Colorful Banners, Flowing Flowers and Skeleton Effigies are displayed at Cemeteries Garden Grove, Calif., (October 22, 2019) – EL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS – Oct. 26 The Diocese of Orange will hold its annual El Día de los Muertos observance in Spanish, October 26^th with a Mass held by the Most Rev. Timothy Freyer, Auxiliary Bishop of Orange at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange (7845 E Santiago Canyon Rd, Orange). Hispanic Catholics from several parishes in the Diocese of Orange will gather at the cemetery for the annual outdoor Mass to pay their respects and to celebrate the life of their loved ones who have departed. El Día de los Muertos is a tradition in Mexico and in other Latin-American Countries. This observance dates back many hundreds of years and is closely associated with All Souls Day. It is marked by festivities, including spectacular altars to honor their beloved departed. Many families visit the graveyards of their loved ones and celebrate throughout the day with a picnic as they remember the deceased. “The Day of the Dead is passionately observed by the Hispanic community in our Diocese. It is an occasion for families to come together in prayer to celebrate a ritual that has profound spiritual and cultural importance,” said Bishop Freyer.   ALL SOULS DAY- Nov. 2 The Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, will hold an outdoor Mass celebrating All Souls Day, the ancient feast day honoring the dead at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery (7845 E Santiago Canyon Rd, Orange), November 2 at 10:00 a.m. All Souls Day is a Roman Catholic holy day when one prays for the souls of the faithful departed, still undergoing “purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter heaven,” as the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains “purgatory.” “This sacred tradition reminds us of our commitment to live holy lives and that our prayers can help in the purification of souls destined for Heaven. Our annual celebration of All Souls Day highlights the rich culture and devotion of the people of our Diocese,” said Bishop Vann. There are many customs and traditions that occur during El Dia de los Muertos and All Souls Day festivities, depending on the culture. An altar is often intricately built at the cemetery, offering food for deceased family members in the belief that the dead participate in the meal in spirit. The offerings are arranged with colorful banners and flowers, which serve as a living memory of deceased loved ones. Candles, incense, mementos, photos, and other remembrances are used in the preparation of the altar honoring the faithful departed.   About the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange With 1.3 million Catholics, 57 parishes, 5 Catholic centers, and 41 schools, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is one of the largest and most-diverse faith communities in the United States. The Diocese empowers Catholics across Orange County to have an active life of faith that is integrated and woven into the fabric of their daily lives through the community and sacramental life of the Church. Under the leadership of Bishop Kevin Vann, the Diocese works to establish and support dynamic, vibrant parishes and schools welcoming all to live the Gospel with faith, joy, charity and unity. Christ Cathedral, the spiritual home of the Diocese, was dedicated in July 2019. Learn more about the Diocese of Orange at https://rcbo.staging.wpengine.com.   Pastoral Center: Communications Department 13280 Chapman Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840 office: 714-282-3075         fax: 714-282-3029