By Gionna Bean, Aquinas Reporter
An ofrenda sits in the chapel to celebrate Día de los Muertos – Photo by Gionna Bean
Students at Aquinas paused to reflect on life as they admired the vibrant Día de los Muertos ofrenda set up in the Our Lady’s Seat of Wisdom campus chapel during Oct. 31- Nov. 8. The display, adorned with marigolds, colorful paper cutouts, bread, flickering candles and pictures of beloved deceased, invited a quiet reverence.
Students around Aquinas were invited to contribute photos of their own family. Those who didn’t contribute were still moved by the display. “I like it, because it looks really nice in the chapel. I also think it’s a good spiritual reminder that our time on Earth is not permanent, and we as Catholics should reflect on and understand that someday our Earthly life will end, and we need to be prepared for that day,” said Freshman Trista Cridler.
Photos of Aquinas family members lovingly displayed – Photo by Gionna Bean
The tradition began at Aquinas with the Aquinas Latinx Student Association (LXSA) setting up an ofrenda for Día de los Muertos in the prayer room. The Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (CDIE) took over the event last year with support from Campus Ministry and moved the ofrenda to the main area of the chapel.
“The holiday is celebrated mostly in the Southern Central region of Mexico, which is where it has its origins. It allows people to honor and remember their deceased family members by leaving offerings of what they enjoyed in life at the altar as well as sharing stories of those who have passed,” said Esperanza Garcia, the Student Engagement Coordinator for the CDIE.
Each object on the ofrenda has a meaning behind it. The marigolds, known as “flowers of the dead,” are believed to attract the souls of the dead with their scent. The colorful perforated paper, called Papel Picado, allows souls to pass through. The bread, called Pan de Muerto or “bread of the dead,” serves as a welcoming offering to the dead. Finally, the photos are placed on the altar to call the souls of loved ones to come celebrate.
The altar served as a poignant reminder to cherish the fleeting moments of life, while honoring loved ones who have passed.
“I really enjoyed the Día de los Muertos ofrenda because every time I went to the chapel, it reminded me to pray for others and to enjoy the time I have here,” said Freshman Coreena Marsiglia.
Día de los Muertos was celebrated on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, and the ofrenda stood in the chapel for around a week after. The CDIE put out signs explaining the display and the holiday by the front doors.
Signs provided by the CDIE – Photo by Gionna Bean
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