Nov 1, 2018

All Saints Day Mass 2018

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-25248 lazyload" src="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/hp_darkmuertos.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="500" srcset="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/hp_darkmuertos.jpg 1000w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/hp_darkmuertos-300x150.jpg 300w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/hp_darkmuertos-768x384.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" />All Saints – Día de los Muertos Mass Celebrated

The Work of Saint Óscar Romeo Highlighted

The O’Dowd community celebrated an All Saints – Día de los Muertos Mass on November 1, a collaborative effort by the Campus Ministry Team and members of Latinos Unidos.

CMT members PJ Carney ’19 and McKenzie Taffe’19 explained that All Saints Day is a day in which the Catholic Church celebrates and remembers the saints who have spread God’s word and love around world, and that Día de los Muertos is a two-day celebration in the Latin culture remembering and honoring family members who have passed but still remain with us in spirit.

“Today, we will celebrate these two amazing holidays together and cherish all the memories of those who are no longer with us. Throughout this Mass we remember our friends and family who have passed as well as the living saints who have played an important part in our lives,” Carney said.

Processing at the beginning of Mass were O’Dowd folklorico dancers with traditional skull painted faces, which symbolize honoring those who have passed. Many prayers and songs were read/sung in both English and Spanish, and Day of the Dead skull art, created by Mr. Sanchez’s art students, decorated the stage.

Samantha Verdin-Paez ’19 shared memories about the joy her late cousin brought to her life and how she continues to keep her cousin’s spirit alive, while Director of Service Learning Beth Stewart talked about the impact Salvadorian Archbishop Óscar Romeo – who last month was named a saint – has had on her life.

Stewart attended both the beatification (held in San Salvador) and canonization (held in Rome) for the late priest, slain as he celebrated Mass in 1980, who was an outspoken social activist who worked tirelessly to eliminate poverty and social injustice.

“I felt a tugging at my heart, which drew me to these events,” Stewart said. “I believe that this tugging on my heart might be because Saint Oscar Romero’s life and his choices have permanently changed El Salvador – and really, my life. While I lived in El Salvador, I witnessed how much Salvadorans love Romero. They adore him. They hang photos of him throughout their homes. They reference him in everyday conversation. And then I began to love him. It’s hard not to love a hero who consciously gave his life for those with the boot of the oppressor on their necks.”

Stewart encouraged students to follow tugs on their hearts, which their own heroes may stir up in them. “And may you rejoice, for these holy ones are your saints,” she said.

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Detail Shots of Dia De Los Muertos Altar

This altar commemorates loved ones in our community who have passed away recently.

Spanish teachers with student in front of altar

Dr. Steve Phelps, right, and Sam Taylor, left

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-25266 lazyload" src="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/murtos_detail.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="400" srcset="https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/murtos_detail.jpg 700w, https://www.bishopodowd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/murtos_detail-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /> Various loved one’s of the community who have passed on.

All Saints Day Mass 2018

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