The 63rd Annual All Carmelite Souls Mass

+ Maria

ALL CARMELITE SOULS 2023

On Saturday, 4 November 2023, the Carmelite Province of Saint Elias celebrated the 63^rd Annual All Souls Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This annual event held usually in the first or second week of November is an opportunity for the friars from around the Province to gather together to pray and remember those Carmelite friars, seminarians, sisters, lay Carmelites and benefactors in the Province who have died.

The Very Rev. Mario Esposito, O.Carm., Prior Provincial was the main celebrant and homilist for the Mass. He was assisted by Rev. Bro. Jonathan Steele, O.Carm. The professed Carmelite brothers residing and studying at Whitefriars Hall in Washington D.C. helped with serving the Mass and singing the choir. Bro. Gregg J. Durham, O.Carm., served as Master of Ceremonies.

After the homily, Rev. Gerard Tang Choon, O.Carm. and Rev. Mark Zittle, O.Carm., took turns reading the names of the deceased, remembering each one in prayer by the sound of the bell. Immediately after the Mass, the friars and those who attended the Mass processed to the cemetery. The choir chanted the Litany of the Saints as the Prior Provincial blessed each gravestone of the deceased. The ceremony concluded with the Flos Carmeli, the traditional Carmelite Marian hymn sung at the end of Office. After the ceremony, a luncheon was enjoyed by all at Pilgrim Hall.

On this month November dedicated to the Poor Souls in Purgatory, let us pray for the eternal repose of those who gone before us marked with the sign of faith. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. And may the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

News and photos: SEL Media