Sadly, we are no strangers to death. Not by a long shot. We are often in the company of the dying and handling the dead. Especially children. I have often noticed that you can really tell someone's strength by how they handle the dead.

It is an ancient Jewish belief that charity toward the dead is the highest charity. It is completely disinterested since the dead cannot repay you. Your goodness to them is not tainted by possible reward.

However, i have often felt that our many blessings in our mission come from the dead, the hundreds and hundreds of them we have tried to "be good to" by honoring them and burying them. They are "the Church in heaven", actively working to help us here.

We make our own coffins out of paper mache and cardboard. The funerals are simple. Sometimes 15 or 20 at a time. A simple cross marks the grave. 

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.

Saints of God, come to their aid. Come to meet them, angels of the Lord. May Christ who called you, take you to himself. May angels lead you to Abraham's side.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.