The Marist community gathered to celebrate mass for All Saints’ Day, a Holy Day of Obligation, on Monday, November 1, 2021.
We offer a special thanks to Monsignor Dennis Lyle, pastor of St. Benedict Church, in Blue Island, IL, Br. Luis Ramos, and all those who participated in our second school mass of the year. Today we recognized All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, as well as Día de los Muertos.
Marist President, Larry Tucker, welcomed Freshman and Sophomore students to the Mass and shared stories about the lives of saints, some well know, others that we do not know. Mr. Tucker then spoke of saints who walk among us in reference to the memories of two students, Jack Roche ‘17 and Paul Simmons ’11. The mass on honored Jack and Paul, as well as other staff, and family members of faculty and students who are no longer with us. He left a parting thought about how we can all be like saints, being selfless and giving back to one another.
Then, a student offered a message about Día de los Muertos, and the importance of commemorating the day for her family and culture. She shared that her family’s ofrenda is a way of honoring their ancestors, who came to this country from Mexico for better opportunities for themselves and future generations. She acknowledged that without them, she would not be here before the students speaking about this important day.
Br. Luis Ramos provided the homily sharing a reason why he never forgot All Saint’s Day, was that it was his mother’s birthday, and he felt it was fitting because she did so much to care for him and his sister. He then said parents, teachers, coaches have messages for us, things they want us to know, but that we aren’t always receptive to them. He talked about men and women in the bible whose messages were not always heard or recognized about their faith and humanity. Br. Ramos reminded students that their presence is the best gift you can give someone. His message calling students to act was to turn off the TV, put down the phone and iPad, and have a conversation with friends and loved ones. By doing this, you honor them and remind them they are valuable as a human being.
The Mass offered readings and responses in Spanish and English. This is a reminder that we all “son las personas que te buscan, Senor” (are the people who search for you, Lord.)
Missed mass and want to see it? You can view the entire 11.1.21 school mass by clicking the following link below:
