On All Souls’ Day, Fr Joe Taylor returned to the place of his maternal ancestors – the Dullards. Joined by 34 people, he said Mass at the Pine Grove Cemetery near Lockington, then offered graveside prayers for the deceased and blessed the graves of attendees’ family and friends – including his own!
“All Souls’ Day is a sacred and solemn occasion, but it is also a joyful and hope-filled one,” said Fr Joe. “It’s a day to celebrate the gift of life, to pray for all those who have died, and to look forward to the day when we will be reunited with them in heaven.”
After Mass, Fr Joe asked parishioners to go to the grave of their respective loved ones and remember or share stories about them. Fr Joe then visited each of these graves, saying a prayer and blessing the grave.
“When I got to the grave of dear family friends Mary and Jim Byrne, I realised my grave was just next to it. So, I thought – “why not!” – and we said a prayer for me, and I blessed my (empty) grave!” said Fr Joe.
Fr Joe bought the grave at Pine Grove Cemetery nine years ago. Although his parents are buried in Echuca, his maternal family and many of his friends are buried at Pine Grove.
All Souls; Day, (on 2 November), is a day to honour the souls of those who have died in a state of grace, but are still in need of purification before entering heaven. Prayers are said to help these souls.
The blessing of the graves is a spiritual act which is also filled with humanity. It is a way of showing respect and affection for the deceased, of honouring their memory and legacy, and of expressing gratitude for their influence and example. It is also a way of coping with grief and loss, of finding comfort and hope in the resurrection of Christ, and of strengthening the bond of love that transcends death.
