ALL SAINTS’ DAY – NOVEMBER 1
We celebrate All Saints’ Day, a Holy Day of Obligation and we remember the communion of Saints—our unity of all Saints both earth and heaven. It’s our day to be mindful of what we are called to be—SAINTS.
Read The Story of the Solemnity of All Saints
All SOULS DAY – NOVEMBER 2
November 2nd is the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, also known as All Souls Day, a day set aside to pray for all the dead.
All Souls Day shifts the Church’s focus on praying for the Faithful Departed throughout November. The need and duty of prayer for the dead has been acknowledged by the Church. It is recommended in the Scriptures of the Old Testament: “It is, therefore, a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins” (2 Macc. 12: 46). This duty is expressed in public and private prayers but especially in the offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the repose of souls.
The prayers are particularly directed for the souls who are being purified in Purgatory, waiting for the day when they will join the saints in heaven. The celebration of Mass is the highest means the Church can provide for charity for the dead, but we can also relieve their sufferings through our prayers, sufferings, and penances. We can particularly help the Poor Souls by doing acts and prayers that have indulgences attached to them. (Experts from catholicculture.org)
PRAYER
Let perpetual light shine upon them,
with your Saints forever, for you are merciful.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them,
with your Saints forever, for you are merciful.
Amen.