On November 2nd every year Catholics come together to honour All Souls’ Day, also known as the Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed. It’s a special time for us to remember and pray for the souls believed to be in purgatory. We lift them up in our prayers as they undergo purification, preparing to enter the loving presence of God. It’s a beautiful way to honour our loved ones and reflect on the journey of the soul. Let’s pray.
Transcript
Hello, my name is Anick de Réland, General Manager of Specialist Family and Relationship Services. As we come together in prayer today, we hold close in our hearts the memories of those who have journeyed from this life to the next. While we miss their presence, we trust in God’s love and mercy, knowing that He holds them in His eternal care. Let us pray for the souls of our departed loved ones. Let’s Pray.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Loving Father, with hearts full of faith and hope, we lift up to You the souls of our loved ones who have left this world. In Your gentle mercy, welcome them into the light of Your presence, where they may rest in peace and enjoy the fullness of eternal life. Forgive them any wrongs they may have done and, in Your boundless grace, bring them into everlasting joy. We also ask You, Lord, to comfort those of us who remain, especially the families and friends who grieve. Give us strength and remind us of the hope that we have in Your promise that we will one day be reunited in Your kingdom of love. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
In times like these, we are reminded that love endures beyond the boundaries of this life. Though we no longer see or hear our loved ones, their spirit lives on in God’s care and in the memories that we carry with us. As we honour their lives today, may we also find peace in the promise of eternal life and in the knowledge that, one day, we will be together again in God’s everlasting presence.