Cardinal speaks on importance of remembering those who have died

Rememering the dead is of fundamental importance if the living are to find lasting peace and come to terms with their own deaths, said Cardinal Cormac urphy-O'Connor. Speaking in the run up to Remembrance Sunday, the Cardinal said: "We must and should remember those who have sacrificed their lives for justice and peace. As a nation we are forever indebted to them and their loved ones. It is very important that all races and creeds are annually encouraged to unite on November 11th in silence and prayer." "Remembrance Sunday itself provides us all with an opportunity to give thanks and find consolation in our shared grief. No family or individual is free from an experience of loss at some level. The living can only find lasting peace however if they surrender into the loving hands of God their grief, their whole selves, including their pain, darkness and at times desire for revenge. This act of handing over of all that distresses and destroys must be done if the light of God is to penetrate the human heart and bring peace. Receiving this light is the only authentic way through which we can overcome fear and negativity enabling us to see death in a new and hope-filled way. We remember, yes, knowing that it is not the end." The Cardinal's comments coincide with the launch of a dedicated remembrance resource which aims to help people remember, explore their grief and find some solace and consolation. Mgr Keith Barltrop is Director of the Catholic Enquiry Office which is offering the resource and said: "For many people November and December are times when they reminisce about their departed loved ones and friends. We hope that our resource will help them to come to terms with their loss and find a meaning to death and to life. The links and materials offered are designed to help people find support and a renewed hope that the unconditional love and mercy offered through Jesus Christ can even overcome death." The resource is available on the internet and includes a national remembrance roll call where visitors can freely add the names of their loved ones and friends and pause for a moment of prayer. Self-help suggestions are provided as to how people can deal with grief and express their sense of loss, as well as find strength from hope-filled testimonies, readings and reflections. Every visitor is offered a free Remembrance Tag and candle which they are invited to light during November; this is the month when Catholics traditionally pray for and remember their dead. These and other free materials are available at: www.life4seekers.co.uk/remembrance