Since the beginning, the Church has remembered the dead in prayer.
Pope Francis noted on February 6 a story that has moved the world.
Little Rayan Oram, age 5, fell some 100 feet into a well shaft that his father was repairing on Tuesday afternoon in Tamorot, Morocco. For several days, #SaveRyan was trending around the world.
On Saturday rescue workers were finally able to extract the wee child, but unfortunately he passed away shortly afterward.
Prayers for the Dead
In #1032, the Catechism of the Catholic Church notes that, basing herself in the Tradition of the Old Testament, the Church has always prayed for the dead:
From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead: Let us help and commemorate them.
If Job’s sons were purified by their father’s sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.
A prayer for the departed
The Lord bless him/her and keep him/her,
the Lord make His Face to shine upon him/her
and be gracious to him/her,
the Lord lift up His countenance upon him/her
and give him/her peace. Amen.
We pray especially for Rayan’s parents, that they might experience the consolation of God.
And today we celebrate...
