From the Desk of Father Nathan

A Message from Father Nathan

My dearest people closest to my heart!

God bless you and your generous heart.

All Souls Day | November 2nd

Take time to remember deceased family and friends and reflect on the promise of eternal life and the bonds that connect the living and the dead.

All Souls Day, observed on November 2nd by the Catholic Church, is a day to remember and pray for the souls of the faithful departed, especially those in purgatory. It is a solemn commemoration where Catholics honor loved ones who have died, reflect on mortality, and enter heaven through prayer, Mass, and other sacrifices.

remembering the souls of the departed in the Mass

The Church had an early practice of remembering the souls of the departed in the Mass. This included inscribing their names on tablets. A version of this is in every Mass today, in the prayer the faithful departed in Christ known as the Memento of the Dead, as well as in the practice of offering Mass for particular individuals.

The celebration of a special day of Remembrance

The celebration of a special day began in some monasteries in the sixth century and by the tenth century spread to dioceses, becoming fixed in some places on November 2nd, the day after All Saints Day. The date was adopted in Rome in the 13th century. Commemoration of the faithful departed on the day is specifically dedicated to those who have died in God’s grace but are undergoing purification to enter heaven.

The commemoration is a reflection of the “communion of saints,” which includes the faithful on Earth, the souls in purgatory, and saints in heaven. Catholics believe they can help the souls in purgatory by praying for them, offering alms, and having Mass said on their behalf.

The feast offers hope and solace, emphasizing that God’s love is stronger than death. Many parishes hold extra Masses on this day. The readings and prayers focus on hope and the eternal life promised to the faithful. People often visit the graves of loved ones to pray, clean the headstones, and light candles as a symbol of hope, and offer specific prayers for the deceased, such as the “Eternal Rest Prayer” or the Rosary.

remember deceased family and friends

The church offers special indulgences for the souls in purgatory during a specific period, typically from November 1st to the 8th. Take time to remember deceased family and friends and reflect on the promise of eternal life and the bonds that connect the living and the dead.

Ever wanting to be faithful to your service,

— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan