The Assumption of Bertha HuberSee this previous post for information on this painting.
For a slightly larger version, click on the image.
At the end of the funeral Mass, at the Final Commendation, we sing The Song of Farewell. There are several musical settings for this text but the one I find the most comforting is the composition by Ernest Sands with these lyrics:
May the choirs of angels come to greet you.
May they speed you to paradise.
May the Lord enfold you in his mercy.
May you find eternal life...
May they speed you to paradise.
May the Lord enfold you in his mercy.
May you find eternal life...
These words remind me of one of the opening prayers for the Funeral Mass:
O God, to whom mercy and forgiveness belong...
command that (name) be carried safely home to heaven
and come to enjoy your eternal reward.
command that (name) be carried safely home to heaven
and come to enjoy your eternal reward.
Who better to carry us home to heaven than the angels of the Lord himself?
Pray these words today for all who have died and for those dearest to you...
Pray these words today for all who have died and for those dearest to you...
I LOVE this image...It brings a smile to my face as I envision all of those whom I have loved and who have now died, sitting right where Bertha is! What a comforting image...
ReplyDeleteI too love the Song of Farewell written by Sands...it just soothes me each time I hear it...
For those we have loved who have gone before us to God and for all the faithful departed may they rest in peace... Amen!
I had saved Bertha's image when you first posted her. It is terrific to see her make a second appearance as this month of All Soul's draws to a close.
ReplyDeleteI attended a rememberence servic recently for my dad and the fairwell song was sung and i thought it was so moving a truly beautiful song
ReplyDelete