Issue 43.10
Many religious traditions have a belief in “The Community of Saints” in one form or another. This is believing in our ability to communicate with the heroes of our particular religious traditions. Perhaps we may even pray to them, that we may imitate their inspiring lives. Sometimes we celebrate their time here on earth by holding “Feast Days” where we recall their lives and the contribution they made in people’s lives during their earthly sojourn.
Among these “Saints” I would count our loved ones who have gone before us and still have an influence on us by the way they have lived their lives and loved us.
One way that can help us overcome our grief and experience joy and love after a loved one has died is to recall the gifts that the person has given us during their lifetime. We can celebrate their lives as we do the Saints of our particular religious tradition.
My mother died October 30, 1998, but I know her love and spirit still lives in me. I no longer grieve that she is not with us physically because her life and gifts still inspire me and support me in life as she did when she was here on earth.
During the year I don’t give much thought to her passing, but in October, I take time to recall the many gifts she has blessed me with: a good sense of humor; a love of family and friends; fidelity to tasks, both large and small; perseverance that provides me with stamina to strive for goals; fortitude and patience to bear the crises of life when they arise. All these gifts are alive in me and continue to guide me in living life.
Every October 30th I celebrate my mother’s “Feast Day” by walking the Labyrinth at the Green Valley Spa near my home in her honor. I take time to recall and reflect on her life and what difference it has made on mine. I encourage you to create your own tradition to honor the loved ones in your life who have joined the “Community of Saints.” Their presence can be felt when we take time to recall the gifts they have given us, and their lives will continue to be a source of inspiration and comfort to us as we journey through life.
Luigi Persichetti is the chaplain for Southern Utah Home Care and Hospice and the minister of the Unity Church of Positive Living in St. George.