TURA, Nov 2: Thousands of candles were lit up across cemeteries in Garo Hills, especially the Catholic Church, to offer prayers and remember the souls of the departed on the holy observance of All Souls Day on November 2nd.
Across the world, the catholic church observes November 2nd as a special day of prayer for the souls of the dead so that they have eternal rest.
The day is marked with flowers decorating the graves and candles illuminating the night sky across cemeteries with a special church service led by the Bishop or a priest.
In Tura, special services were held at Rongkhon Songgital cemetery of the Araimile and St Luke Churches, while in main Tura it was at the Roman Catholic cemetery next to Bishop House.
Bishop of Tura Andrew R Marak offered the service where he naratted the significance of All Souls Day.
He said that by offering prayers and lighting candles we are remembering our dear departed family members and helping their souls have eternal rest in the kingdom of heaven.
In his homily Bishop Andrew assured the faithful not to lose hope for Christ has proven to the world that he who believes shall have eternal rest.
“Our friends are sleeping here (tomb). Stop weeping; she is not dead but asleep,” the Holy Bible mentions of the visit of Jesus Christ when Jairus’ daughter had suddenly died.
Jesus also said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” Jesus raised them up from the death. Here Jesus will raise up all the souls who are asleep, which is why we need to pray for the souls,” said Bishop Andrew while reflecting on the holy scriptures that mention their resurrection by Christ.
The special service for the souls was marked by the blessing of the graves with holy water as devotees sang the special heart moving hymn “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” as families offered a silent prayer for their loved ones who no longer are amongst them in this world.
