In Honor of All Souls

Last night, the Saint James Cathedral Choir performed Mozart's Requiem in honor of All Souls Day. I went last night thinking of Ewan and of other children I know who were taken from their parents' arms too soon. I thought of my grandfather and of those I met in the past year who have left their earthly homes for another. I love that there's a day in the liturgical calendar dedicated to remembering.

No one is asking us to forget. No one is asking us to pretend as though it never happened, as though their absence doesn't hurt like hell.

In honor of them, and of all those we miss ...

Requiem aeternum dona eis, Domine,

et Lux perpetua luceat eis,

cum Sanctus tuis in aeternum, quia pius es.

(Grant them eternal rest, Lord,

and let perpetual light shine on them,

as with Your saints in eternity, because You are merciful)