Each November for over 15 years coloured flags filled with names have lined the path leading to Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Mount Gambier.

The flags honour the people of the congregation who have passed, such as those who were affiliated with the church either directly or through a connection with family or a friend.

November is a special month for the Catholic church. November 1 is All Saints Day, when the faithful Christians are remembered, followed by All Souls Day on November 2, where Christians who may still be on their journey to God are remembered and prayed for.

There are at least 20 flags containing 15 to 20 names of the faithful departed. Parish Priest of Mount Gambier and Millicent Father Dean Marin said the coloured flags expressed positivity and hope, rather than being just a sad memory.

“We’re very symbolic in our tradition and the flags are a simple, but powerful, sign of that,” he said.

The tradition was started by Parish Priest Fr Richard Morris. The flags go up at the end of Sunday mass closest to the beginning of November and remain there for the month.

During November, each of the departed with their name on the flags are remembered, cherished and prayed for. As part of Catholic tradition, people can ask the priest to pray for their deceased loved ones during weekday mass.

Fr Dean said it was understood when people passed this life, they were still connected and could support each other through prayer.

“The saints support us and inspire us and if other Christians are still on their journey to God, we support them and pray for them,” Fr Dean said.

“We remember that we’re still deeply connected in Christ and if they do not need our prayers, they pray for us.”