Romantic Music played for the ‘Departed Souls’ on ‘All Souls Day’ at Bendore Cemetery

Romantic Music ( a Konkani song instrumental tune) played for the ‘Departed Souls’ on ‘All Souls Day’ at Bendore Cemetery, on 2 November around 1.30 pm

Mangaluru: All Souls’ Day or the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, that is, of the souls of all humans who have died, follows All Saints’ Day. Observing Christians typically remember deceased relatives on the day. The annual celebration is held on 2 November and in the Catholic Church, “the faithful” refers specifically to baptized Catholics; “all souls” commemorates the church penitent of souls in Purgatory, whereas “all saints” commemorates the church triumphant of saints in Heaven. Beliefs and practices associated with All Souls’ Day vary widely among Christian churches and denominations.

Catholic families across Mangaluru parishes gathered on 2 November at area cemeteries to pay tribute to loved ones who have died. Catholic Church celebrations for All Saints’ Day fall on or around the actual day. The observance honors both official Saints and others who have lived good lives. On “All Souls’ Day, believers pray that souls in purgatory make it to heaven. Though its origins lie with the Catholic Church, other Christian denominations mark the holiday by reading the names of congregation members who have died over the past year.

In the Mass that precedes the blessings, the pastoral staff will urge parishioners to pray not only for the good who have died but those who may not have lived a good life. Death is such a difficult thing for us to deal with. It seems like it robs us of life. (The celebration) helps people who suffer from the grief of loss to be reminded that death is not the end. There is hope for us beyond the grave. The most distinctive feature of the “All Saints’ Day” Mass is the nature of the prayer. The prayers talk about through Christ we have victory over death and hope beyond the grave.

This year on All Souls Day, I visited the Bendore Cemetery, belonging to St Sebastian’s Church-Bendore to offer my prayers to the departed soul of our family friend. But surprisingly while entering the cemetery at around 1.30 pm or so, I got confused listening to the music that was playing in the cemetery- for the fact, the instrumental music that was being played was not relevant to a funeral- it was a romantic Konkani song instrumental tune. A few other faithful who were also in the cemetery were also wondering why such music was being played for the departed souls.

Walking further I spotted where the music was being played, but at that moment no one there, but after a while the music person in charge arrived, and one person questioned him, “This is not a wedding ceremony to play such kind of music, and he quickly turned off the music”. Later Team Mangalorean when inquired with the manager of the Church hall, who was present at the cemetery said, “The music guy was doing sound check, and he always brings one CD of Country Western Singer Jim Reeves, and the other CD, is the instrumental tune which was playing few minutes ago”.

Wow, when there are quite a funeral hymns that are available in the store or online, why would someone carry only these two CD’s containing music not appropriate for a funeral or All Souls Day. Funeral hymns are an important part of a Christian funeral service, as they can help bring the congregation together and bring comfort to those in attendance. Hymns are traditional across many different denominations of Christianity and just like other types of music; they can be happy, sad or inspirational. Traditional hymns can provide a fitting tribute to your loved one, especially if they followed Christianity. Even though Team Mangalorean got the explanation about the story behind this music played at the cemetery, but for many others who were there at the cemetery and also the neighbours, such kind of music sent a wrong message, and totally worried them.

For the kind information of the sound/music guy, here are a few most popular hymns for funerals, which he can play next time during a funeral or on All Souls day -” Jerusalem “; “The Lord’s My Shepherd (Psalm 23)”; “Abide With Me”; “Amazing Grace”; “How Great Thou”; “The Old Rugged Cross”; “Lord of All Hopefulness”. Traditionally, at least two hymns are sung at a Christian funeral service, though you may wish to choose more. There is typically an opening hymn and a closing hymn but it is best to speak to whomever is leading the ceremony before the day of the funeral and when you are creating a funeral order of service.

Depart, O Christian soul, out of this world; In the Name of God the Father Almighty who created you; In the Name of Jesus Christ who redeemed you; In the Name of the Holy Spirit who sanctified you. May your rest be in peace, and your dwelling place in the Paradise of God. To the faithful who were at the Bendore Cemetery on 2 November, when that Romantic Instrumental tunes were being played, let me compromise with you all, with a traditional and most popular Funeral Hymn for the Departed Souls-