CBC PNGSI Staff Commemorate All Souls' Day: "They Are in the Hands of the Lord"
PORT MORESBY - The staff of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBC PNGSI) gathered today, November 2, to celebrate All Souls' Day Mass at the CBC headquarters in Port Moresby.
Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj, the General Secretary of the Conference of CBC PNGSI, celebrated Mass
In a solemn, prayerful celebration, staff remembered departed colleagues, family members, Christians, and missionaries who died serving the Church in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
In his homily, which was also aired live on Radio Maria Papua New Guinea for the faithful across the country, the General Secretary reflected on the consoling message of the first reading from the Book of Wisdom.
His key theme: "They are in the hands of the Lord".
"Once they die, it is not finished. They are not gone. They are in the hands of God," he said. "To be in the hands of God means they are safe; they are important. There is nothing that can harm them now."
Drawing from the day's readings - the General Secretary reminded the faithful that death is not destruction but a passage into God's hands. He emphasized the promise of the Gospel: "I will never reject anyone who comes to me."
He challenged those present to not only pray for the dead but also to remember the good example they left behind and to reflect on how we use the short time given to us on earth."Our time here is short. Our time is given by God. How are we going to manage it? How are we going to reflect Jesus to each other?" he asked. "We will be in the hands of God one day, that is sure. But today we are asked how we make good use of our time."
The Mass concluded with prayers for all the faithful departed, grieving families, for the Church's pastoral workers, readers and missionaries, and for peace, justice and reconciliation in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
Staff also observed a moment of silent prayer for their own family members who have passed away.
May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace
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