Kohima, November 3 (MExN): On ‘All souls Day’ celebrated on November 2, the Catholics of the diocese of Kohima flocked to their own respective parishes and went to the cemeteries and places where their departed ones are buried to pray for them and to seek God’s mercy upon them.
Fr. George Punnolil, Financial Administrator of the diocese, presided over the Eucharist at Mary Help of Cathedral Church, Kohima and hundreds of faithful participated in the Eucharist. The liturgical celebration ended with special prayers and blessings at the tomb of Late Bishop Abraham Alangimattathil, first bishop of the diocese of Kohima. In his homily, Fr. George explained the importance of praying for departed souls.
A press release informed that on All Souls Day, Catholics not only remember the dead, but they apply their efforts, through prayer, alms giving, and the Mass, to their release from Purgatory. On this day families visit the graves of their loved ones, clean the tombs, say prayers and light candle.
In the diocese of Kohima, the bishop has declared holiday on November 2 for all the Catholic schools to facilitate priests to avail their service to bless the tombs of the faithful departed of their community members and also facilitating the Catholics to attend Holy Mass in the Church and visit the cemeteries. Reports have come from all the parishes of the diocese of Kohima of people going for Mass and also visiting the tombs of their loved one,” added the press release.
