MONTH OF NOVEMBER – REMEMBERING THE DEAR DEPARTED

One of the most endearing qualities of Catholics is our deep reverence and affection for our loved ones who have passed away. This sentiment is especially profound in November, a month dedicated to honouring the faithfuldeparted. The practice of remembering and interceding for the deceased is part of a long-standing tradition in the Church. The catacombs of Rome vividly reveal how early Christians reverently buried their dead, kept their memories alive and looked forward to being united with them one day in heaven. It is no wonder they referred to their burial places as koimētērion (cemetery), meaning “dormitory,” while the Romans called their burial grounds necropolis, meaning “city of the dead”. In the early Church it was customary to inscribe the names of those to be remembered at Mass on large tablets known as diptychs, which the deacon would read aloud during the liturgy. It was also a tradition to celebrate the refri...