The family of the late Consuelo Garcia of Chapman Ranch display the ornament which was blessed at “Our First Christmas in Heaven” Mass. 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 Saturday, Dec. 19, families and friends took part in a special Mass service honoring those who recently passed away.

Forty-two glass ornaments enclosed with a feather, poem, and the name of the lost one were brought up to the altar to be recognized.

The feather resembled that of a guardian angel’s. The angel sent from above was watching and protecting and there was a verse from the poem that read, “Remember, I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.”

Janie Garza, Adam Canales, Mandy Salinas, Jake Jevar, and Kassie Garza attend service to honor the late Juan Salinas of Kingsville. 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”, says 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. Phillips in Corpus Christi was also present in the service honoring her mother, Consuelo Garcia of Chapman Ranch. “Everything about the service was special, and the songs were so touching,” Luis said.

Father Paul Puthenangady prays for families and friends of loved ones recently lost. Father Paul concluded the service 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.”

After the service, a reception was held in the parish hall.
Families of the late Luis Castillo Sr., Ofelia Canales, Marcos Chapa, Octavio “TJ” Ambriz Jr., and Abraham Garza attend reception after service.