Starting November 2nd, and extending through the rest of this month, the Church calls us to pray in an intensified way for those who have died. It is an act of charity to do so, a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin (2 Maccabees 12:45). Think about it: how many of us at the end of our earthly life will have conquered every bad habit or unhealthy attachment that we have? Our deceased loved ones, godly though they may have been in this life, could have some unresolved matters. As they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, we can help them out with those matters.
On November 2nd, we celebrated the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, commonly called All Soul’s Day. On this day, we remembered all the departed, praying that, through the mercy of God, they may come to dwell in the Heavenly Kingdom. If in this life we have not cooperated fully with God’s grace and conformed ourselves entirely to Him, yet die in His friendship, this re-conforming of our person to His will be completed in Purgatory. Purgatory is a state of purification or realignment. Since we are related to each other spiritually through our baptism, we can help each other in the journey to heaven, supporting each other by our prayers and example to be shaped as we ought to the image of the One who is Goodness Itself. In this life we do that through celebrating the sacraments, fostering a healthy prayer life, perform acts of charity, cooperating all the while with the graces God gives to reach spiritual maturity. If this remains incomplete when we die, it is completed in Purgatory, following which is our entrance into the Heavenly Kingdom.
Responsory for the Dead
V. Do not remember my sins, O Lord.
R. When you come to judge the world by fire.
V. Direct my way in your sight, O Lord, my God.
R. When you come to judge the world by fire.
V. Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him/her.
R. When you come to judge the world by fire.
V. Lord, have mercy.
R. Christ, have mercy, Lord, have mercy.
Our Father…
V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. From the gates of hell.
R. Deliver his/her soul, O Lord.
V. May he/she rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V. Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my prayer come to you.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit.
Let us pray. Lord, welcome into your presence you son/daughter, N., whom you have called from this life. Release him/her from all their sins, bless them with eternal life and peace, raise them up to live with you for ever with all your saints in the glory of the resurrection. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
David J. Conrad
On November 2nd, we celebrated the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, commonly called All Soul’s Day. On this day, we remembered all the departed, praying that, through the mercy of God, they may come to dwell in the Heavenly Kingdom. If in this life we have not cooperated fully with God’s grace and conformed ourselves entirely to Him, yet die in His friendship, this re-conforming of our person to His will be completed in Purgatory. Purgatory is a state of purification or realignment. Since we are related to each other spiritually through our baptism, we can help each other in the journey to heaven, supporting each other by our prayers and example to be shaped as we ought to the image of the One who is Goodness Itself. In this life we do that through celebrating the sacraments, fostering a healthy prayer life, perform acts of charity, cooperating all the while with the graces God gives to reach spiritual maturity. If this remains incomplete when we die, it is completed in Purgatory, following which is our entrance into the Heavenly Kingdom.
Responsory for the Dead
V. Do not remember my sins, O Lord.
R. When you come to judge the world by fire.
V. Direct my way in your sight, O Lord, my God.
R. When you come to judge the world by fire.
V. Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him/her.
R. When you come to judge the world by fire.
V. Lord, have mercy.
R. Christ, have mercy, Lord, have mercy.
Our Father…
V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. From the gates of hell.
R. Deliver his/her soul, O Lord.
V. May he/she rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V. Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my prayer come to you.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit.
Let us pray. Lord, welcome into your presence you son/daughter, N., whom you have called from this life. Release him/her from all their sins, bless them with eternal life and peace, raise them up to live with you for ever with all your saints in the glory of the resurrection. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
David J. Conrad
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