Yesterday, we celebrated the Saints, those heroes of the Church and examples of sanctity, who now enjoy what we hope for, the Beatific Vision, the perfection of salvation, the unity of person and God in unfathomable intimacy.

Today, we celebrate the saints who lived with us, our family members, our loved ones, and our friends. We call to mind their faith, the greatness of their lives, the contributions to us and our world, and the “ties of friendship and love that knit us [together] as one.”* It is precisely our unity in love and spirit, our oneness as the Communion of Saints, that makes possible our humble entreaty upon our Lord, to purify to perfection those dearest saints and loved ones held deeply in our hearts, so that all who are members of Jesus’ Body will attain our Christian hope, forever united in Heaven, according to the Father’s will and for his glory.

Please bear with my slight modification; let us pray. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace, and may their loved ones who remain, be consoled in Christ. Amen.

                                                                                                                                                 *Order of Christian Funerals