Candlelight Mass Draws Faithful on All Souls Day
All Souls Day, observed on November 2, is a solemn occasion to pray for the souls in purgatory. This year, the feast fell on a Sunday, attracting a larger congregation at John the Evangelist Cathedral.
Special Candlelight Mass
A rare candlelight Mass was held at 5 p.m., led by Father Damian Ference, diocesan vicar for evangelization and cathedral parochial vicar. Concelebrants included Father Joe Mamich, cathedral pastor, and Father Eric Garris, diocesan vocations director.
Ritual and Atmosphere
Upon entering, worshippers received slender white candles. Initially, church lights remained on until everyone was seated. Servers then assisted in lighting the candles throughout the church. Once illuminated, the lights were dimmed, allowing the celebrants and servers to process in the darkened sanctuary.
- The altar was beautifully surrounded by numerous candles, including small votive ones along its edge.
- A glass case below the altar displayed the relics of St. Christina, a gift to the Diocese of Cleveland nearly 100 years ago.
- Candles also encircled the relics, enhancing the solemn ambiance.
Historical Insights
"Not much is known about her life except that she was believed to be a teenager who died for her faith in about 300 A.D."
Father Ference shared this as he spoke about St. Christina, whose bones were discovered in the catacombs near Rome in the 18th century.
Father Ference noted, "The candle I carry is from Fatima, a remembrance of a recent pilgrimage I made there."
Summary
The candlelight Mass on All Souls Day offered a moving, intimate setting to honor and pray for the departed, enriched by meaningful rituals and historic relics.
Author's Conclusion
This candlelight Mass blends tradition and reverence, deepening the faithful’s connection to those who have passed and highlighting faith's enduring legacy.