‘Memento mori’: A Short Reflection for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day

By Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Delatado

Published on October 31, 2024

As we enter this sacred time of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, I invite each of you to reflect on the meaning of memento mori, a reminder of our mortality and the eternal life God promises us.

In our parish, we will see the mirror and skull—powerful reminders of life’s brevity and the need to keep our souls prepared for the day we will meet God face-to-face.

The mirror encourages us to reflect on our own lives, to examine how we are living in the light of God’s grace. Are we living with purpose, rooted in faith, hope, and charity? The skull, a reminder of death, gently urges us to pray for those who have gone before us, especially the souls in purgatory who long for our prayers.

So let us take this time to pray for all souls. Let us also strive to live our lives in a way that honors God and prepares us for the eternal joy He has in store.

This season reminds us that our true home is with God, where we will one day be united with our loved ones in the glory of heaven.