TURA: To commemorate the annual observance of All Souls’ Day, Catholics took part in a special holy mass at cemeteries across the Garo Hills region on Friday offering flowers and lighting candles on the graves of their departed loved ones.
All Souls’ Day is the commemoration of all the faithful departed, that is, of the souls of all Christians who have died, during which devotees take part in special prayers and church service in cemeteries to remember their loved ones who have passed away and offer prayers for their soul.
In Tura, church service was held at Catholic cemeteries in Dakopgre (Rongkhon Songgital) and RC Road (Bishop house) attended by hundreds of catholic faithful who brought colourful floral wreaths to place on the graves.
Bishop of Tura, Rt Rev. Andrew R Marak led the faithful in offering holy mass and later blessed the graves by sprinkling water blessed for the occasion.
In his homily, Bishop Andrew Marak called upon the faithful to embrace the teachers of Lord Jesus Christ and said there is an afterlife if we believe in Christ. He narrated from the holy scriptures how Christ came and resurrected Lazarus from the dead.
“He who believes in me shall never die but have eternal life,” said Bishop Andrew while quoting from the holy Bible.
He also said that All Souls’ Day is a very special and holy occasion because we all remember our loved ones who have left this world and offer prayers for their souls so that they may have eternal peace.
In the days leading up to All Souls’ Day, the Catholic faithful gather at cemeteries to clean the graves and its surroundings, giving a fresh coat of paint and prepare colourful bouquets of flowers which they place on the tombs in memory of their departed family members. They also light candles and offer prayers during the church service.
Similar church service was held at Williamnagar, Baghmara, Resubelpara, Ampati and other towns of Garo Hills.