Today we celebrate All Souls Day, in which we commemorate the
faithful departed. Throughout the month of November, especially
today, various churches will have special masses for the dead. In
the pre-Vatican 2 days, Requiem Masses with the "Dies Irae" sequence
were the norm. Since the 1960s, however, the day is more joyous in
nature since it celebrates the memories of all those who have gone
before us "marked with the sign of faith.
As the Latin Mass has become availible again, the old ceremonies are
being revived with deep devotion. For example, tonight, St. John
Cantius Church in Chicago will feature their presentation of
Mozart's Requiem during an evening High Mass. More information is
availible at http://www.cantius.org right now. So if you're in the
Chicago area, you might want to visit that.
Song songs that are appropriate to the day include "We Will Rise
Again," which was composed by David Haas and features passages from
the scriptures which remind us that in Jesus, there is life eternal.
Another song of his is "Now We Remain," which tells of the
redemptive work of Christ in our lives.

A great song to sing at Funerals is "The Hand Of God Shall Hold
You," in which we commend those who we mourn to the care of God and
his Angels above. It is a modern day rendition of "In Pardiso," in
which we bid our loved ones farewell and ask God to welcome them
into Heaven. Also in fashion is the song "On Eagles Wings," in
which we are reminded that God bears us up on his wings and comforts
all who sorrow. For indeed, death does not end life; for those who
believe, a new, more joyous life awaits us in the world to come.


"Eternal rest grant unto them, and perpetual light shine upon them."