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COMMUNITY
October 10, 2017 | The Valley Catholic
Calvary Catholic Cemetery will Host 8 th Annual Day of the Dead –
Día de Los Muertos – a Day of Celebration and Remembrance
By Kathy Fanger
You are invited to attend another
memorable Día de Los Muertos, or Day
of the Dead, celebration on Oct. 28 from
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Calvary Catholic
Cemetery.
Día de Los Muertos is one of Mexico’s
traditional holidays reuniting and
honoring beloved ancestors, family,
and friends. It is an ancient ritual when
the living commune with the dead – a
mystical event when the veil is lifted
between their two realms and they
may share a day together.
The historical roots of this celebra-
tion date back to the pre-Hispanic
cultures of Meso-America’s indigenous
people of Mexico for more than 3,000
years. When the Spaniards conquered
the country, this indigenous custom
was rooted so deeply that, after fi ve
centuries of colonization, it has contin-
ued to survive and remains celebrated
to this day. Indigenous people believed
that souls did not die, that they contin-
ued living in Mictlan (place of death),
a special place for them to fi nally rest.
Tradition holds that on Día de Los
Muertos, the dead return to earth to
visit their living relatives.
Throughout each period in Mexican
culture, death seems to hold no terror.
In Mexican art, legends and religion,
death has not been a mysterious and
fearful presence, but a realistic recog-
nizable character of life itself. Día de
Los Muertos expresses this perspective:
it is not a mournful commemoration,
but a happy and colorful celebration of
life where death takes a lively, friendly
expression and is not frightening or
strange.
This special day is a time when fam-
ily members share memorable stories
recalling the lives of their ancestors.
Offerings and altars (ofrendas) that
include photos, mementos and other
favorite items of the deceased are cre-
ated to welcome and remember the
dead and to express love. Ofrendas typi-
cally include the four main elements
of nature: earth, wind, water and fi re.
Creating ofrendas and recalling stories
is a wonderful opportunity to teach
children about those who came before
them.
Día de Los Muertos is a time of cel-
ebration and a time to remember our
deceased family and friends. Rather
than to deny and fear death, this day
teaches us to accept and contemplate
the meaning of mortality and to cel-
ebrate life.
“Indeed for your faithful, Lord, life is
changed, not ended. And when this earthly
dwelling turns to dust, an eternal dwelling
is made ready for them in heaven.”*
On Oct. 28, visitors are encouraged
to come with photos and memorabilia
to place on the community altar. View
the unique altar display created by
Catholic school and parish children
that honor their loved ones. The open-
ing prayer service begins at 11 a.m.
followed by a day of wonderful ritual,
music and dance. There is a free chil-
dren’s craft area and bounce house,
plus sale items from food trucks and
art vendors. For more information call
(650) 428-3730 x504.
*From Preface 1 in the Mass for the Dead
Gate of Heaven
Catholic Cemetery
Fall Open House
October 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
22555 Cristo Rey Dr., Los Altos
Pre-planning is part of your estate
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ily, leaving a welcomed legacy of love.
Learn about our 10% interest fi nancing
(up to 60 months, ETF required) and
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