All Saints’ Day 2012 was marked by special church services and the cleaning of tombs.
Several Catholic Christians in Yaounde were seen in the Mvolye Catholic Cemetery on Saturday November 3, 2012, cleaning the tombs of their departed relatives. Bouquets of flowers and candles were seen on several graves as a major activity of the All Saints’ Day celebrated by the Catholic Church since Thursday November 1, 2012.
On the marble tomb of late Mrs. Tchuente née Ngalle Renée Claire who departed in 2009, could be seen her two daughters, Murielle and Isabelle, cleaning it and placing a bundle of rose flowers. “We have cleaned the grass around the tomb and want this bouquet of flowers to let our late mother know that we have not abandoned her and that she is still in our hearts,” Murielle Tchuente told Cameroon Tribune.
Fifty metres away, Louis Joseph Pouka, could be seen clearing grass around the tomb of his late sister, Marie Yvonne Rita Pouka, who passed away in 1991. “We want her and those around her to feel that we still have affection for them,” he said.
For Father Benjamin Atanga, the Rector of the John 23rd Basilica of Mvolye, All Saints’ Day celebrates all the saints who are already in God’s presence and also gives opportunity for the living to commune with departed relatives. He told Cameroon Tribune that the day reminds Christians that they are called upon to enter God’s glory, hence they are expected to please the Lord and act according to His will. “Cleaning tombs is not only an act of communion, but also a sign of recognition and homage to the departed,” he explained.
After celebration of the All Saints’ Day with a mass yesterday, Catholic Christians who worship at Mvolye will assemble for a communion service at the Mvolye Catholic Cemetery today Monday November 5, 2012.
