By Madison Weber ’23, Staff Writer and Social Media Editor

Campus Ministry held a special mass of remembrance on Sunday. Father Kevin Mannara refers to it as “an opportunity to celebrate our deceased loved ones, especially those who died in the last year.” This is something the Church does each November. 

According to Fr. Kevin, in the Catholic Church, November is All Souls Month — a time for individuals to remember loved ones who have passed. 

In Catholicism and Christianity in general, Fr. Kevin explains that November is a special month as nature appears to be “dying”, but that it will “burst into life again in the spring. He reminds students that the annual cycle reminds us that life conquers death just as Jesus did. 

November is also the end of the liturgical year, which the readings at mass will address. Fr. Kevin uses this month to “pray for our beloved deceased family and friends, offer Masses for them, visit their graves, and otherwise pay them special tribute” . He preaches the Christian belief “that life is eternal, and that those united to Christ will rise from their rest in the earth on the last day to share eternal glory with Christ”. One specific prayer that Fr. Kevin recommends to students refers to death as  “life is changed not ended, and, when this earthly dwelling turns to dust, an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven.” 

Student and pastoral minister Alivia Collins enjoys remembrance day as a way to “celebrate the loved ones that I have lost”. Collins feels that the day gives an opportunity to “reflect on how each loved one I’ve lost has had an impact on my life”. 

All students are invited to remember their own deceased family and friends by either writing their names in the Book of Remembrance in the chapel, or by emailing Fr. Kevin the names and he will write them in. The book will remain by the altar throughout November. 

Details about mass can be found on the Campus Ministry Instagram, and on their website.