As we continue our Decade of Mission 2026 preparing for the Feast of Pentecost, today the Church prayerfully remembers all the faithful departed and reflects on the mystery of life, death, and eternal unity in Christ.
Before the great feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, our liturgical tradition observes Memorial Saturday — a special day of prayer for the departed. This reminds us that the Church is not made up only of those living on earth, but also of those who have gone before us into eternity.
Today’s reflection is offered by Fr. Pavlo Myts,
who reminds us that death does not break our unity in Christ. The Church remains one family — uniting both the living and the departed in prayer, love, and hope.
As we prepare for Pentecost, the Church gathers all her children together:
- those still journeying on earth,
- and those already standing before God in eternity.
The Holy Spirit, whom we call the “Giver of Life,” leads us not only through this earthly life but toward the fullness of eternal life and resurrection.
This day also becomes a very personal reminder for each of us:
our life on earth is temporary, and every moment is a precious gift from God.
How important it is:
- to value our spouse and family,
- to avoid wasting time on resentment or pride,
- to visit and speak with our parents while we still can,
- and to cherish time with our children and loved ones.
Life happens now — in simple conversations, daily encounters, and small moments of love we often overlook.
The true tragedy is not that life is short, but that we sometimes fail to truly love while we have the chance.
Today the Church also calls us to remember our departed loved ones not only in memory, but especially in prayer — entrusting them to God’s mercy and love, which is stronger than death.
Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski continues to encourage all faithful of our Eparchy during these Mission Days to pray both for the living and the departed, and to cherish the gift of family, reconciliation, and love.
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Saturday, May 23
“The Church that unites the living and the dead”
John 21:15–25
John 5:24–30 (for the departed)
Reflection by Fr. Pavlo Myts
📺 Please find today’s video reflection below:
https://youtu.be/CApwwnxGOBk
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Missionary Tasks for Today:
- Personal level:
Take time to pray for your departed loved ones and ask God for the grace to truly value life and the people around you. - Parish level:
Participate in memorial services in your parish and help preserve prayerful remembrance for the departed. - Mission level:
Be a source of hope and comfort for those grieving loss, especially families suffering because of war, separation, or loneliness.
May the Lord grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed.
May the Holy Spirit, the Giver of Life, comfort every grieving heart.
And may our families live each day with deeper love, gratitude, and hope in the resurrection.