On the evening of Friday, Nov. 1, after lighting some candles in my quarters, I wanted to feel the spirit of my dearly departed loved ones, esp. my Daddy. I wanted to see a butterfly or butterflies which, by some folklore, are associated with heavenly spirits that manifest themselves during solemn feasts like All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
None came. But my reflections that night were centered on the many moments or memories of bonding, elders’ counseling, family occasions, triumphs and joy, struggles, tragedies and grief shared with my father, grandparents (both de Lima and Magistrado sides), aunts, uncles and cousins who left earthly existence ahead of us.
For 3 years in a row, I’ve missed visiting their graves in the family mausoleum and relishing the long hours of vigil in the evening of Nov. 1 with an abundance of storytelling and food. It’s more than a ritual. Like the Holy Week, Undas is always a spiritually and emotionally satisfying experience for me.
I cry out to them, the free and redeemed souls of my loved ones, for help, to unshackle my chains.
Have a liberating Sunday! ###