The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls' Day)

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 26 Unauthorized Association with the Excommunicated

Mass: Wisdom 3:1-9; Resp Ps 23; Rm 5:5-11 or Rm 6:3-9; Jn 6:37-40

The Lord is my shepherd.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT OF HELFTA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Yearn for everlasting life with holy desire. Day by day remind yourself that you are going to die.

(Rule of Saint Benedict, 4:46-47)

If we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.

(Rm 6:8)

Let us then die with Christ, to live with Christ. We should have a daily familiarity with death, a daily desire for death. By this kind of detachment our soul must learn to free itself from the desires of the body.

(From a book on the death of his brother Satyrus by Saint Ambrose, bishop, in Office of Readings, November 2)

In midst of these holy and precious days, we turn our prayers especially this day to the faithful departed. We remember those who have gone before us, some more known than others, most forgotten after living lives that were ordinary, obscure, and laborious. And then all those people who die, like all the ones who will die today, that just die, somewhere, somehow, and unknown to others. Yes, we need to pray for the dead and ask them to pray for us. As the years go on, I begin to understand better and better why, as children, my friends and I used to sing, "Pray for the dead and the dead will pray for you." I often repeat to myself, and too often to others, that there is only one way out of here. However, it is true. United in faith and prayer then, let us make this a good day in Christ Jesus, and as Saint Benedict tells us, "Hour by hour keep careful watch over all you do, aware that God's gaze is upon you, wherever you may be" (RB 4:48-49). Out of the depths I call to you, Lord; Lord, hear my cry! May your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, Lord, mark our sins, Lord, who can stand? But with You is forgiveness and so you are revered ...For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with Him is plenteous redemption (Ps 130).     

All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter into the joy of heaven.

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1030)

Let us help and commemorate the dead. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice [see Job 1:5], why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.

(Saint John Chrysostom, 347-407)

ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED,

PRAY FOR US.

Friendly reminder: Don't forget to add another saint's name to your basket, bowl, hat, or other vessel of choice. 👼And, visit a cemetery near you today. 💗

Today's photo: There is nothing I shall want. Mother Myriam, Sister Diane, Sister Godelieve, pray for us.

© Gertrude Feick 2022