Christ cathedral diocese hosts homeless persons’ interfaith memorial service

[CaptFun]

CHRIST CATHEDRAL

(OC, CA) DIOCESE HOSTS HOMELESS PERSONS’
INTERFAITH MEMORIAL SERVICE

Those who died on the streets of O.C. were remembered at a prayer service attended by family, friends and aid organizations
BY STAFF 12/30/2016

It was a somber evening as the souls of 193 homeless individuals who in 2016 passed away on the streets of Orange County due to illness, exposure or violence were remembered at a pray service. Most of them did not receive a proper memorial at their passing. The Dec. 21 Homeless Persons’ Interfaith Memorial Service, held in the Arboretum at Christ Cathedral, was held on the first day of winter – the longest night of the year – and was part of the National Day of Remembrance. Representatives from a number of faith communities participated in the evening.

The event was organized by the Diocese of Orange Office of Pastoral Care for Families in All Stages, the Sisters of St. Joseph, HomeAid Orange County and Our Father’s Table.

“This is the first time in Orange County that we’ve been able to do this service,” said Gina Marie Seriel, foundress and executive director of Our Father’s Table. “This is a national service that’s been going on for years, but this is the first time in Orange County that we’ve been able to come together … and we are committed to doing it next year.”

Michael Donaldson, director of the Diocese’s Office of Pastoral Care for Families in All Stages, said, “We need to remember these individuals who died who didn’t have that moment, like others who have that funeral rite or memorial service. We’re providing that moment of honor and remembrance for these individuals.”

The service began with the reading of the names of all the people who were lost this year. A procession of volunteers carried single candles for each person being remembered that evening. Representatives from 10 different faith communities each spoke briefly, offering thoughts, poems and prayers in a variety of languages. They included Diocese of Orange Bishop Kevin Vann, Fr. Christopher Smith, Pastor Cole Beshore, Bishop Murray Finck (Lutheran), Rev. Nichelle Madrigal (Buddhist) , Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi (Muslim), Dr. Jasjit Singh (Sikh), Rabbi Frank Stern, Tom Thorkelson (Mormon), Rev. Steve Tsichlis (Orthodox), and Pastor Mark Whitlock (AME).

MORE CHRIST CATHEDRAL NEWS

I am touched by this, and very proud of my Diocese.

Last year at this time a man was found dead about a mile and a half from the Cathedral (he’d been living in a tent city on the “banks” of the (almost always dry) Santa Ana River), just opposite Anaheim Stadium.

It was nice to see him honored by the local newspaper (The Register} … but this outreach by the Catholic Diocese is so beautiful to me. With dignity and faith the names of more than 190 names were recalled with honor that is due them as children of God.

Like Lazarus in Jesus’ parable, may they all be granted rest in the hereafter.

Social Justice is for the living … but not just those living here and now in Catholic theology. And it need not be kept to just the secular sphere nor as an adjunct to the popular politics of the day.

Thank you Bishop Vann and all involved.

ocregister.com/articles/died-739197-homeless-service.html < slide show … pixs too large to post here :sad_yes:

 

[Sy_Noe]

Very nice to see a Catholic church involved in an interfaith service. Let us pray as we approach a new year tonight that more can be done across the spectrum… by those individuals who can afford to do more, by faith based communities, as well as all levels of secular government, to aide the homeless. The United States is far to rich of a country to have such a disparity between rich and poor, between the top tier in their earthly mansions and those with no roof whatsoever over their heads.

 

[MaryT777]

What a wonderful memorial service and may those arranging and participating in this be blessed and have resources necessary to be able to do this again next year as they hope to do.

Mary.