All Souls Day at the National Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague

On Nov. 2, All Souls Day, parishioners of the National Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague held a special prayer service to commemorate the souls of the faithful departed. The day began with a Mass and holy hour, Rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet for the souls of the deceased parishioners, members and pilgrims to the Shrine.

In his homily, Father Christopher Tran stated, “As we commemorate the faithful departed today, let us see it as an opportunity to grow in trust in the Lord, recalling that our hope for the resurrection from the dead comes through the mystery of Christ who experienced death himself in order that we all might have new and eternal life in him.”

Father Tran cited the Lord’s promise, as recorded by Saint John the Evangelist, “This is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” (John 6:40)

Emphasizing the tremendous spiritual merits of the Holy Eucharist for the salvation of souls and an opportunity for the members of the pilgrim Church on earth to gain indulgences for souls in purgatory, Father Tran recalled the words of Saint Monica, which she pronounced on her deathbed, echo and represent the pleas of all souls in purgatory, “Please remember me every time you celebrate Mass.” 

Following the prayers in the church, Father Tran and the parishioners relocated to Prague’s Catholic cemetery to bless the graves and pray.
The Catholic cemetery in Prague is located where the first Catholic church in town was built in 1899. The original stone altar, a metal cross with the statues of Mary and Saint John, as well as the bell tower, have remained intact for the past 114 years.

The town of Prague was officially founded in 1902 by Czech immigrants who settled there. Many Czech settlers are buried in the cemetery, as well as three missionary priests, and nearly 70 Army, Airforce and Marine veterans, with the oldest (original to this day) graves dated back to 1903. The three missionary priests include the Rev. Emil Jerome Gerlich (d. 1969) (First native priest of Oklahoma, born in Indian territory); the Rev. Jerome G. Talloen (d. 2001) (Belgian priest ordained in Aalst, Belgium) and the Very Rev. Eric J. Beevers (d. 1975).

The shrine also undertook an effort to commemorate the faithful departed by planting trees on the church grounds. Through the generous support of the parishioners and benefactors of the shrine, 33 trees have been planted, adding to the renewal and beautification the shrine.

Genevieve King, a parishioner who helped with these activities, said, “We are doing it for our deceased and loved ones.”

Father Tran encouraged the parishioners and volunteers to meditate on the rapid passing of life and death. He reminded all that the purpose of life on earth is to inherit eternal life by faithfully putting Christ’s teachings into action, regardless of the many daily sufferings and challenges.
 
“Suffering serves the purpose of purifying us like fire purifies gold,” Father Tran said.

Father Tran concluded by reiterating the guidelines Jesus gave his followers to inherit a happy eternal life—the Beatitudes and works of mercy.

Jad Ziolkowska is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.