Published in Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries E-News. 4pp.
Elaine and I have experienced a lot of loss over the last two years. The death of loved ones leaves a hole in our hearts and souls, one that can be salved only with memory. We North Americans, however, are not very competent at the art of remembering. The dominant culture into which we have been socialized is one rife with historical amnesia and disconnection with the past. This has had a negative impact on personal, family and community practices of mindfulness and memory. We have a lot to learn therefore from cultures for which rituals of remembering are more intact. One of those traditions is our ecclesial feast of All Saints.
All Saints is actually a three day feast, beginning with Halloween, which is short for “All Hallows’ Eve” (hallow being the Old English word for “holy”). As in the Jewish tradition, Christians of old
observed holy days from sundown on one day until sundown on the following day. All Saints Day (Nov. 1) is followed by All Souls Day–“Day of the Dead” in the tradition of old Mexico. Let’s take them in order.
Full Article: The All Saints Triduum: Remembering as a Household Practice SKU: 05-3-Pa
Ched Myers 