By the Lantern's Glow

Although our large Jack O'Lantern is past its prime--his cheery angled features now a portal for flitting fruit flies--I was determined to keep him around until the Feast of All Souls. The children are already familiar with the symbolism of the decaying pumpkin surrounding a burning flame--the body decays, but the soul never dies. Last night, I thought I would add something new to our tradition, placing the Jack O'Lantern at the feet of Our Lady to remind them that Our Blessed Mother is the comfort of the Poor Souls in Purgatory.

Saying the rosary in the blackened room, Jack's shining face, but not much else, could be seen with its burning smile. Within a Hail Mary or two, I smelt a bit of smoke and realized that the tall, fat candle within was beginning to singe the inside of the lid. Lifting the top off by the stem, the candlelight streamed upward, illuminating the Blessed Mother so beautifully that it made me sorry we could not keep our pumpkin beneath her always.

You may have noticed I have not been posting pictures to this blog lately, and that is because my camera is broken. (It spent a night in our diaper bag in the company of a leaky water bottle.) Sitting there in the dark room, with Our Lady's image glowing and the children gathered round with upturned faces, I longed to take a picture more than ever. Our rosary completed, I remembered that our laptop has a "photobooth" function. After some effort and maneuvering, I managed to take this picture of Maureen--it is a grainy image and the flash takes away something from the scene as it truly appeared, but I thought it worth sharing here anyway.

Yesterday afternoon, we visited my father's grave, sprinkling holy water on it and saying prayers. The children learned the importance of visiting the graves of our loved ones and praying for those who have gone before us. During the next few weeks, we will to try to visit my grandparents' and Daddy's grandparents' graves as well, never forgetting these good people who passed along the gift of Faith to our family.

Speaking of grandparents, today (November 3) would have been my father's birthday. Please keep Cornelius J. O'Brien in your prayers. I am praying for your loved ones as well.

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon them.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

Comments

[Meredith]

So beautiful Alice, praying for him, what a special feast to share with St. Martin de Porres, Our Lady's Day and just after two such beautiful feasts. I know there was much more than just lanterns glowing after that beautiful rosary you all shared together, Our Lady must be so very pleased :) Love to all!

[Sarah]

Lovely idea, Alice. Thanks for sharing. Our pumpkins are on our front porch and are seriously looking disfigured as our dog snacks on them. This is a better idea.

Hope your camera woes resolve soon.

[Eileen]

Oh, Alice, everything you do is so beautiful!!

I can't imagine how gorgeous the real image of your daughter by the pumpkin was, if it was more stunning than what you show here.

We managed to put more effort into All Saints Day this year than ever before at our house, and now I see what a blessing it will be to carry the effort into one more day. (Well, there's always next year to get it right! "If the Lord tarries," as my Evangelical friends say) :)

It struck me this year that celebrating All Saints Day with such fanfare almost seemed like starting the Christmas Season early. For the first time, I don't mind that the stores have already moved on to Christmas! :)

Thanks once again for sharing your family's gentle and moving celebrations. You are such a wonderful inspiration!

Warmly,
Eileen

[Heather - Doodle Acres]

Dearest Alice:
How beautiful!!! I have avoided Halloween for many years but the lovely symbolism that you have demonstrated are making me rethink that decision. As one of your other commenters said, "There is always next year".
Love,
Heather

[Mary Beth P]

Will keep your family in my prayers. Hope your Mom is doing better. I'm sure it's difficult for her on your Dad's Birthday.

[patience]

I will pray for your father, although I am quite sure he is living a beautiful prayer now. :-) And I continue to pray for your mother and you.

[Karen Edmisten]

Alice, prayers for your father today especially.

And I hope the camera dries out and recovers ... I seem to remember your camera drying out successfully once before!

[MelanieB]

Alice,

I'd never before heard of the symbolism of the decaying pumpkin with a candle representing the mortal body and immortal soul, what a beautiful way of looking at a pitiful rotting gourd.

And what a lovely picture. I'd never have thought of putting a jack-o-lantern at Mary's feet.

[KC]

Praying for your father, Alice.

[Leona]

Praying for a fellow Corkman and an O'Brien also today! Hope your Mother is doing better. Will remind Dad to light another candle for her in Cork tomorrow while he is at our local church.

I love your blog.

BWT, my Dad is coming for a visit soon and I made a reservation for us at the Secret Garden Tea House on your blogs recommendation.

Hugs to you.
Leona

[Jane Ramsey]

Alice,
My dad's birthday was Nov. 2nd (he is also gone now). Say a prayer for him, and I will say a prayer for yours :-)
I love the symbolism of the jack-o-lantern as you described it--definitely going to teach the kids that next year!
Love,
Jane

[Andrea]

Beautiful! Thanks for the jack-o-lantern symbolism, I love that!

[Maria]

This is Maria's husband : just wanted to say I love the picture and what you wrot along with it.