HUNTERSVILLE — St. Mark celebrated an All Souls' Day Mass at Northlake Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Nov. 2 at noon. Nearly 100 people came outside to worship outside under a sunny blue sky. The celebrant was Father Alfonso Gámez who was assisted by Deacon Louis Pais. James Funeral Home provided a tent and chairs.
In his homily, Father Gámez said, "As the Gospel of John says, 'the darkness has not overcome the light' and that light is Christ Himself. It's a very beautiful thing to realize when we mourn, when we weep, whether it be expected or unexpected, that the Lord is not far from there. He is very much present. I think it's a very beautiful witness today when we come to a very somber place and bring the Lord Himself for the Sacrifice of the Mass in this area. This can seem to be a dark area but we bring the light of the world to these individuals, open their tombs and release them by our prayers.”
As a part of the Mass, Deacon Pais and Father Gámez led all those in attendance throughout the grounds to bless the graves of the Catholics buried there. He also asked for prayers for the individuals throughout the entire cemetery who have no one to pray for them so that they can also receive the grace of God and be free to enjoy the happiness of heaven. St. Mark Director of Sacred Music Jacob Temple chanted an extended Litany of Saints during the procession with a slight change that instead of asking for the saints to "pray for us," the response was "pray for them." (Photos provided by Amy Burger).
CHARLOTTE — A beautiful All Souls’ Day Mass was held Nov. 2 at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte where they prayed for all of our departed loved ones. (Photos via Facebook)
SWANNANOA — All Souls Day procession was held to St. Margaret Mary Columbarium (Photos via Facebook)
