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It is my pleasure to welcome another guest writer and dear friend, Natalie Rodriguez. As we walk through November, a sacred month dedicated to the souls in purgatory, she shares her fond memories of celebrating All Souls' Day with her grandmother and the way that she invites her community into that same tradition today. In this inspiring recount of heritage and culture, we can all learn how to honor our beloved deceased in the embrace of those we love and care about.
All Souls' Day is a very nostalgic day for me as I recall living with my grandmother in Mexico and seeing her so carefully prepare her altar. This took days and many hours as my sweet abuelita would think of the favorite meals and treats of each family member that would have a special place on her ofrenda. Making homemade pan de muerto, mole, and atole filled the house with the most delicious aromas. How I wish I could have bottled up the scent!
I rejoice in these memories with abuelita Natalia as I prepared my own altar with my mother and children a few days ago. I pray they also grow up with special memories that they recall each time this special day approaches.
This year for Dia de Los Muertos, we decided to invite friends and neighbors to place pictures of their loved ones on our ofrenda. Sharing in a special meal and spending time in prayer connected us to our loved ones and each other. It is in these moments where we allow ourselves to be stretched that Christ comes to meet us through one another. It is an opportunity for each of us to be noticed by someone else, and for our loved ones who are no longer here to be noticed too. By welcoming others into honoring the beloved dead who have shaped us brings another layer to what it means to feel truly “seen.”
When we give ourselves away through the gift of hospitality the mess may increase but so do the memories and graces. Be encouraged that you have something special to give, and that in giving you will surely receive.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
-Natalie Rodriguez
If you'd like to learn more about the Triduum of Death: Halloween, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day you will really enjoy my new book Festive Faith. In this handbook for liturgical living you can get all the fascinating details about Catholic ofrendas and simple steps for creating your own.
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