By Fr. Hien Nguyen

What is Vocation?

1.1 Primary Calling

From the discernment perspective, Vocation derives from the Latin and means a calling “Vocare”. It is a summons from God to His creatures to respond to His plan for them. Vocations can be divided into two categories: primary and secondary vocation. Primary vocation is the most important and universal call from the Father, who, “by a free and hidden plan of His own wisdom and goodness, created the whole world. His plan was to raise men to a participation of the divine life. Fallen in Adam, God the Father did not leave men to themselves, but ceaselessly offered helps to salvation, in view of Christ, the Redeemer who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. All the elect, before time began, the Father foreknew and pre- destined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that he should be the firstborn among many brethren.”

We must understand that our purpose in life is not here on earth but an eternal life in the unity of the love of the Trinity. We, “all the faithful of Christ of whatever rank or status, are called to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of charity” Therefore regardless of who we are – single or married, religious or lay faithful – all are called primarily to a participation of our lives in the Trinity. It is a calling of living our spiritual relationship in a person of man created. It is a supernatural journey to God.

Looking through the lenses of psychology and spirituality of human development, Christian spiritual experience is an encounter between God and man. It is a dialogue initiated by God through his grace as a gift and responded by man. It is a respond not to an unknown content but to a precise purpose of what God wants us to be. We, “all the faithful of Christ of whatever rank or status are called to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of charity.” This fullness of Christian spiritual life is the profound meeting of two persons: Christ and the individual. In the psychological language this meeting can be seen as the encounter of the Objective Values of Jesus Christ and the Subjective Values of the individual. To have a genuine respond to the Objective Values which is God, man needs to assimilate this objective pole by making his actual values, needs, affections, attitudes, and his motivation the same as the Values of Christ. This can also be called Self-transcendence. An individual fails to respond to God authentically when he embraces one pole and ignores the other. Fr. Imoda describes this situation as an immature Christian.

A Christian is called to live an authentic life that is being what he says he is. He comes to this authenticity through a process that will help him to integrate the two poles and lead him to self-transcendence. According to Lonergan, the transcendental method is the scheme that everyone puts into action in the Cognitive decisional process. It is an intentional and conscious development through four stages: experiencing, understanding, affirming, and deciding. Through these stages of development an individual will go through different types of transcendent: egocentric, philanthropic, and theocentric. The path of self-transcendence involves the whole person: his mind, will, heart, body, soul, etc. When this whole person reaches out to the others and assimilates toward the objective pole, he enters into a new horizon that makes him to accommodate and change. The term that Lonergan uses for this change is conversion: intellectual, moral, and religious.

By Fr. Hien Nguyen

WHY ARE WE CALLED TO PRAY FOR THE DEAD?

The souls in Purgatory are completely engaged with the beautiful yet difficult cleansing of themselves, to be made pure and whole for life in Heaven, and there are no “shortcuts” for them to access for themselves in this process (we have plenty on earth – the sacraments, spiritual devotions, indulgences, etc.). Also, each person’s degree of purgation will match the degree to which they have sinned – just as in a legal system the severity of jail time is supposed to “match” the severity of the crime – and in this way justice is achieved. However, in God’s infinite mercy, He allows the Church Militant (you and I) to “pay the debt” of each other’s sins through our sacrifices of prayer, fasting, and especially the Mass. This grace extends to the suffering souls in Purgatory, and in this way we can lessen their suffering and speed their entry into Heaven.

WHAT IS PURGATORY?

Imagine you’ve skipped across a tar field to arrive on the other side, where Jesus in all His love and mercy and goodness is awaiting you with open arms. When you get there, however, you find that your clothes are filthy and you desire to be made clean before embracing Beauty himself. The condition in which you are purged of this filth (i.e., the stain of sin) is called Purgatory. It involves great suffering because burning shame and deep remorse are painful; when Peter betrayed Jesus, the Lord turned and met his gaze, and Peter “went out and began to weep bitterly” (Luke 23: 60-62). However, Purgatory should most of all be understood as a profound expression of God’s love; it is His way of making it possible for us to be with Him “as the pure and unstained souls He had meant us to be from the beginning”, allowing us to become truly ourselves. Therefore, for the souls in Purgatory, a deep-rooted joy pervades all of their suffering – it is the joy of knowing that they are securely destined for Heaven.

By Fr. Hien Nguyen

WHY ARE WE CALLED TO PRAY FOR THE DEAD?

The souls in Purgatory are completely engaged with the beautiful yet difficult cleansing of themselves, to be made pure and whole for life in Heaven, and there are no “shortcuts” for them to access for themselves in this process (we have plenty on earth – the sacraments, spiritual devotions, indulgences, etc.). Also, each person’s degree of purgation will match the degree to which they have sinned – just as in a legal system the severity of jail time is supposed to “match” the severity of the crime – and in this way justice is achieved. However, in God’s infinite mercy, He allows the Church Militant (you and I) to “pay the debt” of each other’s sins through our sacrifices of prayer, fasting, and especially the Mass. This grace extends to the suffering souls in Purgatory, and in this way we can lessen their suffering and speed their entry into Heaven.

WHY DO WE LIGHT CANDLES?

Candles have been used in Christian worship since the beginning, and for many reasons. First and foremost, they remind us of Jesus, who said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn. 8:12). Jesus also said that we, the faithful, are “the light of the world”, and that our light must shine before others, so that others will see the good that we do and will praise our Father in Heaven (Mt. 5: 14-16). The candle, as it flickers and sways, also reminds us of life, and its delicate beauty. Its upward orientation and the curls of smoke that ascend from its tip signify our prayers, which rise up to Heaven. Lighting a candle, therefore, is a way of extending our prayer and showing solidarity with the soul for whom the prayer is offered. For these reasons, Christians all over the world and throughout history have been placing candles on family graves. It is especially appropriate to do this during the Hallowtide Triduum and throughout the Month of Holy Souls. The Catholic Church even offers an indulgence on behalf of a soul in Purgatory for anyone who visits a cemetery during the first eight days of the month of November to pray for the deceased.

IS A FUNERAL MASS REALLY NECESSARY?

Yes! The Catholic Church is constantly reminding us of the dignity of the human person – we are created in the image and likeness of God, and we are called to participate in His very life and love for all eternity. The Mass, the memorial of Christ’s death and resurrection, is the principal celebration of the Christian funeral. This is because the community turns for spiritual nourishment at the table of the Eucharist: “In partaking of the body of Christ, all are given a foretaste of eternal life in Christ and are united with Christ, with each other, and with all the faithful, living and dead. ”Moreover, through baptism, a Christian’s very body becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit; through reception of the Eucharist, a person’s body becomes a tabernacle carrying our Lord; and even in death, we believe that someday the body will be reunited with the soul and become a glorified body for all eternity. The human body is therefore a vessel destined for unimaginable glory and eternal happiness, and as such is worthy of noble treatment here on earth, even after death. For these reasons, a Catholic funeral service has a beautiful form and set of guidelines to uphold and celebrate this dignity

By Fr. Hien Nguyen

WHAT IS “THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS”?

The “communion of saints” that we profess in the Apostle’s and Nicene creeds, is also known as “the Church” – that is, the Church in its whole entirety, which has three parts: 1) the faithful on earth; 2) those who have died and are now being purified in Purgatory; 3) the blessed in Heaven. We are one entity, or “body”, and Jesus is the head. Therefore, the successes and the failures of each individual person affects the whole body, which is mystically connected. This is why our prayers for each other, our prayers for the suffering souls in Purgatory, and the saints in Heaven who pray for us – these prayers actually work! They really draw forth grace from God’s merciful heart, to have an actual effect on souls.

WHAT IS HOLY SOULS?

The Catholic Church dedicates the entire month of November to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. This season begins with the Hallowtide Triduum, which consists of All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween), All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day. During the entire month we pray for the souls of those who have died, especially those whom we have known and loved. Remembering them, praying for them, and giving thanks for them, pleases God, who makes use of our prayers to help purify these souls in Purgatory that He loves.

WHO ARE THE “HOLY SOULS”?

In Catholic terms, the words holy souls refer to the souls in Purgatory. These are souls who have died in a state of God’s grace and friendship. They are guaranteed eternal salvation in Heaven, and are therefore “holy”, but because they are imperfect they need to undergo a period of purification before they are adequately prepared to enter the bliss of Heaven.

WHAT IS AN INDULGENCE?

Every sin, even little ones, and even ones that have been forgiven through confession, indicate an unhealthy attachment to something other than God, and this must be purified either here on earth, or after death in the state called Purgatory. The Church recognizes our need in this area, and so lovingly offers us pathways to speedily purify that spiritual consequence here on earth, called indulgences. We can obtain an indulgence for ourselves, or on behalf of the souls in Purgatory (which is made possible through the communion of saints).

During the season of Holy Souls, we can obtain a full indulgence (a.k.a., a plenary indulgence) on behalf of a soul in Purgatory, by devoutly visiting a cemetery during November 1st – 8th (it is a partial indulgence during other days of the year) to pray for the dead. In order to access this indulgence on behalf of a soul in Purgatory, your own soul must be adequately prepared by receiving the sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion (within several days of visiting the cemetery), and by spending a little time praying for the intentions of the Pope (one Our Father and Hail Mary is a good minimum), which expresses our unity with the Church. We can give no greater gift to a loved one who has passed away!

By Fr. Hien Nguyen

For the next several weeks there will be information regarding the meaning of Halloween, Holy Souls, Triduum, Indulgences, Funerals and Scattering.

WHAT IS AN INDULGENCE?

If you were to fall and tear a ligament or tendon in your knee, your body would not be able to heal itself; you may need a surgeon to fix it, and even then you would need physiotherapy in the months that followed because the knee would be weak and prone to future injury. In a similar way, every time we fall spiritually (every time we sin) there is also a spiritual consequence – damage to the soul that leaves the soul weak in this area and prone to future sinning – damage that needs to be healed. This is because every sin, even little ones, and even ones that have been forgiven through confession, indicate an unhealthy attachment to something other than God, and this must be purified either here on earth, or after death in the state called Purgatory. The Church recognizes our need in this area, and so lovingly offers us pathways to speedily purify that spiritual consequence here on earth, called indulgences. We can obtain an indulgence for ourselves, or on behalf of the souls in Purgatory (which is made possible through the communion of saints). During the season of Holy Souls, we can obtain a full indulgence (a.k.a., a plenary indulgence) on behalf of a soul in Purgatory, by devoutly visiting a cemetery during November 1st – 8th (it is a partial indulgence during other days of the year) to pray for the dead. In order to access this indulgence on behalf of a soul in Purgatory, your own soul must be adequately prepared by receiving the sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion (within several days of visiting the cemetery), and by spending a little time praying for the intentions of the Pope (one Our Father and Hail Mary is a good minimum), which expresses our unity with the Church. We can give no greater gift to a loved one who has passed away!

CAN I SCATTER MY RELATIVE’S ASHES IN THE OCEAN?

Even though it may look classy or romantic in the movies, cremated remains should never be scattered. Cremains, though in ash form, are still what remain of the body, and we should no more scatter them than we would scatter body parts about. Placed in a worthy container, they should be buried in a grave or inurned in a columbarium niche, preferably in a Catholic cemetery (which is sacred ground that has been consecrated by a bishop). This Catholic practice expresses reverence and respect for the dignity of the human body as a member of Christ. Furthermore, the very act of visiting a site and seeing the deceased’s name (not possible if someone’s remains have been scattered), provides comfort and closure not only to family and friends, but for everyone whose lives were touched by the deceased. It is also for generations that follow who will want to connect with their heritage.

By Fr. Hien Nguyen

The term Halloween comes from All Hallows’ Eve. A ‘hallow’ is a saint, and therefore this celebration is the anticipation of All Saints’ Day (also known historically as Hallowmas), which is always celebrated on November 1st. The purpose of All Hallows’ Eve is to prepare ourselves for All Saints’ Day (much in the way that Christmas Eve is meant to help us, in a special way, prepare for Christmas). You can help prepare yourself in several ways: prayer, spiritual devotions, and attending a prayer vigil held at your local parish or Catholic cemetery (and celebrating with a bit of free candy doesn’t hurt too). But what are we preparing for? What is All Saints’ Day really all about?

All Saints’ Day is a joyful celebration in honour of all the saints, known and unknown. We believe there is a prayerful spiritual bond between those in heaven and those living on earth. You can celebrate this beautiful day by attending Mass, reconnecting with one or two of your favorite saints in prayer, learning about a new saint, and also by the regular way we celebrate – with good food and loving relationships all around you!

All Saints’ Day is always followed by All Souls’ Day, also known as The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (the third day of the Hallowtide Triduum), which is November 2nd. This is a day of prayer for those who have died. Catholics are encouraged to visit one of their Catholic cemeteries to pray for the faithful departed, to remember them, and to give thanks. An All Souls’ Day Mass is often celebrated at your local parish or Catholic cemetery.

ARE GHOSTS REAL?

This is a difficult and mysterious question to answer, and the Catholic Church has not articulated a definitive position on it, but Fr. Gabriele Amorth, who was the full-time exorcist of the Diocese of Rome for over thirty years, wrote this: “There are no good spirits other than angels; there are no evil spirits other than demons. . . .
God allows a [human] soul to return to earth only in very rare, exceptional cases, but we recognize that this subject is still full of unknowns.”
Several of these exceptional cases have been documented, many of which appear in the lives of the saints. The life and works of St. Nicholas of Tolentino, for example, provides several examples, such as the following:

On a particular Saturday night as Nicholas lay down trying to sleep, he heard the voice of Fra Pellegrino of Osimo, a deceased friar whom he had known personally. The friar revealed to Nicholas that he was in purgatory and he begged Nicholas to offer Mass and pray for his soul and the many other Holy Souls to be set free. For a whole week Nicholas every day followed this request and was rewarded with a second vision of Fra Pellegrino who gave thanks and assured Nicholas that a great deal of souls were now enjoying the heavenly presence of God through his prayers.