In the Catholic tradition, the month of November is dedicated to remembering all those who have gone before us to their eternal rest. It is a time to remember and celebrate the lives of family and friends, loved ones, and others who lived lives and dreamed dreams.

We hold in our hearts the memory of all who have gone before us, including members of our USF community. We remember those who, in the past year, have lost their lives in war and natural disasters, those who have died seeking refuge in new homelands, those who fell victim to famine, and those whose lives were cut short through violence. We pray for the victims of the recent hurricane in Acapulco and the eighteen victims of the recent mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine.

We hold close to our hearts the memory of countless Palestinian men, women, and children killed in Gaza — victims of decades-long systemic violence — and the over a thousand men, women, and children in Israel whose lives were ended nearly one month ago. We remember the lives of entire families of Palestinians and Israelis wiped away in the midst of war. Closer to home, we remember six-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume of Chicago — a life cut short in an act of incomprehensible hate and violence.

In this season of remembrance, we are grateful for the lives that have nourished our own and the love that endures beyond death. If you would like us to pray for your dearly departed during November at our student liturgies, please email their names to University Ministry. May the memory of all those who have passed live on and light our way.