Posted on November 8, 2025 View all news
The month of November is traditionally dedicated to the remembrance of all souls. Throughout these days, Holy Mother Church turns our hearts and prayers toward those who have gone before us, marked with the sign of faith, that they may be purified and brought into the light of God’s presence.
Within our own parish this past year, we have commended to the mercy of God Hedwig Wenker, Melissa Talley, Paul Siebel, Lawrence Mertens, Gerhard Stroeer, Susanne Kalti, Michael Vaccariello, & Linda Fecke. Let us remember each of them with gratitude and love, and pray earnestly for the repose of their souls. We also remember our departed family members, friends, and benefactors, as well as those poor souls who have no one to pray for them.
The greatest act of charity we can offer the faithful departed is our prayer — above all, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The souls in purgatory, whom the Church calls the Church Suffering, depend entirely upon the prayers and sacrifices of the Church Militant, that is, the faithful here on earth. While our goal is heaven itself, we recognize that should we one day pass through purgatory, we too will rely on the charity and prayers of others. Let us therefore pray devoutly and often for the departed, that they may soon be admitted to the vision of God.
During the first eight days of November, the Church grants a plenary indulgence applicable only to the souls in purgatory. This is under the usual conditions. To obtain this indulgence, the faithful may:
- Visit a cemetery between November 1st and 8th, and there pray, even silently, for the departed; or
- Visit a church on November 2nd, the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day), and devoutly recite one Our Father and the Creed.
These are great spiritual opportunities not to be neglected.
Please also remember that All Saints’ Day (November 1st) is a Holy Day. Masses will be offered on both All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 2nd on the New Calendar & November 3rd this year on the Old Calendar). I encourage you to attend both if possible, joining the Saints on All Saints’ Day and offering your prayers on All Souls’ Day for those who have gone before us.
Praying for the dead is a true work of mercy and an expression of the communion of saints. For all the love and kindness shown to us by those who have died, our prayers are now the greatest kindness we can return.
Be assured of my prayers for you and your loved ones during this month of remembrance. I ask in turn that you keep each of the Oratorians in your prayers.
