We
were invited to a karu guasu (big feast).
Tradition says that one way the deceased earn their way out of purgatory
is for family members to hold a feast inviting family and close friends. The greater the financial sacrifice involved,
the lesser the time in purgatory. A
religious leader in town attends, leading the people in specific prayers for
the dead. A karu guasu always takes
place following the 9 days of prayer after a death and at the one year
anniversary. This family has given a
feast annually for 25 years since the death of our friend’s grandfather.
Even
though we have come to help free the Paraguayans from such bondage and
misconceptions, we always feel honored to be invited to share in special family
times. It allows us glimpses into the
culture, another connection between our friends and away to share Hope during a
time when people are thinking about the afterlife.
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