Catholic faithful observe All Souls’ Day in Shillong

Shillong: Annual All Souls’ Day was observed by the Catholic faithful with activities such as cleaning graveyards, offering floral wreaths, lighting candles, and celebrating Mass in cemeteries across the state on Saturday. “All Souls’ Day is observed to commemorate the faithful departed or baptized Christians,” said a pastor at a cemetery on Arbuthnot Road in the city. “In fact, all over the country, Christians pay homage to the departed souls on this day,” he added. Besides the Roman Catholics, other Catholic Churches also observe the day.Colourful flowers and garlands adorned tombstones and crosses, while hymns reverberated through the air and innumerable candles lit up the evening in solemn remembrance of the dear departed. “The significance of celebrating this day is to pray that the souls of those who have died reach heaven,” said a priest. “I have come along with my family to visit the graveyard of our grandmother, who passed away over a decade ago but whose loving memory is still etched in our hearts,” said Robert, dressed in an immaculate dark suit, as his young daughter arranged flowers and candles over the tombstone of their departed family matriarch. On this day, three requiem masses are celebrated: one for the celebrant, one for the departed, and one for the Holy Pope.
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