Father Paul Puthenangady prayed with families who had lost loved ones during the "First Christmas in Heaven" Mass celebrated Dec. 19 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Kingsville.

Getting through the holidays, especially Christmas, the first year after the loss of a loved one can be extremely difficult and painful for friends and families. For this reason, parishioners at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Kingsville felt the need to organize, "Our First Christmas in Heaven" Mass.

On December 19, families and friends took part in a special Mass remembering those who recently passed away. Forty-two glass ornaments enclosed with a feather, poem, and the name of the deceased loved one were brought up to the altar to be recognized. The feather resembled that of a guardian angel. A verse from the poem read, "Remember, I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year."

Father Paul Puthenangady, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel, blessed the ornaments at the altar before a standing-room congregation. "May this blessing bring comfort and healing through these hard times," said Father Paul to an emotional audience, "and may it bring joy and peace."

Janie Garza of El Paso was among one of the family members in attendance. "When we received the invitation in the mail, we were touched. We've never heard of anything like this," said Garza, who recently lost her father, Juan Salinas of Kingsville. "I can't wait to share this with our parish back in El Paso. It was beautiful!"

Hilda Luis, a parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle in Corpus Christi, participated in the liturgy in remembrance of her mother, Consuelo Garcia of Chapman Ranch. "Everything about the service was special, and the songs were so touching."

Father Paul concluded the Mass by reminding the congregation that, "It is a blessing that as a Christian, this holiday is about Jesus Christ, our savior. And in Him, there is eternal life." life."