“Why do you pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory?” People ask us Catholics this all the time, especially on Nov. 2 and throughout the month of November. It’s a good question, one we should ask and answer every so often, the better to renew our zeal for the holy work of praying for the dead.
Advent and Christmas are times of memory. This is the season to bring to mind those people who have helped make us who we are, both our friends and our enemies. And Jesus summons us to love all, to do good for all.
On Nov. 2 of each year, The Catholic Church observes the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, otherwise better known as All Souls' Day. It is on this day that we honor those who have passed on from this life, as we pray that they may be purified before entering into the Kingdom of Heaven! So today, be sure to offer up your prayers for your own departed loved ones, as well as the souls suffering in Purgatory!
The apparitions in Fatima (feast day: May 13) directly or indirectly relate to the three essential points of our Marian charism: 1) proclaim and honor the mystery of the Immaculate Conception; 2) assist the dying and the Holy Souls suffering in Purgatory; and 3) spread the kingdom of God on earth, serving Christ and the Church.
