writing, poetry, short story writing, children's stories and drama. The awards were presented by Rev. Bishop Peiris. No awards went to catholic private schools and international schools.

It was discussed as to how the Writers' Association could be revived in the present context and the difficulties the catholic writers face in the country.

'Kithu Sevana' donates wheelchairs

Nimal Perera - Wattala group corr.

The distribution of wheelchairs organised by Deepaloka Welfare Association and donated by Kithu Sevana Welisara was held under the patronage of priest in charge of Daham School of Roman Catholic Church, Balagala Rev. Fr. Prageeth Chamara recently.

Paster Denvor Fernandopulle from Kithu Sevana participated at the ceremony as a special invitee. This was the third distribution of wheelchairs during this year conducted by Deepaloka Welfare Association.

Rev. Fr. Prageeth Chamara said that this was a very useful project conducted by Deepaloka Welfare Association which benefits needy people. "It was our duty to help them. Kithu Sevana has done a great service by donating wheelchairs.

We must thank them for the donation and to Deepaloka Welfare Associaiton for organizing such a valuable project," Fr. Prageeth said. He paid a special tribute to Pastor Denvor Fernandopulle who arranged the wheelchairs.

Pastor Denvor Fernandopulle promised to arrange another five or ten wheelchairs on a request made by Deepaloka Welfare Association.

A group of members of the Deepaloka Welfare Association were also attended in the function.

Holy Cross College, Gampaha:

A Journey through The Cross for 80 years - 1928-2008

J.I. Rosairo

The patronal feast of Holy Cross College, Gampaha, which indeed is the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was celebrated on September 15.

The Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, Rt.Rev.Dr. Marius Peiris, who was the celebrant at a concelebrated Holy Mass was conducted in a procession from the Lisieux convent to the Gymnasium, to the accompaniment of Kandyan Dancers and Drumemrs.

Associated with his Lordship were the Mother Superior, Rev.Sister Anne Muriel, the Principal, Rev. Sister Deepani, the Vice-Principal, Rev. Sister Hiranthi and of course the doyen of Principals and a legend of the times, Rev. Sister Nellie Helen.

Also in the procession were teachers present and past, distinguished past students and well wishers. Assisting His Lordship at the Eucharistic Celebrations were the parish priests of neighbouring missions, and also the chaplain to the sisters, Rev. Father Moraes.

In his homily, His Lordship eloquently described Holy Cross as a great institution and a beacon of light not only to Gampaha but to the rest of the country.

The school, he added, had a great vision which no doubt contributed much towards the popularity and success that Holy Cross had been able to enjoy over the years.

Rev. Sister Deepani, Principal, speaking on the great strides the College had made, implored the Lord to bless abundantly present and past teachers whose devotion and guidance had made this institution, one much sought after.

The service was well attended to by the entire student population, present and past teachers, past students and well wishers. Despite the gloom and the rain-laden clouds that pervaded the skies at the time, the weather itself miraculously stayed bright and fine throughout the entire celebrations.

This year's celebrations, incidentally takes on a new dimension in that the College is simultaneously celebrating her 80th Birthday. To take a glimpse into her past history, the College commenced activities in 1924, but it was only in the year 1928 that she was registered as a 'grant-in-aid' school. Holy Cross College could be likened to the story of the 'mustard seed, as told in the Gospels. It was a tiny speak in the educational field then, but has grown, in today's context, into a huge tree, where birds of divers kinds and colour come to rest.

In 1941, at the request of the then Archbishop, Dr. J.M. Mason, the school was entrusted to the Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel Congregation and Holy Cross has been in safe hands ever since.

Holy Cross College, incidentally, is one of those great schools away from the hustle and bustle of the city, indeed an ornament of the Church and Society. Pupils with their simplicity of spirit, good manners and mutual kindness adorn the different walks of life to which they are called upon.

An impressive, 3-storeyed building, to commemorate this great event was completed on time for the occasion through the generosity of present and past students, parents and well-wishers.

This was blessed and declared open by His Lordship, another valuable addition to a school pathetically devoid of accommodation for an over demanding and an increasing intake of students.

Caritas gifts 1602 houses for tsunami victims

Kumara UDAYARATNE

1602 houses have been constructed and completed by Caritas SED Galle, the social and economic development centre of the Southern Province Catholic church in the districts of Galle, Matara and Hambantota affected by the tsunami.

About 2,000 million rupees have been spent for this purpose. The Rassandeniya housing scheme, Donra, Matara constructed after spending 50 million rupees was handed over to the ownership of the people recently.