John Blaine Johnson, Jr and Alex Morera
Today, on All Souls Day, I remember in prayer both my father, and my father-in-law — two wonderful men who were in my life too short a time. Many other beloved family members and dear friends were included in those prayers. Although I had a heavy heart, the prayers, and subsequently, the remembering of so many fun and beautiful times, lifted my spirit.
Cubans don’t celebrate the Day of the Dead/El Dia de los Muertos, a Mexican celebration, although some well-meaning people make assumptions based upon our common language. The customs are quite different. But…I have become enamored of this holiday and its traditions.
I enjoy that it is a family celebration, and that the separation of loved ones, through death, reunites the families through love. In the end, as Catholics, we believe the same — that one day in Heaven through the mercy and grace of God, we will be reunited.
Last year I bought the Book of Life, a fun animated film that is like a cross between Dante’s Divina Comedia and Groundhog Day. The main character, Manolo, must face his greatest fears and turns to his family, all of whom are deceased, for help on his journey as he travels through three lands.
It takes place on the Day of the Dead, so most of us would like to find some redeeming catechetical value in it. It’s there, though you need to look at broad themes. I was delighted by so many elements of the film: the animation is clever and appealing; the cast is exceptional; the music — EXCELLENT!
It’s the perfect end for today — a snuggle movie that will entertain and delight me.
