I think that people are naturally drawn to the strange and mysterious. There’s a reason that spooky stories are told around the fire, and why “ghost hunting” is a fascination of certain people. It’s also why even the least religious person will casually mention something about their Guardian Angel (those are real!) or “signs” they perceive to be from a loved one. Thus, this curiosity or intrigue could lead us to holy or unholy things. Unfortunately, that fascination can dangerously lead to New Age practices and occultism. When fall rolls around, people become obsessed with skeletons, vampires, mummies, and those gigantic and way-too-scary lawn fixtures.
We shouldn’t become obsessed or embrace these evil or dangerous practices. As catechists and parents, we can educate and inform others about real truths and meanings behind the world that we cannot see. There is a veil that separates heaven and earth for a reason, and this makes us curious to know what’s behind it! So, let’s rightly order those fascinations by sharing some seemingly spooky (but holy!) Catholic teachings and traditions with our students this fall. We can explore them and point out how each one ultimately points towards God.
Incorrupt Saints
The bodies of some saints, like St. Bernadette of Lourdes or St. Catherine Labouré, remain incorrupt even centuries after their deaths. Instead of decaying, they are perfectly in tact. Since there is no scientific explanation for this, we consider this a miracle! According to Catholic Answers:
“Similar to how the Father did not allow Jesus’ body to experience corruption while in the tomb (see Acts 1:27), God provides that the bodily remains of some of his faithful ones will not undergo bodily corruption.”
Catechetical point: The miracles of incorruptible saints fall under the category of “motives of credibility.” See CCC 156. Motives of credibility show that Faith is not simply a “blind impulse of the mind.” These miracles are proof that God is working and all-present to us in this life as He does his work.
Relics
First-class relics are parts of saints’ bodies (like bones, blood, flesh, or hair). Second-class relics are objects and possessions that the saint owned. Third-class relics are items touched to the first or second-class relics. For example, I always like to bring rosaries or holy cards when I venerate a relic, because then these can be made into third-class relics! I also always touch my wedding ring to any relic I come in contact with.
Catechetical point: Relics are sacramentals. (Remember that the 7 Sacraments are visible, outward signs of God’s invisible grace.) Sacramentals do not directly provide grace, but they can lead us to better receive and respond to God’s grace. We do NOT believe that relics are magical or have magical powers. They are not good luck charms. These ideas would be firmly against Church teaching. Here is an excellent resource and summary for further information (including scriptural references) on relics.
Memento Mori
“Memento Mori” is Latin for “remember your death.” St. Jerome is often pictured in artwork with a skull on his desk – a sign used by many Catholics to remember this idea. We love decorating our pumpkins with this saying (painted or modge-podged on) and making Memento Mori signs and banners for our home during Hallowtide.
Catechetical point: It may sound morbid at first, but it is important to remember that we all will die some day. In fact, as Catholics, we know that we do not need to be afraid of death because death allows us to enter into our eternal life with God in Heaven – if we prepare well. Our bodies will die and return to the earth, but our soul will live forever! John 3:16 says: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him might not perish but have eternal life.” Try out this simple Memento Mori science activity.
Praying for the Dead
From the earliest days, Christians prayed for those who had died. Many parents find it hard or uncomfortable to talk about death with their little ones. The teaching that we can pray for the dead is actually very comforting, in my opinion! It is something useful that we can do for that deceased friend or relative. November, the month of All Souls, is dedicated to this practice.
The Liturgy of the Hours also includes the Office of the Dead, prayed especially on All Souls Day or at another time for a deceased person. From divineoffice.org:
“The Office for the Dead is a prayer cycle of the Liturgy of the Hours in the Roman Catholic Church, said for the repose of the soul of a deceased individual or individuals. It is the proper reading on All Souls’ Day (normally November 2) for all souls in Purgatory, and can be a votive office on other days when said for a particular deceased.”
Catechetical point: Sometimes, we feel helpless when I loved one dies, but we CAN pray! Our prayers assist souls in Purgatory as they are purified for heaven (CCC 1030-1032).
Visiting Cemeteries on All Souls Day
Catholics often visit cemeteries on November 2 to pray for the deceased. In fact, the Church grants a plenary indulgence under usual conditions for those who pray for the dead in a cemetery during the first week of November.
Catechetical point: Cemeteries are not only places of grief but of hope. They are resting places for bodies awaiting the final resurrection. Cemeteries are viewed as creepy and many people avoid them. However, “praying for the living AND the dead” is one of the spiritual works of mercy.
Soul Cakes
In medieval Europe, people baked small “soul cakes” to give to the poor, who in turn prayed for the donors’ deceased loved ones. This is one of the roots of modern trick-or-treating! Here is a recipe for souls cakes. We like to bake them on All Hallows Eve to be ready to give to friends on All Souls Day. We sometimes like to meet at a cemetery, exchange soul cakes, and pray for the dead (see above).
Catechetical point: Even the simplest acts (like baking) can be transformed into works of mercy for the souls in Purgatory. If you are permitted to bring snacks to your faith formation class, why not make a batch of soul cakes for a tasty learning opportunity?
Bilocation
As parents and teachers, sometimes we joke that we wish we could be in two places at one. Well, some saints, like Padre Pio, were reported to be seen in two places at once! Read about his remarkable appearance in the air during World War II (and other appearances) here.
Catechetical point: Miracles like this remind us that God is not bound by space or time. He can use His saints as instruments of His mercy however He wills.
Levitation
St. Joseph of Cupertino was known to rise into the air during prayer, overwhelmed by the glory of God. This is the reason he is the patron saint of pilots and air travelers. You can learn more about him here.
Catechetical point: Levitation isn’t about theatrics — it’s a sign of a soul so lifted in prayer that even the body follows. Similar to incorruptibles, levitation is a physical manifestation of the Faith that we know to be true.
St. Januarius and the Liquefying Blood
St. Januarius was born in Benevento, Italy, and later became the Bishop of Benevento. He lived in the 300s, during a bloody time of Christian persecutions under Diocletian. He was martyred, and his Feast Day is September 19th.
During this time, St. Januarius bravely visited deacons imprisoned by the Romans. This lead to his capture, and the first attempt to murder him involved throwing him to wild beasts. When he miraculously survived (the beasts refused to attack him!), he was martyred by beheading.
St. Januarius is the patron against volcanic eruption, blood banks, and blood donors.
Two ampules of his blood are known for liquifying up to 3 times per year! This cannot be explained by any scientific means. It can happen on all 3 days or none. The blood can stay liquid for a few minutes up to a few days.
Here is a summary of this fascinating miracle that has been occurring for centuries.
Here are some fun science activities to honor St. Januarius. These would be great to set up as stations at your All Saints party!
Catechetical point: God allows us a glimpse of how He works through miracles such as St. Januarius’ liquifying blood. God uses miracles to strengthen our faith, and show how He is at work in this world. It’s always fascinating to discuss miracles with our children and students. The more we are open to God, the more (big and small) miracles we will notice around us! Read more about miracles here.