ALL SOULS DAY

ALL SOULS

On November 2 (or on November 3 if the second falls on a Sunday), the Church commenorates all the Faithful Departed. The white vestments of All Saints' day are laid aside, and the dark robes and emblems of mourning are worn to indicate the sympathy of Mother Church for her children, who are being purified in the sufferings of purgatory.

The reason for the commenoration of all the Faithful Departed is the doctrine and belief the all who die in veial sin, or have not fully atoned for other past transgressions are detained in purgatory, and that the faithful on earth can help them through their temporal punishment and hasten their admission to the joys of heaven by prayers and alms, and especially by the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The memorial day of the dead comes down to us from the first Christians, and, in the course of centuries, November 2 was selected for the annual commemoration of all the Faaithful Departed in churches of the Laitin rite.

In every land and in every Christian soul resound the mournful tones of prayer for the dead: "Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace."

Since August 10, 1915, every priest is allowed to offer three Masses on All Souls' day: one for all the Faithful Departed, one for the intention of the Pope, and one for the intention of the priest himself. Since it is impossible to offer a Mass for the particular intention or intentions of each individual on All Souls' day, or during the month of November, in many dioceses of the United States and other countries there is a custom by which a collection is made of money offerings by the people. Masses are then offered on All Souls'' day, and , in some places, on other days during November, for the intetions of all the people. In churches where there are several priests, each offers a Mass or Masses, according to the custom of the diocese for the All Souls' day intentions.

PRAYER

Merciful God, graciously hear our prayers. As we believe

that Your Son rose from the dead, so strengthen our faith

in the resurrection of all your servants. Amen.