Commemoration of All Faithful Departed (All Souls Day)

Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017

Location: All Parishes

En Español

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day) is celebrated on Nov. 2. On this day, we remember and pray for all those who have died that are now in purgatory. Souls in purgatory "have not yet been purified" in order to enter heaven. The Catechism of the Catholic Church ensures us however, that those in purgatory will enter heaven. "All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven." (no. 1030)  The Church teaches that our prayers for those in purgatory can help them in their purification. The Church teaches that our prayers for those in purgatory can help them in their purification. That is why Mass intentions are offered for those who have died throughout the year. On All Souls Day, many Catholic parishes celebrate Masses, hold special prayer services and adoration times, bless graves, have rosary processions at cemeteries and place the photos of deceased loved ones near the altar in church. To find out how All Souls Day will be celebrated in your area, contact a parish near you. To learn more about this feast day, read "Why we pray for all souls today" or "20 ways to pray for the holy souls in purgatory." Also see: Neglected works of mercy: burying, praying for forgotten dead.