. . . but the underlying message I think is to remember the dead, to remember that we also must die, and to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Not a popular message for moderns, because death has been largely sanitized and hushed up and locked away in hospitals and nursing homes where most people don't have to confront it. And most moderns don't like to confront the issue of the Four Last Things and what may happen to us after we die.
So no, it's not on a level with Christmas. But it is important.
Purgatory? You're kidding right?
(Death) Not a popular message for moderns, because death has been largely sanitized and hushed up and locked away in hospitals and nursing homes where most people don't have to confront it.
Ignorant and narrow. H’ween is going to bridge this? The fact that not all Christians minister in the slums of India, Dar fur or in Hospice facilities here shouldnt be taken to mean that they are ignorant of death or the effect it has on the observers of it.
Com’on now. In the interest of full disclosure, I am no longer a Catholic and dont really desire to split doctrinal hairs with you. I will say however that I veiw the doctrine of “Purgatory” to be reprehensible and destructive to people. One of the most heretical teachings in Christendom.