Bereavement is defined as the state of sorrow, grief and mourning experienced after the loss of a loved one.
And while our faith teaches us there is glory beyond all our expectations once our time on earth has come to an end, there is no denying the experience of the loss of someone we love.
El Día de Los Muertos is two days that coincide with All Saints Day on Nov. 1 in that the first day of El Día de Los Muertos commemorates the loss of all children. Nov. 2, All Souls Day, celebrates the memory and loss of our adult elders.
Those who serve in bereavement ministry have a special affinity for these first days in November.
The customs around supporting the bereaved vary by culture and traditions. Many share in the custom of providing food to the bereaved family prior to the internment. These are special, intimate activities, often defined by the relationship of the families involved. It often falls to the bereaved family to provide a meal to all the guests who share in the sorrow, grief and mourning experienced by the loss of the loved one.
Bereavement ministry provided by our clerical teams is based on their deep understanding of their unique role in this process. All Saints and All Souls Day provide a bridge to the memories of the loved ones we have lost and the role of our faith in this process.
So, how does bereavement ministry work for the rest of us? In the case of Las Guadalupanas at Immaculate Heart of Mary/Pope John Paul II Catholic Church and those that help Las Guadalupanas, their mission is to provide bereavement ministry to families who have few or no resources.
Specifically, it is to help the bereaved family with providing part of and serving the meal after Mass/internment in the hope of lessening the burden on the bereaved family, and to show the respect the family has for their guests who share in their grief. This ministry is enabled by donations — donations provided by those that can and whose donation may also provide for those that cannot. The model clearly depends on making room for the Holy Spirit.
Speaking of the Holy Spirit, the question for anyone providing bereavement ministry is: Am I worthy? At the time when a bereaved family is so deep in sorrow or grieving deeply because of their loss, can bereavement ministry be provided humbly? Can the family be shown dignity and respect regardless of their faith status? Can the service be provided in honor of the bereaved family?
In addition to praying for all our beloved and dearly departed, this Nov. 1 and 2 is also a time to pray for all involved in supporting the bereaved.
Most of us, if not all, have supported a friend or neighbor who is experiencing the loss of a loved one without being a part of a formal group.
These prayers apply to all of us. These prayers also apply to those who have chosen bereavement ministry as their ministry to serve our friends and neighbors in need.
This column may include both fiction and nonfiction, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of The SUN. Submissions can be sent to editor@pagosasun.com.
