Tura, Nov 2: Catholic faithful across the Garo Hills marked the solemn event of All Souls Day with visits to the cemeteries to light candles, place floral wreath and offer special prayers in remembrance of their dear departed family members.
Every year November 2 is observed by the Catholic Church as a day for the dead during which special prayers and holy Mass is offered in memory of those who have passed away.
In Tura, church services began at different cemeteries since morning, and despite incessant rains devotees and families turned up in large numbers to participate in this religious ritual.
The rains, since Friday night, had disrupted the preparations for the event with many cemeteries facing slush and mud in the low lying areas. In the last 36 years there has seldom been a downpour during All Souls Day, until now.
At Tura’s oldest Catholic cemetery near Bishop House, Bishop of Tura Rt Rev Andrew R Marak led the devotees in marking All Souls Day.
Bishop Andrew spoke about the importance of prayer and seeking God’s forgiveness. He also reminded the devotees that daily prayers, and the observance of All Souls Day, helps in the journey to Heaven of those who have passed away.
The special Holy Mass conducted at the cemetery in the afternoon was con-celebrated with a host of priests and the Auxiliary Bishop of Tura, Rt Rev C J Jose.
The observance came to a close with special prayers for the dead and the blessing of each grave with holy water by the priests.
As night fell, cemeteries across Tura had an aura of light as thousands of lit candles brightened up the night sky for one time in the year in honour of the departed souls.
