All Souls Day

Yesterday we had our annual remembrance of the Sisters of Divine Providence who have died since last November 2. There were six to remember. During the Vespers service, the names of those six were read along with a remembrance of them. The sister who writes these remembrances always captures some small thing about each of them that makes it seem like they are actually there in a warm and caring way. Often the reflections bring a smile to our faces as we recall the caring nature of each of them and the particular sense of humor each one possessed. While the remembrance is read, a sister who was especially close the the diseased holds a candle which is then placed on the altar.

The names of relatatives and friends who have died are also read and the litany of saints is sung. Then we process to our cemetery and each of us prays at graves of sisters who had been important in our lives.

I love this service which we have each year. Today, I feel the closeness of all the sisters who have been part of our congregation and who have led us to this moment in our congregational life.