Each November, through a series of events Saint Anselm College takes time to remember those community members who have passed away during the year. The events that are a part of the Saint Anselm tradition include the Luminaria Mass, a celebration of Dia de Los Muertos, the Employee Memorial Mass, and the Necrology.
The Luminaria Mass commemorates All Souls Day. Students and other community members inscribe names of loved ones who have passed away on glowing prayer lamps. The bags are displayed during the Mass to be remembered with love, generosity, and prayer.
This year, at the same mass, Campus Ministry celebrated Dia de los Muertos – a celebration by the Mexican community of the Day of the Dead from October 31 to November 2—with a traditional altar. El Dia de Los Muertos honors the remembrance of departed loved ones and invites their spirits back for a reunion. It is normally celebrated with food, drinks, and music. Although usually recognized in Mexico, El Dia de Los Muertos has become a tradition at Saint Anselm College as the community works towards inclusivity, promoting diversity, and educating students about other cultural traditions.
In November, the faculty and staff at Saint Anselm come together to remember, honor, and pray for our colleagues who have gone before us during the Employee Memorial mass. This year the community remembered the following individuals: Areti Kostopoulos (Dining Services), Roger Lambert (Retired Physical Plant), Anne Marie Dalton (IT Department), Frank Mason (Emeritus Professor of History), Yiannis Voyiatzakis (Retired Dining Services), and Maurice Albert Labrie (Physical Plant).
Finally, November is also a time to when alumni join together with the monastic community to pray for the deceased members of their community as well as those alumni in need of prayers. The necrology is sent out in time for the beginning of November and includes reflections from Abbot Mark Cooper, O.S.B. ’71 H.D. ’04, a list of the deceased monks, and a form for alumni to fill in with prayer intentions.
All of these activities are centered in the catholic, Benedictine tradition at the heart of Saint Anselm College. The Catholic Church has believed in and taught the value of prayer for the deceased. The Church from its earliest days has shown the greatest reverence for the dead. Catholics believe that we are united in Christ with all our sisters and brothers living and deceased. Prayer for the deceased benefits not only the dead but also us, the living. Thus, in the month of November, Catholics remember all our faithful departed with gratitude for the gifts of life and faith.