November is a time of remembrance for our departed family members, friends and loved ones. There are many ways that we remember those who have gone before us. There are different prayers and rituals that we use when remembering our deceased.

On November 1st, some of the clients from Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, shared their celebration of Día de los Muertos, (the Day of the Dead), with the residents at St. Cabrini Nursing Home.

It has become a tradition that the clients from CIS honor this special day with the residents and staff at the nursing home. A beautiful altar was created in the lobby. As our clients built the altar, there was such reverence, love and tears that went into it. Each piece that was added to the altar had great meaning. It is customary in Mexico and many of the countries in South and Central America to build an altar in your home to remember the dead. Our clients were from Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela and Guatemala. Many are not able to return to their homeland and so they celebrate and remember with the Cabrini family.

The program began in the chapel where our clients spoke about the meaning of Día de los Muertos. The residents were then led out to the lobby behind one of the clients who was carrying the Book of the Dead. The names of deceased family, friends, residents, etc. are written in this book. The way to the lobby was lit with candles inside luminaria bags.

The clients spoke about the altar and the meaning of the different items. There were pictures and names of their loved ones on the altar. Special flowers, fruits, bread, sugar skulls and candles were also placed on the altar.

Through tears, many described how being able to share in this moment helped them as they prayed and remembered their loved ones. Everyone present was invited to add the names and pictures of their loved ones to the altar where they would be remembered in prayer.