Pop-Up Catechesis: All Souls and Overcoming the Fear of Death

In the Chicago area, where I live, there is a great deal of ethnic diversity. One of the most prominent ethnic groups in Chicago is the Mexican-Americans. I’ve always enjoyed experiencing and observing the many traditions of the Mexican-American community. One tradition that I have observed on numerous occasions is the family picnicking at the grave of a deceased loved one. I’m not just talking about visiting the grave; I’m talking about a full picnic at the cemetery with the whole family, including little children. The message of such celebrations is loud and clear: death is not something for us to be afraid of! Catholics observe the month of November as the Month of All Souls, a time for us to remember and honor those who have gone before us and a time to remember that they live on in the communion of saints. We are only separated by a thin veil. For that reason, death is not something to be feared. In this episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we explore the Month of All Souls and the Catholic attitude toward death.

For more information about the Month of All Souls, check out the following links:

• November: Month of All Souls
• How Day of the Dead Bread Links a Family Together
• Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead)
• Picnicking in Cemeteries for Day of the Dead
• In Some Cultures, Death Can Be a Picnic

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