DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

       ENTERING OUR SACRED ALTAR

As you approach St. Mary Magdalene's altar, a sense of serenity comes to you, it invites you to approach; please, come closer and rest.

This little ofrenda does not ask questions of you, it does not ask if you are a faithful follower, a devoted human being to a particular cause, nor does it matter here.  This altars sole purpose is to bring delight to your soul.  

Dia de los Muertos altars have been discovered as far back as 3000 years ago to the Mesoamerican civilization. 

Families would gather to celebrate and "welcome the return"  of the dead by dedicating altars to them; the altars would include anything that was enjoyed by their ancestors, their favorite foods would be cooked and placed on the altar, a favorite hat, anything to assure the visiting dead that they were not forgotten.  This celebration would last for months and include singing and storytelling.

When Christianity entered their culture, this was another tradition which eventually transformed into the Christian All Saints Day and All Souls Day, and also condensed to one day.

Those who seek Him will find Him.

                                           Mary 4:36

NOVEMBER 1st and 2nd

Take notice of these precious symbols relating to Mary's life, each a powerful reminder of her incredible wisdom and leadership.

Red cardinals represented God coming down from the heavens and the bright red was Jesus' blood

It is commonly accepted that The Magdalene was a major financier of Jesus' ministry. Because of her money, her possible influence throughout the community or her ability to find resources, she was a key figure of the movement. 

 Legend has it that after Jesus' ascension, Mary presented herself in front of the Roman emperor to announce his resurrection.  The emperor disbelieved her and remarked, "He no more rose again, than that egg on my table is red".  The egg mysteriously turned blood red.

The whimsically adorned skull and bright marigolds are to remind us that death is not morbid - we must appreciate, value and enjoy life as much as possible.