As the leaves fall and the days grow short, the Church turns our hearts toward those who have gone before us. November opens with All Saints on the first and All Souls on the second, and the whole month is given to prayer for the faithful departed.
Why we pray for the dead
The Church teaches that those who die in God's grace, but still imperfectly purified, undergo a final purification before entering the joy of heaven. We call this purgatory. The souls there are certain of heaven, yet they can no longer help themselves. We can help them.
The practice is ancient. Scripture praises Judas Maccabeus for offering sacrifice for the dead, and says, "It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead." From the earliest centuries, Christians remembered their departed at the altar, as we still do in every Mass.
The All Souls indulgence
The Church offers a special gift in early November. A plenary indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, may be gained:
- On All Souls Day, by devoutly visiting a church or oratory and praying the Our Father and the Creed.
- From November 1 to 8, by devoutly visiting a cemetery and praying, even mentally, for the departed. This may be gained once each day.
The usual conditions apply: sacramental confession, Holy Communion, prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father (an Our Father and a Hail Mary are sufficient), and freedom from attachment to sin. Confession and Communion may be made within several days before or after. Where the full conditions cannot be met, a partial indulgence is still gained.
Simple ways to keep the month
- Write the names. Many parishes keep a Book of the Dead near the altar through November. Add the names of your loved ones.
- Have a Mass offered. Ask at your parish office to have a Mass said for someone who has died.
- Visit a grave. Bring flowers, pray a decade of the Rosary, and tell the children about the person who rests there.
- Pray each day. Even a single Eternal Rest, said at the same time each day, is an act of mercy.
Prayers for the holy souls
Eternal Rest
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
De Profundis (Psalm 130)
Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark our iniquities, O Lord, who shall endure it? For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness.
A bracelet for remembrance
Our November set, the Poor Souls in Purgatory Bracelet Set, was made for this month. Each bead can be a small prayer for someone you have lost. You will find it, with each month's devotion, among our monthly devotional bracelets.
May the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
Wear your heart on your wrist,
The Cor Meum Family