Go Forth, Faithful Christian!

This morning, the bright spring flowers and relics were absent from the altar, the white and gold of the Easter season were muted by the black vestments, and the hauntingly beautiful chants of the Requiem Mass filled the chapel as we united our hearts to the great prayer, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, offered for the repose of the soul of a dear friend.

From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God (CCC 1032). In keeping with this practice of the Church and as an act of love, the Community has a Mass offered monthly for the repose of the souls of all our deceased relatives, friends, and benefactors.

Today's Mass was a special one, however, for it was the last and best gift we could offer a faithful friend who gave to us gifts that cannot be measured by earthly standards. Beginning with his warm welcome, extended even before the Community arrived in the Diocese, up through his last communications with the Sisters, his faith in God and staunch support of the Community was always evident. Please join us in praying for the repose of his soul and the consolation of his family.

​Go forth, Christian soul, from this world in the name of God the almighty Father, who created you, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who suffered for you, in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon you. Go forth, faithful Christian!

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
​And let perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
​through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.