KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Persons of all cultures and ethnicities are invited to attend a bilingual Mass in observance of All Souls’ Day and Día de los Muertos (“the Day of the Dead”) on Nov. 2 at 10 a.m. in the mausoleum chapel at Mt. Calvary Cemetery here, located at 38th and State Ave.
Father Peter Jaramillo, SSA, will celebrate the Mass. Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas encourages those attending to bring photographs of their deceased loved ones, artificial flowers and other items customary to the Día de los Muertos observance (excluding food and beverages) to place on the display table.
The traditional All Souls’ Day observance encourages Catholics to pray for family members, friends and others who are deceased and for those who may be in purgatory, awaiting transition to eternal life in heaven. Church teaching holds that prayers of the living support this transition.
Beyond praying for the deceased, Día de los Muertos welcomes the departed for an annual visit to celebrate their living memory. Families gather at the gravesites of loved ones for a reunion of sorts. “Ofrendas” (“offerings”) on home altars recall and celebrate the deceased with photographs, candles, their favorite foods and marigold flowers.
For more information, send an email to Catholic Cemeteries at: information@cathcemks.org or call (913) 371-4040.
