THE NOVENA

 These images are part of a personal journey to uncover practices and patterns among cultures, communities and countries relating to grief. Here, a Guarani family living in rural Paraguay mourns the loss a brother, husband, son and family care-taker. The catholic tradition of a Novena – nine days of devotional prayer – dictates the grieving process while community drives it. In rural and impoverished areas of Paraguay, families find riches in each other, sharing meals and stories during difficult times.