This year, I celebrated All Souls Day more intentionally than ever before confronted with the reality that three of my siblings have been gone, one of whom passed away just two months ago.
When you have loved ones who had passed on to the other side of this world, you cannot afford not to listen to the call of the Catholic Church to pray for our departed loved ones and the souls in Purgatory on All Souls Day (and onward). We can never know where our departed loved ones have been gone after their passing – in heaven, or in purgatory?
I began my November devotion to the dead at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Chantilly, Virginia, which formally commemorated the faithful departed starting on Saturday’s Vigil Mass (Nov 1st ), and continued on to dedicate all Masses on Nov. 2nd for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
Honoring the Dead in Black
As usual the Mass began with the priest processing down the aisle with the deacon beside him.
Fr. Christopher Hayes and Deacon James Hepler marched towards the Altar in black vestment in honor of the Holy Souls in purgatory; for me it was a strong reminder that we all have departed loved ones and that we are celebrating them on this momentous occasion specially dedicated in their remembrance.
It was great to have seen, for the first time, a Mass celebration with the priests donned in black.
Praying for the Souls in Purgatory
In his homily, Fr. Hayes cited the need of praying for the faithful departed who have not yet gained the divine life.
He acknowledged the struggle that some have about purgatory, saying that God in his perfect love provides the reality of purgatory, for purification, because anything that clings to souls that’s not of God prevents souls from participating into divine relationship but that God desires everyone to be in heaven with him in relationship with the divine persons.
“The Church, therefore, sets apart a day of the year to celebrate that aspect of the Church that we call the church suffering (the church in purgatory),” he said.
Fr. Hayes said that the Church is drawing our attention to a special devotion of praying for the souls in Purgatory this month of November.
“My encouragement to you tonight and throughout the month of November is to make special prayers for the souls in purgatory,” he said.
Praying for Those Who Once Walked Beside Us
Fr. Hayes suggested starting to pray for family members who have died, then praying for our enemies, which he said, will help us heal ourselves and stretch our ability to love, and praying for celebrities who he said are the most forgotten souls in Purgatory.
“The more we can help them with our prayers, the more they will be grateful and in return they will be praying for us.” Fr. Hayes said.
A Visit to the Cemetery
Another devotion that’s encourage in the month of November Fr. Hayes said is to visit the cemetery. He said we can try going to a cemetery once a week, pray the rosary there, pray for our loved ones, and those who were interred there.
“When we are praying for the souls in purgatory, we continue to build up the church, and we are building the body of Christ as its intended to be in its perfect state in heaven,” Fr. Hayes added.
The Three-Tier Church
In his homily on All Souls Day on Nov. 2nd, Fr. Parthibanraj Soosai indicated the three tier of the Church: the Church Triumphant, those who have gone before us and have reached the joy of eternal destiny in heaven, which we remembered on All Saints Day on Nov. 1st; the Church Suffering (church in Purgatory), those who have gone before us but have not yet reached the eternal destiny prepared for them, which we keep in memory on All Souls Day on Nov. 2nd; and the church militant, those who are still on earth and are still fighting the struggles and temptations of life on a day to day basis.
Fr. Parthiban said we are one Church and so we have the duty to pray for the suffering souls in Purgatory.
Nothing Unclean Shall Enter Heaven – Revelation 21:27
He cited Revelation 21:27 which said, “Nothing unclean shall enter heaven,” and so our departed dear ones depend on our prayers, he said.
“This month, do not forget to pray for your departed dear ones, have Masses offered for them, visit their graves, and make daily sacrifices for them,” Fr. Parthiban said.
“God can foresee and apply in favor of our departed dear ones the merits of our prayers, penances, and works of charity even when done after their death,” he added.
Love Doesn’t End in Graves
As the Mass ended and the church slowly emptied,I remained in my pew for a moment longer. I was glad I have done my duty towards my departed loved ones, and the suffering souls in purgatory. I was glad to have offered prayers for them, and to have attended the Holy Mass in their honor.
I was glad, too, and grateful, that we have a church in the Catholic Church that guided us and leads the way in ensuring that our departed loved ones, and all the faithful departed in purgatory, are remembered and are being assisted in their final journey to reach the eternal life in heaven that is promised for us all. And so – thanks to the Catholic Church – our love continues beyond the graves.
