Song of the Day - 2nd November
Following on from the observance of All Saints' Day yesterday, November 2nd is All Souls' Day, also known as The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. In the Catholic Church, "the faithful" refers to baptized Catholics, while "all souls" refers to those who find themselves in purgatory. The Catholic Church holds the belief that the purification of souls in purgatory can be aided by the actions of the faithful living on earth. Those souls, who, upon leaving their bodies, are not entirely cleansed from venial sins or have yet to fully atone for their past mistakes, can receive assistance in reaching Heaven through prayers, alms, and compassionate deeds. The poem I have chosen to set to music for this poignant day is by D. H. Lawrence. He beautifully describes the dead as in need of a "little ship and the proper store of meal for their longest journey," equating the traveling souls with brave mariners embarking on a significant voyage. I found t...