From the Friars: Tempus fugit, memento mori
“Tempus fugit, memento mori–Time flies, remember that you must die”. This familiar Latin phrase is an important reminder for all of us to prepare well for death, for we do not know when God will call us home to Himself. Likewise, Sirach 7:36 reminds us, “In all you do, remember the end of your life, and then you will never sin.” (If only it were that easy).
November is also a beautiful time to pray for the faithful departed. At the Shrine entrances we have set up a “Book of Remembrance” in which you are invited to write the names of your departed loved ones who will be remembered at weekend Shrine Masses this month. “Dies Irae, Dies Illa.” “Day of wrath, that [dreadful] day, shall the world in ashes lay.” This hauntingly beautiful chant by Franciscan Friar Thomas of Celano, the biographer of Francis of Assisi, is used as the Sequence for the Mass of All Souls Day. Even though All Soul’s Day has passed, we should still meditate on this hymn and the “Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell” during the month of November.
Detail from The Last Judgment, By Michelangelo – Public Domain, Link
May I recommend for your meditation and listening pleasure “Dies Irae Gregorian chant for the departed souls” by Harpa Dei, a Catholic family ensemble that promotes sacred music? If you wanted to meditate on just the words in a rhymed English translation (side by side with the original Latin), just google “preces-latinae.org Dies Irae”. The Dies Irae has been associated with death for over 800 years. Hollywood loves it too. It has been used in “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Stars Wars”,“The Lion King”, “The Lord of the Rings” “Harry Potter” and “Pirates of the Carribean” (to name only a few), at some of the most tragic, intense moments in those movies.
Lastly, we should meditate on the words of the Apostolic Pardon which a priest can give to someone who is dying, “Through the sacred mysteries of human redemption, may almighty God release you from all punishments of the present life and of the life to come; may he open to you the gates of paradise, and lead you to everlasting joys. Amen.”
Rev. Andrew, FPC