All Souls Day in Curahuasi
There are few people who like to go to cemeteries. Standing in front a grave we shed tears and are overcome by melancholy emotions. And who of us wants to be reminded of our own mortality? Why did so many Curahuasinos flock to Camposanto (the so called God’s acre) yesterday? Because of All Souls Day.
The tradition goes back to the 12th century when the Catholic Church developed its concept of purgatory. Ever since on 2nd November the living pray that the spirits of their dead relatives and loved ones will rest in peace. In so doing they hope that they can shorten the time that the loved ones spend burning.
Purgatory is not at all biblically based. We are saved by grace alone. This realisation convinced Martin Luther 500 years ago just as it did the Christians 2000 years ago. Perhaps one day the Catholic Church will be able to rid itself once and for all from its dark idea. We pray that it will be able to.
