November 3, 2013

“The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us utter destruction. But they are in peace.” (Wisdom 3).

November is the month of remembrance of the saints and of the dead who have yet to be purified to stand unshielded before God dwelling in inaccessible light. After the Conventual Mass on the first Sunday of the month, also oblate Sunday, the monks, oblates and congregation process to the monastic cemetery to bless the graves and read the roster of those buried there. These are the ones who have gone before us in faith, giving us examples of faithful stewardship and perseverance. May they indeed rest in the fullness of peace that only God can give.