All Souls/ All Saints Day

On November 4th, people with links to Mexican culture gathered together to remember the loved ones who have gone before them.

On All Souls Day each year, they light candles, build alters, hold parades and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.

While this tradition has its roots in Catholic Mexico, there are many protestant Christian religions and other religions that celebrate the day as well. The last couple weeks, I have witnessed a few different ways that the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America has celebrated this traditional Mexican holiday in their own way.

At Esperanza Lutheran Church, located in Phoenix, members of the congregation were invited to light candles for the loved ones whom they had lost or whom they wanted to honor. Candles were set up inside the outline of a cross. Many people, including myself, shed tears for the loved ones they miss so much. As the people filed up to the front of the church and lit their candles, a sense of peace and hope filled the Sanctuary. It was a beautiful way to honor the lives of so many people. I wasn't able to take a photo but I found this one online. Imagine it like this but about 50 more tealights.

Photo courtesy of Ark Community.



At Lord of Grace Lutheran Church, located in Marana, members of the congregation were given blank paper crosses to decorate in memory of their loved ones. The crosses were decorated with different colors, patterns and sometimes photos of the person being honored. When they were completed, they were hung around the room in the Santuary has a public reminder that even though the people have left us, their spirits live on inside of our hearts.

Both of these celebrations were unique but held the same value and meaning that the traditional All Souls celebrations have. It was a moving and peaceful experience and I am glad I was able to be a part of it.