Dear Friend in St. Francis of Assisi,

Recently, I received a thank-you card from a family whose father I had the privilege of burying last month. Inside was a prayer that deeply moved me: “Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God.”

As we observe All Souls Day on November 2—and throughout the rest of the month—we pray and remember the faithful departed: our loved ones and friends who have gone before us. These wonderful people have left a lasting impact on our lives through their example, their witness, and their love.

On All Souls Day, we celebrate souls who never lost faith in God and one another. The Franciscan Friars will remember the souls of all the faithful departed in our Masses throughout November. We will pray for them unceasingly because we, too, have lost loved ones to “Sister Death,” as St. Francis so tenderly called it. We truly share your pain and sorrow as our own.  The Old Testament offers these consoling words from the Prophet Hosea (13:14): “I will ransom them from the power of the grave. I will redeem them from death.”

Every All Souls Day, as I celebrate Mass, hear confessions, or comfort the bereaved, I am reminded that grief transcends all cultures and languages. The Brazilian poet Adela Prado expressed it best: “Suffering belongs to no language.”  These words come to mind as I think about the grief caused by gun violence in our nation, bombings in the Gaza Strip, war-weary soldiers in Ukraine, and mass hunger in Sudan, and countless calamities afflicting our brothers and sisters worldwide.  All of this moves us to pray: “Help them, Lord.”

Grief is the price we pay for love.  The late poet Maya Angelou wrote: “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”  She was right. We need to share our inner pain with others to grow through grief so we can heal. Bereavement groups provide a safe and compassionate space to do just that.

In addition, Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D., in his book Growing Through Grief: The Role of Support Groups, writes: “Support groups are an appropriate and effective way to help bereaved people heal… As group members give and receive help, they feel less helpless and discover continued meaning in life. Feeling understood by others brings down barriers between the bereaved person and the world outside.” 

I have presided over countless Masses of Christian Burial during my forty-two years as a Franciscan priest. I can safely say there have been many, many, plus many more! I cannot do it all by myself as a Franciscan. As Franciscans, we walk together, and in times of loss, we all need each other. That’s why I began relying on bereavement groups years ago—as a way for us to share the burden of grief and to find comfort and strength in community.

How can you help?  This special appeal affects the visceral, the spiritual, and the physical dimensions of our well-being. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi has been walking with grieving families for 181 years, thanks to the generosity of friends like you. This year, we ask for your exceptional support so that we can continue offering Masses, Sacrament of Reconciliation, Pastoral Care, and Bereavement Programs. With a heartfelt plea, I ask you to consider making a gift in honor of your departed loved ones.  Your contribution, whatever the amount, makes a difference in bringing comfort, faith, and hope to those who need it most.

If you would like to have your loved one remembered in our special celebration, please submit the name(s) to be remembered at our All Souls Day Mass on November 2 through the form below. The deadline is Thursday, October 30 to submit the form. You may also include a non-returnable photo of your loved one to be placed near the altar.

Thank you for walking this journey of faith with us! Your kindness makes a real difference in the lives we serve. I want you to know that the Franciscan Friars, I, and the Pastoral staff remember you and your special intentions in our prayers. May the Lord reward your goodness and fill your heart with lasting peace.

With deep gratitude,

Fr. Brian Jordan, OFM
Pastor

“Eternal Rest Prayer”

Eternal rest grant unto them,
O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.