All Souls' Day - Day of the Dead

Today is Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed, or "All Souls' Day."

Another ancient custom from the first millennium of Christianity, today we pray for the repose of all faithful souls who have died, trusting in Christ, especially our dear loved ones and friends.

It is worth recalling here that when a person dies, he or she will be judged by the Lord and will then proceed to either heaven or hell.  This is a spiritual truth, as revealed by our Lord Jesus, Himself.

As Catholics, we know too, that often when a person departs this life, he or she may still have some attachments to sin, and as a result, will spend time in Purgatory, being purified in order to enter into the blessedness of heaven and God's presence.  It is one of our duties to pray for these souls, that their journey to our heavenly homeland, may be swift.

Holy Mother Church encourages us to visit cemeteries today and we are able to receive a special indulgence for the visit, when we pray for the souls there.  Let us honor their lives and pray that they may rest in peace!

In the words of Saint Augustine,

Remembrance and prayers for the dead are signs of true affection when they are offered for the departed ones by the faithful most dear to them.  There can be no doubt but that these prayers help after life those souls who while alive merited them.

God Love You!