These feasts celebrate the saints who sacrificed everything for their faith and the souls of our dearly departed loved ones whose memories we continue to cherish.
Though the traditions differ across cultures, the essence remains the same: honouring and keeping alive the memories of those we have lost.
In the Philippines, this remembrance comes to life with vibrant and heartfelt gatherings at cemeteries.
Families often spend the night together at the resting places of their loved ones, sharing meals, recounting stories, and celebrating the lives of those who have passed on.
It is a time of connection, a celebration of bonds that death cannot sever, and a living testament to the warmth and love that endure.
In Mexico, Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, embodies a similarly colourful and lively spirit.
Altars adorned with marigolds, music, and laughter fill the air as families gather to honour the dead.
This tradition is a powerful reminder that love is eternal and that the cherished memories of loved ones are always present, interwoven with God’s unending love.
Reflecting on life in Australia, I am reminded of the joy and spirit expressed in the song When the Saints Go Marching In.
While this song is often sung in a sporting context, its words inspire a deeper understanding of pride in our saints — not just one saint or even St Kilda, the team, but the countless souls who have lived lives of faith and sacrifice.
It invites us to join that great march of believers, striving to follow their example of love and devotion.
The gospel of Mark 12:28-34 speaks powerfully to this theme, emphasising the greatest commandments: to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbour as ourselves.
This love, central to our Christian faith, can be difficult to grasp when it comes to loving an unseen God.
But we bring that love to life through the care and compassion we show to others.
The month of November invites us to reflect on this and to live out this call to love — by honouring the saints, cherishing the memories of our departed and carrying that spirit of love into our own lives.
As we remember those we have lost and the saints who inspire us, we are challenged to ask ourselves: How will we put this love into action today?
Fr. Novelito Lim, parish priest at St Mary’s Catholic Parish, Echuca
