Christians observe All Souls Day

Hyderabad: The Christian community thronged to cemeteries across twin cities on Thursday and remembered good memories of the departed souls to observe All Souls Day.

Protestants and Catholics observe All Souls Day on November 2, when families visit the graves of their loved ones and decorate them with flowers and light candles in their memory.

While cemeteries had choirs rendering soul-mending songs, seniors in the families explained their younger lot about the departed ones.

Father Swarna Bernard, a Parish priest, who served a special mass at St Mary’s Chapel, Mornington Road, Trimulgherry, said, “The death of a Christian is not the end of life nor the relationship with the departed beloved ones. We live in faith that one day we will be meeting each other. This day reflects love towards God and purification of souls.”

“On this day, we remember the good deeds of the loved ones who left us, and special masses are served in the church,” he added.

Lokesh, a boxing coach of Yousufguda stadium, and his other colleagues came to pay respect to their coach Steven who trained them. “Because of Steven sir, we are in this position and secured government jobs. He helped many underprivileged,” Lokesh said.

There were several people who took hours to decorate the graves of their loved ones. Suzana, who was spotted at Narayanguda protestant cemetery, was one of them. “It is not a ritual. So I like taking time and decorating the graves of my father and mother. While decorating their graves, I recall my fond memories with them,” she said.

According to Hosey Tocher, a committee member of the Catholic cemetery at Bhoiguda, “From morning onwards, people were coming to pay respects to their loved ones by making floral offerings. We made sure that all arrangements are made as the crowd will be in hundreds,” he said.