there's no forgetting

If you should ask me where I've been all this time
I have to say "Things happen."
I have to dwell on stones darkening the earth,
on the river ruined in its own duration:
I know nothing save things the birds have lost,
the sea I left behind, or my sister crying.
Why this abundance of places? Why does day lock
with day? Why the dark night swilling round
in our mouths? And why the dead?

~ Pablo Neruda, "There's No Forgetting (Sonata)" from Residence on Earth, II

"The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God." ~ Quoted in The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman

trick or treat

Trick or Treat!!! I think that is what this angel is saying to me. This angel is located on the left side of the musoleum where i found these angels that i posted last year, yes this photo is still from last year when i visited La Loma Cemetery. I really find this angel cute but the open tomb beside her makes it look scary, could be saying shhh be good or else...

praying angel

It has been a tradition to pray for the dead as part of remembering them during All Souls Day and some even offer a Mass, but nowadays it seems that people forget to say even just a little prayer when visiting the cemetery.

All Saints' Day (also called All Hallows), often shortened to All Saints, is a feast celebrated on November 1, in terms of Roman Catholic theology, the feast commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in heaven. While All Souls' Day which is celebrated every 2nd of November commemorates the faithful departed. The Roman Catholic celebration is based on the doctrine that the souls of the faithful which at death have not been cleansed from venial sins, or have not fully atoned for mortal sins, cannot attain the beatific vision in heaven yet, and that they may be helped to do so by prayer and by the sacrifice of the Mass.

I just find it weird that here in the Philippines most people celebrate the Day of the Dead during All Saints Day, do you know why?

Photo: An angel praying atop a mausoleum at La Loma Cemetery.

6 days before christmas

whew... christmas is so near and yet i still cant feel the christmas spirit :(
i have to post more christmas stuff from today, maybe it'll help.

how about you? do you feel the christmas spirit or you're feeling a bit like Mr. Scrooge?