SHILLONG/TURA: Candles, prayers and special hymns marked the solemn occasion of All Souls Day which was observed across the state by the Catholic faithful on Saturday afternoon.
The faithful prayed for the departed souls at Laitumkhrah cemetery on Saturday evening.
Catholics across the state lit thronged the cemeteries to remember the departed.
Dwelling on the significance of All Souls Day, Bishop of Tura, Rev. Andrew R Marak, gave an insight into the religious observance and said that it gave the faithful a chance to remember their loved ones “who although are physically no longer in our midst, will always remain in our hearts”.
“All Souls Day is a time for us to offer prayers for the souls of the departed so that they have eternal rest in the kingdom of God. Being mortals it also gives us a chance to ask for forgiveness for our sins,” said Bishop Andrew while leading the people in a special church service at the Roman Catholic cemetery next to Bishop House in Tura.
Thousands of Catholics took part in a special Mass at various cemeteries across Garo Hills.
Bishop Andrew also reminded the faithful that Christ through his resurrection, had proven to the world that there is life after death and that it is the duty of every living Christian to pray for the souls of the dearly departed and to help the needy in this world.
Special hymns were sung including the two famous ones ‘Nearer, My God, to Thee’ and ‘O Paradise’ towards the end of the service as the graves were blessed with the sprinkling of holy water by the priests.
All Souls Day is an annual religious event observed by Catholics across the world on November 2nd. Devotees prepare for the day by cleaning the graves and the surrounding areas.
