At Naini Community Cemetery, garlands of flowers offered and prayers recited on graves of ancestors
Prayagraj: On Monday, Christians celebrated “All Souls’ Day” with devotion and emotion. Special prayer services were held and Bible readings were read. Messages delivered in Catholic churches emphasized that this festival provides a precious opportunity to express gratitude to our ancestors. Beginning in the afternoon, Christians began visiting cemeteries to remember their departed parents, siblings, grandparents, and great-grandparents. People cleaned and painted their ancestors’ graves, placed candles and flowers on them, and prayed for the repose of their souls. Many were moved to tears as they remembered their loved ones. All the Christian cemeteries in the city witnessed heavy footfall from morning until evening.
On this occasion, Bishop Morris Edgar Dan of the Diocese of Lucknow (CNI) offered a message of peace and solace to the Christian community.
The Bishop said, “All Souls’ Day is not just a day of mourning, but a day to reaffirm our unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who assures us of victory over death. The Holy Bible teaches us that those who have fallen asleep in Christ have not perished but are at the right hand of the Father, enjoying eternal life. Today reminds us that the love and blessings of our ancestors are always with us. We must follow their righteous path and spread the light of love, forgiveness, and peace in society.” Bishop Dan offered special prayers at all the graves. He also blessed the children present there.
Meanwhile, a large number of Christians gathered at the cemetery in Myorabad. A special prayer service was held there, led by Pastor Praveen Massey. Bible verses were read during the service, and a collective prayer was offered for the salvation of the departed souls.
On this emotional and sacred occasion, Bishop of Lucknow Bishop Dan Preksha Dan Allen Dan Johnson David Sunil Kumar Verma and former Director Administration of SHUATS and former DEB Secretary Vinod Bihari Lal, Shanti B Lal, Dr. Enid Masih, David Luke, Christable Luke, Rev. Mudit Mohan Srivastava Ajit Oliver Francis, Sanjay Walter Karan, Sandeep Balfour, Dr. Sheen Moses, Arun Moses, Ashish Robert, Samarpan Steve Massey, Sanjay Gray, Sandra Regina George, Ankita Das, along with many dignitaries of the society were present.
Solomon, caretaker of the Rajapur cemetery, said, “Preparations have been going on for several weeks. Solomon, the caretaker of the Rajapur cemetery, shared specific information about the large crowds and arrangements made at the cemetery. Solomon explained, “On All Souls’ Day, thousands of Christians come here to pay homage to their ancestors. In view of this large crowd, we have been busy for the past several weeks cleaning the cemetery grounds, repairing paths, and improving security. Since this morning, people have been coming to decorate the graves of their loved ones with flowers and light candles. Our effort has been to ensure that no Christian family visiting here faces any inconvenience during this emotional moment, and that everyone can pray peacefully for their loved ones.”
