Undas 2024

Undas is the Spanish acronym for Unos Dias de los Almas y de los Santos. In English it translates to Days of the Souls and of the Saints. We, Catholics observe All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Souls' Day on the second of November. We visit the graves of our beloved departed family members, relatives and friends to pay our respects, pray and offer flowers and candles. Most cemeteries and memorial parks are full. Parking problems and traffic jams on roads leading to cemeteries  are common on these public holidays of obligation.

This year, we first visited Papa Wel, D's father at the crypt of the Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto Parish in Bustillos, Sampaloc. All of D's siblings live in different parts of the USA. 

I never met Papa Wel as I have never been to the US.

His remains were cremated in Oct. 2012 in Seattle and his elder sister brought the urn home to be buried at the family crypt along with his first wife and his eldest son, Kuya Danny. 

Papa, Mama, Tita Ana, Tita Narcing and Ninong Freddie

November 3, 2024 a Sunday there were less people at the Loyola Memorial Park in Sucat, Paranaque where my maternal grandparents, grand aunts, my ninong (Mommy's cousin) and my parents are buried. 

We visited before lunch time with the sun blazing one minute then a slight drizzle with hovering dark clouds the next minute.

 

Mommy was officially diagnosed with a rare form of cancer October 2020 after a much delayed biopsy. By then, it was already terminal. From an energetic, sprightly, bubbly and jolly person, she became non verbal and bedridden the last months of her life. It was very painful for us to lose her that way. Three months later, Dad tragically fell down the stairs. 

Three years have passed by but the pain is still very raw. I still burst into tears when I see pictures of them on my fb feed or on my phone. 

I fervently pray for the eternal repose of their souls. May they rest in peace in God's eternal kingdom. 

Amen.