FOURTEENTH DAY. --SPECIAL DUTY OF CHILDREN TOWARDS THEIR DECEASED PARENTS.
"Honor thy father, and forget not the groaning of thy mother. Remember that thou hadst not been born but through them, and make a return to them: as they have done for thee." (Eccl. Vii 29-30.) Next to God, our parents are our greatest benefactors, entitled to the most tender love and gratitude, which is the sacred duty of every child. This duty does not end with this life; it is extended even to eternity. Should our departed parents find no relief in their pains? Must they cry out in bitter anguish: "I have reared sons and daughters but, they have forgotten me?"
If we compassionate the misery of strangers, if we do not heartlessly send a beggar from our door, oh, let us remember how near and dear father and mother are to us, and how greatly we are indebted to them. After their death we owe them prayers, alms, good works, and Masses. They cry out to us for mercy. Would it not be the highest degree of ingratitude were we to forget those who bestowed their best love and care upon us in life? The Commandment of God, "Honor thy father and mother," is an obligation also towards our deceased parents.
Prayer: O God, who has commanded us to honor father and mother, look in loving kindness upon the souls of my father and mother, and forgive them their trespasses, and grant unto me the joy of being reunited to them in the glorious light of everlasting life. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of parents who have been forgotten by their children.
Eternal rest grant onto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Mortify yourself by an act of obedience.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
