Fr. David Convertino, OFM
Executive Director of Development
Dear Friends,
As we enter November, the sacred month of All Souls, we remember and pray for our beloved deceased.
This November 6th will mark the one-year anniversary of my 95-year-old Mom’s sudden death. Even though many people would say that she lived a full life and that the use of the word sudden is odd on the death of an elderly person, that is not actually true on many levels. The death of a parent, no matter their age, is still a traumatic event in the lives of their children and extended family. And sometimes, as an elderly parent continues to be among us, their children may, in some way, forget they will die, so their death takes on a “suddenness” that is not logical but emotional. Of course, death is seldom welcomed by many; we don’t want our loved ones to leave us.
However, when death does come into our lives, we are changed and have the opportunity to allow this human event we all face to help us see the divine aspects of faith that bring comfort and a sense of hope.
As my family celebrates one year since our remarkable mother’s death, I can personally turn to my Franciscan roots for comfort and hope and be assured that I’ll see my Mom again “when every tear will be wiped away.”
You see, St. Francis saw all creation as a family, bound together by God’s love, and he reminded us to care for one another, even in death. He spoke of “Sister Death” not as an end but as a transition to eternal life and embraced her with a spirit of peace and acceptance.
As we pray for the souls of our departed family, friends, and heroes, we are reminded of the great communion of saints, that mysterious union the Church teaches that connects heaven and earth. We are never truly separated from those we love, for God has made love stronger than death.
This month of All Souls, I invite you to join the Friars in prayers of remembrance for those you hold dear.
Together, we can ask God to welcome them into His peace.
May we find comfort in knowing that our prayers and love still reach them.
May God bless you and your families and may all the souls of the Faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace, Amen.
Peace and all good,
Fr. David, OFM