KUCHING: Christians are urged to remember and pray for their departed loved ones in conjunction with All Souls Day, observed annually on Nov 2.
Reflecting on the occasion, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching, Archbishop Simon Poh encouraged Christians to draw inspiration from the Saints and prepare for the end of life whenever they are called to meet the Lord.
“Let us reflect on the meaning of death and life so that our Christian lives may be filled with purpose, hope, and joy.
“As your Archbishop, I would like to share this thought: it is better to give a single rose to loved ones now rather than a wreath at their tomb after they have passed,” he said.
Explaining the significance of All Souls Day and its difference from All Saints Day, Archbishop Poh said Christians believe in a period of purification for souls after death, allowing them to enter the holy presence of God.
“We remember and honour our departed loved ones for their faithfulness to God in life, despite human weaknesses. Thus, we pray for these souls as they undergo purification so they may fully enter into God’s presence,” he added.
Like the Ching Ming Festival, he explained, Christians visit cemeteries to clean the tombs as a sign of respect and love for their departed ones.
To make All Souls Day more meaningful, he suggested practical steps: take time to clean the tomb, attend church and offer prayers at mass, and gather at the grave to pray and light a candle, symbolising Jesus as the light who conquered death and brought eternal hope. He also encouraged contributions to help maintain cemeteries.
“Keep the cemetery clean and show kindness and gratitude to the elderly family members still with us,” he added.
For Christians, Archbishop Poh explained, faith is rooted in Jesus Christ, who rose from the tomb, conquering death and opening the gates of paradise for eternal life with God.
“With this understanding, death is not an end but a beginning of new life with God. In death, we conclude earthly life, and God receives our souls into His embrace in heaven,” he said.
Archbishop Poh, who has presided over numerous wakes and funerals, shared words of comfort from Jesus as recorded in the Bible, John 14:1-6, affirming that those who believe will be welcomed into the Father’s House.
During November, while remembering departed ones, he stressed the importance of showing gratitude and love to elderly family members who are still with us. “May God bless you all,” he concluded.
