“And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen”.

Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace. Amen.

As the weather grows colder and the leaves fall, and Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, it is natural that our thoughts turn to those whom we have loved who are no longer with us.

Praying for the dead is a Christian obligation. In the modern world, when many have come to doubt the Church’s teaching on Purgatory, the need for such prayers has only increased. The Church devotes the month of November to prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and participation in the Mass of All Souls Day is a good way to begin the month.

Today, let us remember all of our loved ones who have faithfully departed.