All Souls Day

It is November 2nd - All Souls Day.

Right after the Solemnity of All Saints day, the Catholic Church remembers All Souls who have departed and who are in Purgatory.  This feast day was celebrated around the time of Pentecost in the past, but by the 10th century it was moved to its current date.

On this day there are two Plenary indulgences given to the faithful.  The faithful receive the indulgences by
 1) Visiting a Church and/or 2) Visiting a Cemetery.  Of course the requirements for receiving an indulgence must be met in order for it to be valid.

A Plenary Indulgence is the full remission of all temporal punishment because of sin.  The requirments for a Plenary Indulgence are three:

• Sacramental Confession
• Holy Eucharist
• Prayer for the intention of the Pope and Church.   

Sin must be completely avoided, even Venial sins which are not as grave as Mortal, but still do damage.

The indulgence can be obtained every day for a visit to the Cemetery from November 1 - 8.  The merits of the indulgence can be applied to the deceased in Purgatory.

Purgatory is a condition or state in which the Soul is purified before entering the Glory of Heaven.  This purification is temporary and a Soul can go through it quicker when we pray and offer indulgences for the Souls.  (2 Macc. 12:43-45)

Let us pray for all the dead and dying; and for all the Souls in Purgatory.  They too pray for us, so let us return the favor.  (Phil 2:10, Baruch 3:4)

Do not forget the dead.  Pray for them everyday, not just on this day.  Offer your works, suffering and indulgences obtained for the dead.  

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

Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
 

Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory O most sweet Jesus, through the bloody sweat which Thou didst suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane, have mercy on these Blessed Souls. Have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.  O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel scourging, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.  O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in carrying Thy cross to Calvary, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.  O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel Crucifixion, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.  O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most bitter agony on the Cross, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.  O most sweet Jesus, through the immense pain which Thou didst suffer in breathing forth Thy Blessed Soul, have mercy on them. R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.  (Recommend yourself to the Souls in Purgatory and mention your intentions here)  Blessed Souls, I have prayed for thee; I entreat thee, who are so dear to God, and who are secure of never losing Him, to pray for me a miserable sinner, who is in danger of being damned, and of losing God forever. Amen. -St. Alphonsus Liguori