Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
Brothers and sisters, today is All Soul’s Day when we remember our beloved dead. Yesterday we celebrated that so many people are saints in heaven and today we celebrate that God’s mercy purifies sinners even after death so that they can enjoy eternal happiness in heaven. How boundless is God’s mercy!
Our Faith teaches that we can assist our brothers and sisters in purgatory and so the Church encourages us to pray for them. We express our love for the Holy Souls by remembering them at Mass, in our daily prayers or seeking an Indulgence. Pope Francis has extended the Plenary Indulgence for the dead by those visiting a cemetery for the entire month of November. If someone cannot physically visit a cemetery, due to COVID-19 or another good reason, then they can visit mentally, pray for the dead and still gain the Indulgence.
Likewise, the Plenary Indulgence for All Souls’ Day can be gained by visiting a Church any day during November, while the housebound can pray at home. All should pray one Our Father, the Creed, pray for the Pope’s intentions, go to Confession and receive Holy Communion within a reasonable time period.
We all miss people whom we have loved in life. Let us demonstrate our bonds of love by praying for them and for all the dead. May the Risen Christ fill our hearts with his peace and hope.
+Brian