Day of the Dead Question

[DLedoux]

I am not here to talk about this celebration, but really I’m here to ask questions to those who are catholic. I am Native American and I believe the dead should be respected and honored. So I am glad we have a celebration noting our fallen loved ones. Though I am not Mexican I can see aspects of my own culture within there’s. So I was wondering about the belief that the souls come back from the dead to earth on day of the dead, is that alright to believe? I just lost my dad last year and it would be nice to know there is one day he isn’t suffering in purgatory where he can just relax with his family again. I am not sure if this blaspheme, but in cultural context like mine is that okay to believe in that? I was also wondering about leaving food out for my ancestors on this day? Would that be okay? Like I said I am not Mexican, but in my culture its good to honor our dead loved ones. I am not trying to step into idolatry, because I know God is the only one I need.

Also how does the pope feel about day of the dead? Does he think its okay?

 

[Dougbro1]

Well, we already have an All Saints’ Day and an All Souls’ Day in the Catholic Church, celebrated on the very days that the Day of the Dead is celebrated. These days are to celebrate the saints in heaven, and to pray for the holy souls in Purgatory, respectively. So in a sense, we have days for honoring/praying for the dead, and you can celebrate those instead if you’re interested. If you still want to celebrate the Day of the Dead, CA has an article on this:

May Catholics Celebrate 'Dia de Los Muertos'?

Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” is a popular celebration in Latin America. Despite the title being in the singular, the celebration usuall...

www.catholic.com

 

[thistle]

So I was wondering about the belief that the souls come back from the dead to earth on day of the dead, is that alright to believe?

Souls do not come back from the dead. That is not a Church teaching.