UIW Celebrates Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is observed during the end of October and the beginning of November. This holiday, commonly celebrated by the Mexican community, is meant to be a celebration of life as people welcome back the souls of their departed loved ones. Día de los Muertos' roots lie in the Catholic observations of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, plus the culture and customs of the Mexican community.

Those who participate in the celebration often set up ofrendas, or altars, in memory of their passed family and friends. Pictures of those who are honored are placed on the ofrendas as well as offerings such as their favorite foods and drinks, personal items they enjoyed in their life and vibrant decorations that welcome them back during their visit.

UIW Mission and Ministry set up a campus ofrenda in front of Our Lady's Chapel where community members were welcomed to add photos of their departed loved ones, providing a space for prayer and remembrance. Photos and remembrance cards of departed CCVI sisters, staff, faculty, educators and extended family and community members have been placed throughout the ofrenda, representing generations of the Incarnate Word family who are still beloved and honored.

"Although separated by death, we rejoice knowing that our baptism unites us, and we look forward to the resurrection when we shall be together again," said a representative from UIW Mission and Ministry.

Arturo Chavez, associate vice president for Mission & Ministry and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, also put together a heartfelt ofrenda dedicated to those who were lost due to hate crimes as a way to advocate for peace and justice. Community members gathered together in the Mabee Library to pray and commit to working for a better world for all.

"Our faith teaches us that death is but a passageway into a fuller life with God and our loved ones," shared Chavez. "The celebration of Día e los Muertos is a time to remember those who have died and a time for each of us to ponder: what is most important in life? Keeping this in mind helps us to use the time we are given with a greater awareness of our core values and the mission we are being asked to do."

All are invited to visit the main ofrenda outside Our Lady's Chapel, through Tuesday, Nov. 19.