The Day of the Dead (All Souls) is a celebration of life and a day when we join in Mass to pray for the souls of our deceased loved ones. Many cultures also honor the faithful departed with altars filled with symbols such as crosses, candles, flowers, pictures, favorite foods and drinks, and sugar skulls.
Additionally, many families visit the cemetery to clean and tidy up the graves of their loved ones and share a meal at their graveside. However you celebrate this day within your families, it is a beautiful celebration rooted in the Catholic tradition of praying for our dead — spiritual works of mercy!
Candles on the altar light the path of the souls, and the aroma of flowers, known as Cempasuchitl flowers or flowers of the dead/marigolds, spread on the altar, guiding the spirit on their journey. Other elements adorning the altars of our loved ones include favorite foods and drinks, traditional sugar skulls, which allude to death or represent a departed soul, and the circular-shaped Pan de Muerto (bread of the dead), representing the cycle between life and death.
Please join us for Saturday Mass to enrich your tradition of remembering your loved one. Nov. 2, 2024, at 4 p.m., we will pray for our deceased loved ones with a special prayer.
Our Hispanic community will begin building altars on All Hallows’ Eve, Thursday (10/31), in Serra Garden between 5 pm and 7 pm. You are welcome to bring a picture of your deceased loved ones to place on the community altar on this day and time. The altars will remain through the weekend of November 2/3, 2024. Please bring copies of photos, not originals, as the parish will not be responsible for lost pictures.
Sign up to Join Our Flock!
Do you want to stay updated with text and/or email notifications about upcoming events, Mass times, and more?
Would you like to get your weekly bulletin by email? Or connect with one of our ministries?
We have you covered! This is the best way to get the latest information from Mission San Luis Rey Parish.
then select "Add to Home Screen" and click "Add."