Sweet November

It's the 11th month of the year. I still have 60 days more to accomplish even my littlest goal.  Oh, how quick this year unfolds! But before I recall how my 2012 has been and in the spirit of the All Saints Day and All Souls Day, i post...

Today, I thank all the Saints I have called upon during my lifetime for the hope and intercessions given to me.  

"How shining and splendid are your gifts, O Lord


which you give us for our eternal well-being


Your glory shines radiantly in your saints,

O God
In the honour and noble victory of the martyrs.


The white-robed company follow you,


bright with their abundant faith;


They scorned the wicked words of those with this world's power.


For you they sustained fierce beatings, chains, and torments,


they were drained by cruel punishments.


They bore their holy witness to you
who were grounded deep within their hearts;


they were sustained by patience and constancy.


Endowed with your everlasting grace,


may we rejoice forever
with the martyrs in our bright fatherland.


O Christ, in your goodness,
grant to us the gracious heavenly realms of eternal life."

                           - A Catholic Prayer In Praise of the Saints

And who could ever forget the Philippine tradition that November 1 & 2 are the busiest 2 days in the cemeteries nationwide?  Although memories of our departed loved ones live in our hearts everyday, we pay our utmost respects by visiting their eternal homes, bringing flowers, lighting candles and most especially, offering time and prayers.  Most of the time, the event serves as a family reunion when both days are declared national holidays.  Trick or treat for children, halloween costume parties everywhere, creepy shows on tv... Now, I'm missing my family more. I miss my dad more.

"Just as Jesus died and rose again, so will the Father

bring with him those who have died in Jesus.

Just as in Adam all men die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

God our Father, we ask that you hear our prayers

and bring us some consolation in our lives.

As we remember in our prayers all of our loved ones who have died,

we pray that they have received the promise of eternal life

and that they are with you in experiencing the joy of heaven.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever.  Amen.  "

- A Catholic Prayer For  the Souls of the Faithful Departed

To my father, you are always remembered and we miss you everyday...