the three holy days of autumn

Just to clear up any confusion, I originally wrote this entry on Saturday, but just got the pictures uploaded and the whole thing posted tonight (Monday).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Exhaustion has set in. There are a million other tasks that require my attention at the moment, but writing a blog post seems to be my feeble attempt at staying engaged and "accomplishing" something. It has been a busy three days contemplating mortality, celebrating sainthood, and praying for the dead.

On the 31st, we celebrated All Hallow's Eve--that beloved Catholic holiday--with a party and trick or treating. Years ago, we didn't celebrate this holiday. Indeed, we turned out the lights and hid in a dimmed room to avoid the horrors of costumed children and to keep the evil spirits out of our home. But then my children got old enough to know what fun they were missing and they started demanding explanations. I turned to the internet seeking solid reasons in language that I could easily give to my candy-starved clan. I came back with different answers than I expected. Much to the happy relief of my husband and to the joy of my children, I learned the Catholic roots of All Hallow's Eve. Indeed, with a Catholic worldview, we could participate in this wondrous night!

So about three years ago, we started celebrating...not just an early All Saint's Day, but a full fledged Hallowe'en. This year was our biggest celebration yet: we hosted a party. There were decorations, costumes (everyone dressed as a saint), prayers, games, and autumnal goodies. While the mothers and older girls led the games, I stood in kitchen frying up homemade spiced doughnuts and watching on delightedly. And in the evening, after everyone departed, we went trick or treating. New traditions were born.

Thursday, being All Saint's Day, is normally a day of feasting and relaxation. Unfortunately for little Sunshine, she had an appointment with the dentist that morning. Four little cavities, but the dear was as brave as ever through all of the unknown and discomfort. Afterwards, we had a lunch out with Daddy--a rare treat, to be sure! In the evening, it was off to Mass we went to honor all of those holy souls who have endured persecutions, stayed the course, and left us all with such inspiring models of sanctity and interceded on our behalf on innumerable occasions.

And finally, Dia de los Muertos arrived on Friday. A day to pray for those dearly departed who have not yet reached their eternal reward. The weather was beautiful and we headed up to Rose Hill Ranch where our dear friends raise their three children and lots of animals. From there we all visited a lovely old Catholic cemetery in the countryside. We slowly ambled amongst the tombstones, studying the years, mourning for the loss of so many infants, guessing the relationships, imagining the tales and touching the little portraits attached to the older stones. We prayed for all of those souls, knowing that many are long forgotten and neglected. And we felt peaceful.

Then back to the house for a simple but good dinner and wonderful company. And today, we absorb, rejuvenate, and rest.

Scenes from Wednesday's fete:

A host of Saints appeared in the front garden, full of joy,
exuberance, and a bit of sillines.

Among them, the generous and the brave:
St. Elizabeth of Hungary and
St. Agnes of Rome (Sunshine).

Also, St. Margeret Mary came to spread her devotion
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The usually sober St. Isidore the Farmer was
was in a particularly jovial mood.

Aptly portraying the very serious
St. Rose of Lima is my little Rosebud.

With a few words about forgiveness,
St. Maria Goretti looked the part
in attire she made herself.

We also had St. Rosalina, St. Michael the Archangel, St. John Berchmans, St. Dominic, St. Thomas Aquinas and a little St. John the Baptist present for our hallowed celebrations. We are already looking forward to making this party an annual event!