Comfort and solace to the grieving at Mass of Consolation

“Death is not the end of the pilgrimage.” Comforting words animatedly expressed by Msgr Esau Joseph during his homily at this year’s Mass of Consolation on November 28 at St Charles Borromeo RC Church, Tunapuna.

Celebrated annually, the special service is a time of reflection on life, death, and the hope of eternal life, and offers comfort and solace to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

The church was specially decorated for the occasion enhancing the atmosphere and enriching the sacred space. The tiny flicker of candle lights, beautiful palms, and gentle floral arrangements in the centre pews conveyed a message of comfort and consolation to those gathered.

A seamless blend of voices representing the Sunday morning choir brought the congregation to their feet welcoming Msgr Joseph and Deacon Terrence Caesar with the entrance hymn, ‘Christ be beside me.’ Throughout the sacred rituals of the Mass, their music contributed to the reverence and tranquillity with its own message of peace, hope, and comfort.

The melodious music of our national instrument played by Professor Headley was an integral part of the evening with his renditions of ‘In a monastery garden,’ and ‘The Holy City’.  The tapestry of sound seemed to wrap the congregation in a gentle embrace that collectively inspired profound solace.

Through his homily, Msgr Joseph offered comfort and hope to the congregation sharing about Jesus’ promise of eternal life. He pointed out that Jesus had to face the reality of death and emphasised how much Jesus prayed for strength the night before His death.

Urging the congregation to “pray, pray, pray” he said, “the help that comes from on High through prayer can take us through any challenge or difficulty in this life.”

Msgr Joseph spoke about the timing of the Mass of Consolation on the cusp of the Advent season, a time of spiritual preparedness, of waiting, hoping, and longing for the Lord.

He reflected on scripture and the teachings of the Church to help the families gathered to make sense of their grief through spiritual lens. He shared an experience that would have resonated with those deeply saddened and their often-expressed question “Why? Why?,” more so when it’s the loss of a child or the sudden or tragic death of a loved one.

Msgr Joseph reminded that crying helps heal in certain circumstances. “If your emotions allow you to cry, then cry.”

In closing, he acknowledged the collective grief of the congregation and offered words of encouragement and consolation. He reiterated that it’s not the end, but a new beginning.

The anticipated tea light procession to the accompaniment of Philip Okafor’s reflective music created a visual symbol of hope as the gentle glow of lights symbolised the light of Christ guiding the departed souls while offering much hope to the bereaved.

There was also a sense of community solidarity and exchange of comforting gestures with the recognition that they were not alone in their grief.

Kind and sincere expressions of thanks were conveyed by the Ministry of Consolation’s team leader Barbara Wafe to all the persons who ensured the 2024 Mass of Consolation was a reality.

A spiritually uplifted and encouraged congregation heartily sang the recessional hymn ‘Walk with me, O my Lord’ closing this special evening of reverence.

–By Manuelita Gomez-Thomas, MoC member