Ellen Joslin, right, faith formation catechist, at St John the Evangelist Parish in Vancouver, Wash., explains the virtual cemetery to parish children as they join parishioner Judy Fairbanks at the cross honouring her husband Randy, who died in April. Neat rows of 220 white crosses, decorated with bright candles and beautiful flowers and bearing the names of deceased loved ones, are the focal point for the All Souls’ novena at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Vancouver.
“Praying a bilingual novena, the same rosary at the same time, is so powerful,” said Father Alfredo Velazquez, priest administrator at St. John. Lori Jimerson, St. John’s pastoral assistant for administration, said many of their parishioners have immigrated or traveled to the U.S., leaving loved ones behind. And many parishioners have lost loved ones since arriving here and could not return home, Father Velazquez said.About half of St. John’s parishioners are Spanish speakers.
In the second year of this prayerful remembrance, the courtyard crosses and novena are becoming a welcome tradition, one that helps families heal, Father Velazquez said. It’s also an opportunity to practice the spiritual works of mercy, share culture and educate a younger generation about tradition, he said.
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