One of the great treasures of being a catholic christian for me (and there are many) is our belief in the "communion of saints." The bonds between us and those who have died before us is strong and active even though unseen and unfelt.We ask them to pray for us and they do so gladly because they want us to enjoy the love and friendship of the Trinity as they do. We are a cosmic, universal family moving towards the Kingdom where every tear shall be wiped away and death will be no more. One of the most moving , real-life examples of this is the Salvadoran custom of praying the name of an individual out loud... and the assembled congregation says "presente!" We affirm that he/she is present through the community! Alive and with us! Today, the Feast of All Souls, we remember those who have lived and died for justice and peace. PRESENTE!