Commemoration of all the Departed of the Order of Saint Benedict.

Yesterday, on the old calendar, was the Feast of all Benedictine Saints.

Today, on the old calendar, is the Commemoration of all the Departed of the Order of Saint Benedict.

It's great that All Saints and All Souls [celebrated November 1st and 2nd] are part of the Church Calendar. The sad reality is that these days are little appreciated in these modern Church times here in the United States.

The proof of this lack of appreciation, and perhaps lack of understanding, is evidenced in how pitifully attended Masses on these days are.

People are clamoring for reform in the Catholic Church.

Reform?

I have no problem with reform as long as it does not avoid or, in numerous instances, completely eliminate the foundational truths upon which the Church is built.

I cannot help but to think of the historic reforms within the Order of Saint Benedict. These were always a return to more basic and stricter observances of the Rule that Saint Benedict compiled as a guide for use in his monasteries.

Perhaps I'm too much of a nostalgic. I cannot, however, help but to appreciate the distinctive historical nuances that have, for all these centuries, made Benedictine's Benedictine.

The explanatory note in this copy of the Monastic Diurnal says ... "On this day is said the Office of the current Feria or Feast, and also the Office of the Dead for all the Departed of the Order."  The importance of this day is such that, if it falls on Sunday or one of the other Feasts, it is transferred to the day after.

Lest we forget the roots and foundations passed on to us by our Benedictine fathers and mothers.

Collect:

O GOD, the Giver of Pardon and the Author of man's salvation: we humbly beseech thy mercy to grant that the brethren of our Congregation, who have departed out of this world, blessed Mary ever Virgin and all thy Saints praying for them, may attain to the fellowship of everlasting blessedness. Through Christ our Lord.

For the repose of the souls of Father Thomas O'Connor, Father Edward Markley, and Father Howard Mossier ... three Benedictine priests from Saint Bernard Abbey that had [and continues to have] a significant influence on my life.

[Photo - Abbey Cemetery at Saint Bernard Abbey, Cullman, AL]