TURA: It was a day of reminiscence and memory marked by love and tenderness. It was also a day to remember the tender grace of days and people ‘no more’.
The annual observance of All Souls’ Day to remember and pray for the departed souls took place on Thursday in different parts of Garo Hills with Holy Eucharistic Mass being held in cemeteries attended by the Catholic faithful in their thousands.
The oldest Catholic cemetery near Bishop House in Tura was filled with devotees and family members, old and young, who came and placed floral wreaths, lit candles and offered prayers at the graves of their loved ones.
Leading the Catholic faithful of Garo Hills in observing All Souls’ Day was the Bishop of Tura, Rt. Rev. Andrew R Marak who held a special church service at the cemetery in Williamnagar town.
In Tura, Ref. Fr C J Jose led the devotees in observing the special day as he gave his homely dwelling on the importance of being closer to God.
“One day we all have to leave this world and we cannot predict the future. However, God has given each one of us a duty to do in this world and we should complete the task. Time is very precious in this world, so, spend every moment with family and loved ones,” said Fr Jose as he gave an example of a neurosurgeon with cancer who against all odds and despite failing health continued with his medical duty caring for patients until the disease overtook him.
“This surgeon from America knew he would not live for long in this world, yet, he decided to complete his task given by God,” said Fr Jose.
Highlighting the significance of All Souls’ Day, he said that it is a special occasion in which we all come together to offer prayers and remember our loved ones who have departed ahead of us.
The observance culminated with priests blessing the graves with holy water as the church choir sang hymns of praise to the Lord.