Diocese of Orange to Celebrate All Souls Day and El Día de los Muertos
Garden Grove, Calif., (October 27, 2016) – The Diocese of Orange will host several events to commemorate All Souls Day, the ancient feast day honoring the dead, including a special Mass with Bishop Kevin Vann and the annual El Día de los Muertos celebration.
All Souls Day is a Roman Catholic holy day for praying for the souls of the faithful departed who are undergoing purification before entering heaven. This feast is an important tradition in Mexico and other parts of Latin America where it is known as El Día de los Muertos, or “the Day of the Dead.”
“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 the Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange.
Featured Events
El Día de los Muertos Celebration (in Spanish)
- When: Saturday, October 29, 2016, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Where: The Plaza at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove
- Special Mass: A Mass will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the Arboretum.
All Souls Day Outdoor Mass
- When: Wednesday, November 2, 2016, at 10:00 a.m.
- Where: Holy Sepulcher Cemetery (7845 E Santiago Canyon Rd, Orange)
- Celebrant: The Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange
Cultural Traditions
The El Día de los Muertos observance dates back hundreds of years. The celebration includes many customs and traditions, such as building intricate altars at the cemetery with offerings of food for deceased family members. The offerings are arranged with colorful banners, flowers, candles, incense, photos, and other remembrances to honor the faithful 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 Vann.
All Souls Day Mass Schedule – Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016
All Masses are at 10:00 a.m.
Holy Sepulcher Cemetery
- Address: 7845 E Santiago Canyon Rd, Orange, CA 92869
- Celebrant: Bishop Kevin Vann
Ascension Cemetery
- Address: 24754 Trabuco Rd, El Toro, CA 92630
- Celebrant: Reverend George Blais
Good Shepherd Cemetery
- Address: 8301 Talbert Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
- Celebrant: Reverend Sergio Ramos
Pastoral Center: Communications Department
13280 Chapman Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Office: 714-282-3075
Fax: 714-282-302