All Saints and All Souls

On November 1, the Church celebrates the Feast of All Saints. We are a church confident that countless souls have persevered in grace, triumphed over sin and death, and now rejoice in the house of the Father, which we call heaven. The saints in heaven know of us and pray for us. However, they are not anxious, because they know of God’s ultimate victory over evil.

You’ve probably met several saints in your life; seemingly ordinary men and women who move through life with a quiet holiness. Most of these people are never officially recognized as saints, but, of course, God knows who they are. Saintliness is a gift from God, an endowment of his life and his holiness.

It is very appropriate to pray to become a saint. We should certainly strive for that.

November 2 is set aside for prayer on behalf of the holy souls in purgatory. Think of purgatory as more of a process than a place. If we die with venial sins still on our soul, in God’s mercy, they are purged away after death. While the souls in purgatory cannot pray for themselves, we can and should pray for them. Because there is no time after death, we don’t know how long purgatory lasts. Perhaps some souls cooperate with the grace of God and are freed of their sins quickly. Perhaps others cling to sin longer. It’s a mysterious reality.

Having a Mass said for a deceased loved one is an excellent way, probably the best way, to pray for them. Going out to a cemetery and praying a rosary is another exemplary devotion. Or, simply pray for the dead from your heart.

We should always include prayers for the souls who have been forgotten. On All Souls Day, their pitiful souls are remembered at altars throughout the Catholic world.