The Catholic Virginian

Troubadour, madman, beggar and finally saint are names once hurled at one of the best known and most beloved saints in the Church's calendar. 

On October 4 we commemorate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, a man who lost his life in order to find it. Perhaps no other saint reflected the life of the Savior of the world more closely than the litde Poverello of Assisi.

Today statues of him decorate landscapes, animals are blessed on his feast day, and his descendants can be found serving the poor and the marginalized in every corner of the world. He is a saint for all seasons and for all people. I recall a Baptist neighbor once asking me if I would turn the statue of St. Francis that was in our backyard in the direction of their home in hopes that he would turn their lawn from brown to green. This was almost 30 years ago, long before St. Francis was associated with ecology and caring for the earth.

However, for a man whose understanding of God was so large and so inclusive, it should come as no surprise that he would continue to expand the vision of the world in death much the way he did in life. Like St. Francis, all are called to sainthood, perhaps not in so heroic a way as he, but we are called. And ... we have much to learn from the saint who took the teachings of Jesus literally and embraced the Gospel without compromise.

Francis grew into sainthood. Like us, he struggled with doubts and uncertainty. He was conflicted by what his head told him and by what his heart knew to be true. Even when Jesus spoke directly to Francis from the cross at St. Damiano, the youthful Francis misinterpreted the message, taking literally Jesus' instruction to rebuild his Church because it had fallen into ruin. Yet, as each conflict gave way to grace, this humble man of God discovered the deeper significance of God's invitation. The fact is: holiness happens in stages. Conversion must be ongoing because it involves returning to God with ever greater willingness to abandon thoughts and actions which are contrary to the Gospel.

If you've read the life of St. Francis of Assisi then you know his life is a prime example. Writing about St. Francis, Father Gwenole Jeusset, OFM identified three interior barriers that had to be broken down as part of the saint's conversion process. The first was the physical barrier that separated the sick from the healthy, and was shattered when Francis encountered the leper. The story is familiar. Francis meets a leper outside the city gates. His first impulse is to run from the leper, but no sooner had he fled than something caused him to return. Francis not only returned, but upon seeing him, embraced the leper and in that moment, his heart was changed. He saw Christ in the man who only moments ago had been physically repugnant. The second barrier he shattered was a form of moral leprosy. It seems there were a group of thieves living not too far from where the friars had pitched their huts. Since they were a continual threat, St. Francis instructed the friars to visit them and to treat them like any brothers who were suffering and hungry. He told them to spread as lavish a feast as they could prepare and serve the thieves with humility and good humor. He cautioned his friars to provide moral guidance. Only during a subsequent visit when they had won their friendship and trust.

The last barrier in the saint's conversion process, according to Father Jeusset was a spiritual barrier, which Francis when he visited the Egypt during the Crusades. Although Francis set out with the intention of converting him, after meeting and spending time with the Sultan, his heart was moved from a mentality of conquest to the mentality of encounter. Francis saw Christ in the Sultan and was touched by his deep love for God and his devotion to prayer.

Like the encounters with the leper and the thieves, Francis' encounter with the Muslim sultan became an encounter with Christ and whenever encounter Christ we changed. In the presence of fraternal love barriers crumble and walls that divide one against another are shattered.

As Francis' love for God became perfect, he responded to every encounter as an encounter with Christ and so his conversion was complete. Shortly after wards,  St.Francis received the  stigmata. He received not only the I wounds of Christ but nails actually penetrated his skin and so St. Francis became the personification of Christ in every way. According to Father Jeusset, the saint of Assisi did not convert the Muslims because he looked at their hearts and saw Christ. He embraced the Sultan much the same way that he embraced the leper and the thieves and after spending two weeks with him, they parted as friends who had a deep and profound respect for one another. One can only imagine what St. Francis would have to say about the kind of suspicion and hateful rhetoric that is taking place around the building of a mosque and community center in New York.

Today, let us call upon the humble man of Assisi to show us the way to peace so that we may encounter the other in a spirit of fraternal charity, recognizing every encounter as encounter - with Christ.

About Mission San Luis Rey

The Franciscan Retreat Center at Old Mission San Luis Rey offers a place for solitude, healing, and revitalization with a wide variety of  Spiritual retreats and educational programs.  The  Retreat centers is also for individuals who would like spiritual renewal. The Mission is committed to taking care of the   California cemetery http://www.sanluisrey.org/Cemeteryas part of this National Historic Landmark.

Mexican Day Of Dead

Dia de losMuertos is celebrated around the same time as Halloween, so the two holidays are often meshed together. But the Day of the Dead is actually very different from Halloween and not at all morbid like the name may suggest. 

Dia de los Muertos or the “Day of the Dead” is a Mexican religious holiday that has grown in popularity over the years amongst those who are not Mexican, Catholic, or even religious. One of its popular icons, the sugar skull, has become a favorite design used in everything from wall art to dinnerware. The most important manifestations of this holiday are the ofrendas, or altars made of offerings, created in homes, businesses and public places. The altars honor the dead to assure the continuity of life. In the Mexican tradition, those who are dead provide the necessary connection between the living and God and the Saints. The celebration is not a mournful one, but rather a time to share with family and friends and to visit with the souls of the departed. The warm communal environment, the colorful setting, and the abundance of food, drink and the presence of friends and family members has pleasant overtones for most observ­ers.  This festive interaction between the living and the dead is a way of celebrating that life was and still is shared with the departed and is also recognition of the cycle of life and death. This cycle is the cycle of all forms of existence. Here are some of the recipes for Dia de los Muertos:

·         Sugar Skulls
The most popular "Dia de los Muertos" ofrenda is sugar skulls. Sugar skulls are a traditional folk art from Central and Southern Mexico used to celebrate Day of the Dead. Mounds of colorful sugar skulls are sold by vendors in the village open air markets during the week preceding Day of the Dead. Increasing numbers of non-traditional colorful candies such as decorated chocolate skulls and other Halloween candies are now competing with the traditional sugar skulls, which are becoming harder and harder to find in Southern Mexico. The skulls are made of a sugar mixture that has been pressed into molds and then dried. The dried sugar skulls are decorated with icing and sometimes non-edible items such as colored foil, feathers or sequins. The making of sugar skulls is a great project to share with friends and family while reflecting on the happy memories associated with lost loves ones. Sugar skulls aren't dark and morbid; they're colorful, whimsical and cheerful, sometimes even humorous. Then they're placed on the ofrenda along with all the other honorary gifts.

·         Pan de Muerto
This sugary, sweet bread is enjoyed by the families of the deceased during Dia de los Muertos, as well as placed on the altar. The Pan de Muerto is a made into a loaf and extra dough is fashioned into decorations resembling bones. The bread is baked, glazed and decorated with colored sugar.

• Candied Pumpkin
  This sweet dish consists of fresh pumpkin slices that are cooked in a piloncillo glaze. The Candied Pumpkin is also enjoyed by the family during Dia de los Muertos as well as placed on the altar.
• Chocolate Coffins and Skulls
  These chocolate items are a newer addition to the altars. They can be plain or decorated with other edible items such as colored sugar, brightly colored candies or sprinkles. Chocolate Coffins and Skulls can be bought pre-made or you can make them yourself.
• Atole
  A hot cup of masa gruel known as Atole is used to nourish and warm the spirits when they return and/or when they leave.

You don't have to be Catholic or even Christian to appreciate the artistic value of the sugar skull. On paper, the decorative shapes and lines can be even more intricate than on real sugar skulls piped with thick, sticky icing. What is the story behind this holiday? Legend says that the gates of heaven open at midnight, and that the souls of dead children – angelitos – are the first to visit their loved ones still on earth. They roam the earth for just one day, and then the following midnight, the gates are opened once again to allow the adult souls to descend.

About Mission San Luis Rey de Francia Founded in 1798, Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, known as the “King of the Missions,” is a National Historic Landmark. The largest of all the 21 California missions, it is home to a community of Franciscan Friars and is open daily to the public in the Franciscan tradition of heritage and hospitality. Facilities include a Retreat Center with day and overnight programs for spiritual renewal, multi-function meeting spaces, a Cemetery open to all people, Mission Gift Shop, Historic Church and interpretive Museum.

What is Dia de los Muertos?

Many immigrants, especially the Oaxacan community, have brought these traditions with them. They are now sharing them with everyone by participating in Día de los Muertos Festivals in the U.S. Non-Mexicans are learning that Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of life and death that speaks to everyone who has lost somebody. Some people attend because either they are curious, or they want to just have a good time. Perhaps they want to continue this wonderful tradition. Whatever the reason, it’s wonderful to see so many different types of people gathered in one place to celebrate life and death. In la fiesta of Dia de los Muertos, time no longer bars one spirit from another by reason of death.

Tradition

The Mexican Day of the Dead – Dia de los Muertos is a festive and celebrative time. It is a holiday with a complex history and fusion of old traditions. This view of death started with Meso - American cultures such as the Olmecs more than 3,000 years ago. Meso - Americans believed that during this time of the year, the boundaries that separate the living and the dead weaken and that the deceased could visit the living. Unlike the Spaniards, who viewed death as the end of life, the natives viewed it as the continuation of life, as a blend together cycle. Instead of fearing death, they embraced it. To them, life was a dream and only in death did they become truly awake. The holiday is traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. Because it is a holiday with a complex history, its observance varies from region to region and also by degree of urbanization. In the small towns of Mexico a candlelight procession to the cemetery is held by most of the families on the eve of the celebration. At the gravesites family members spruce up the gravesite, decorate it with flowers and enjoy a meal. Offerings are brought to the graves and include the favorite foods, beverages, toys, and personal belongings of the departed so that they might enjoy them again. Family members spend the night at the cemetery and share the memory of their loved ones by telling stories about them. The celebration is not a mournful one, but rather a time to share with family and friends and to visit with the souls of the departed. The warm communal environment, the colorful setting, and the abundance of food, drink and the presence of friends and family members has pleasant overtones for most observers. This festive interaction between the living and the dead is a way of celebrating that life was and still is shared with the departed and is also recognition of the cycle of life and death. This cycle is the cycle of all forms of existence.

The Altars, full of “ofrendas” (offerings), is the focal point to observing the Dia de los Muertos. In Mexico it is constructed at home and/or at the graveside or business establishment. Entire families construct altars as an annual commitment. View the 24 altars that have been constructed by Oaxacan families, our local college groups, Oceanside Police Department, and several local families. 

The Day of the Dead tradition and how it renews itself through new influences is expressed in the altars, and also in educational pamphlets at the event both in English and Spanish.

Dances and Comparsas are part of the Carnival form the Day of theDead. The festivities of the Days of the Dead include traditional and satirical dances like the Rubios and the Chilolos. “La Danza de Los Rubios” (Dance of the Fair-skinned Ones) is a traditional dance from the Mixtec area that honors the cowboys who herded cattle from Oaxaca to the states of Veracruz and Puebla as well as parodies the ruler from Spanish descent. 

(Also called Muerteada) is basically a parade that is very traditional in Oaxaca. Sometimes the comparsa is performed for four days (from October 30th to November 2nd). Each town have a variation of the comparsa, but the main characters are the happy widow, the dying or dead husband, the father of the widow, a doctor, a priest, a shaman, people dressed like death, a few devils, and “las lloronas”. Naturally death and the devils leave angry because they believed that they would harvest a soul for themselves.

Burial considerations

In spite of these raw feelings of grief, there are many arrangements that must be made in a rather short period of time. Most often we are in need of some guidance in helping us to make the right decisions during this very difficult period. The purpose of a funeral is to give meaning to a person’s life. It’s an opportunity for family and friends to gather and remember the deceased while offering support and comfort to one another. Planning a funeral can be an emotional process with several legal and financial matters to consider. Taking these steps can help you as you plan, whether you are planning your own funeral or that of a loved one.

This service is all about remembering the deceased. The best way to remember the deceased is to think of him as in life. If the person was fun, loved Hawaii, and abhorred all things depressing, you could request that funeral guests come in Hawaiian shirts and pass out leis. If your family is more traditional or conservative, a more subdued funeral with guests dressed in black may be more appropriate. Tailor the funeral to the deceased and it will always stand out in the minds of the guests. 

When planning a funeral there are certain points which must be considered to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible. The factors which should be considered are:

•             Budget,
•             Wishes of the deceased,
•             Wishes of Family,
•             Personal Taste,
•             Burial Site Environment,
•             Burial Site Regulations. 

Budget – funerals can be expensive and the budget will determine the type of funeral which is undertaken. Costs for the funeral directors, car hire, flowers, headstones etc. all need to be taken into account.

Wishes of the deceased – It is possible the deceased will have left specific instructions as to their funeral arrangements. Such instructions could be left in the will.

Family Wishes - consideration will need to be given to the wishes of the family when planning the funeral to ensure harmony on the day.

Personal Taste – funerals can take the form of various styles, from traditional to more personalize. This clearly depends on the wishes of the deceased and the family. Ensure that a funeral director is appointed who can accommodate and such desires.

Burial Site environment and regulation – before any plans are organized it will be necessary to take into consideration the burial ground environment and regulations. Most churchyards will have regulations in place as to the type of headstone which can be placed on the grave, as well as types of vases etc. Ensure a copy of these regulations is obtained and followed. The funeral plans must suit the environment in which the grave is situated. SanDiego cemeteries will make every effort to ensure that families have minimal worry when death occurs. They will be assisted in setting the date and time by the cemetery office. 

You should ask some questions. Is there a chapel where you can hold a memorial service close to the burial site? Are the grounds open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week? Does the cemetery offer financing options? Can you choose between upright or ground level memorial markers? Would you prefer a special section i.e. veterans? Can the cemetery manage a cremation if desired? Is the cemetery staff helpful? Look around at the cemetery as a whole. Is it well kept? Are there mausoleums? What kind are they? Is there an urn garden? Is the purchase of cemetery property limited? Can I purchase cemetery property in advance? Do I have to be Catholic to be buried there? In this way you can spend some time with the cemetery staff and get all the answers you need to make a good decision while not distressed.

Old Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery is Oceanside cemetery, founded in 1798, is the oldest cemetery in North County San Diego still in operation. Old Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery is a sanctuary offering peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Contact us for San Diego funeral services. They will be assisted in setting the date and time by the cemetery office. The Mission is committed to taking care of the California cemetery as part of this National Historic Landmark. Immediate need or advanced planning, our experienced and caring staff is available to help you.