Mangalorean Catholics Observe Day of the Dead

Mangalorean Catholics Observe Day of the Dead

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Nov 2: Mangalore’s Catholic community observed All Souls Day on Nov 2, Monday. This special day, also known as the Day of the Dead, is set aside to remember and honor the dead in one’s family and follows All Saints’ Day.  

Catholics observe this day by visiting their loved ones’ graves in cemeteries, offering flowers, lighting candles, and praying. A day before All Souls Day, Catholic volunteers visit the graveyard and clear it of the weeds that have grown there during the monsoons. Thus, a special bond is created between the living and the dead.  

Special masses were organized in all churches on All Souls’ Day. This year, special vigil masses were organized in the cemeteries of Bejai, Urwa, St Vincent Ferrar Church Valencia, Milagres, Urwa, and other parishes.

All Soul’s Day has its roots in ancient Pagan beliefs, according to which the dead are in the habit of returning to earth to have a meal with the living.