The Month of the Holy Souls

The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. During this month, we pray for those who have departed from this life and have yet to attain the grace of Heaven. The 1962 Roman Missal states:

“Hence when they enter into heaven, they will certainly not forget those who prayed for them….It is a pious belief that God manifests to them our prayers for them, that they also may pray for us.”  

A Plenary Indulgence (remission for temporal punishment for sin) can be obtained for one Holy Soul in Purgatory by fulfilling the following requirements:

1. Between Nov. 1st and Nov. 8th, visit a cemetery and pray for the dead, with the intention of gaining an indulgence for them. 2. Pray the Our Father and the Apostle's Creed for the intentions of the Holy Father. 3. Go to confession 7 to 10 days before the visit and 7 to 10 days after the visit. 4. Be free of all attachment to sin (even venial) by praying the Act of Contrition. 5. Receive Holy Communion for each soul that you are hoping to gain an indulgence for.

Additionally, the following prayer may be utilized:

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

This year the Feast of All Souls falls on the Monday (November 2nd).

The Feast of All Saints is on Sunday November 1st. This holy day of obligation honours all the saints in heaven, including those who have been officially canonized by the Church, as well as those recognized only by God. There is a lengthy process of investigation by the Church that is required in order for a person to be sainted. Among these stipulations, at least 2 miracles must be attributed to the subject, following their death. While many Saints were tragically martyred for their faith, all are guaranteed to have been heroically virtuous.

The Feast of All Saints was initially celebrated in Rome in 731 when Pope Gregory III consecrated a chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica in honour of all the Saints.