Commemoration of Priests,
Righteous/Just,
Faithful Departed
Ahead of the Season of Great Lent, the Maronite Church celebrates three Sundays of Commemorations. First, she commemorates all the deceased priests of the Church, as Christ has established the priesthood for his Church and entrusted it with great responsibilities. Next, she commemorates the Righteous and the Just, which is the Maronite Church’s equivalent to the feast of All Saints in the Latin Church. On this day, the Church calls to mind all the men and women, children of the Church, who have followed the path of justice and righteousness. She remembers the prophets, apostles and martyrs, the hermits, ascetics, men and women religious, as well as all Christians who have led holy lives. The final commemoration is that of all the faithful Christians who have departed this life in the faith. This feast is the Maronite Church’s equivalent to the feast of All Souls in the Latin Church. (excerpt from the Maronite Synaxarion)
Theme
Focus events on a specific commemoration.
Event Idea
The Sunday of the Righteous/Just is the Feast of All Saints in the Maronite Church, so throw a Saint Party! Each youth can dress up as their favorite Saint.
Insight From Catechism
“The communion of saints” is made up of all men who have placed their hope in Christ and belong to him through Baptism, whether they have already died or are still alive because in Christ we are one Body; we live in a communion that encompasses heaven and earth.” (YOUCAT 146)
Wisdom From Scripture
“Now therefore arise, O Lord God, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your might; let Your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation and let Your godly ones rejoice in what is good.” (2 Chron. 6:41)
“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph. 4:1-3)
Reference from the Divine Liturgy
“Lord, may the righteous be always present with us until the end at the final day. They stand before you to intercede for sinners and pray for us.” (Qurbono, 161)
“Grant rest to our departed one who died in hope, our parents, loved ones, and the teachers of true faith.” (Qurbono, 170)