The Catholic Church celebrates the life and memory of those who have passed away in a special way in November.
The lament of grief for our loved ones is taken up by the Church celebrating the Solemnity of All Saints and the Commemoration of All the Faith Departed (All Souls.)
Through suffering God works loving miracles for those who grieve. We know our prayers for the Poor Souls will be answered to ease their suffering and speed them on their journey to heaven. We also know that even those who have no one left to pray for them have the Church praying for them on the special day of All Souls Day (Nov. 2)
An Ancient Devotion to the Poor Souls
It was a steadfast monk, St. Odilo of Cluny in the late 900s whose devotion to the Poor Souls in Purgatory led to the world-wide Church feast day of Nov. 2.
His devotion to the poor souls became stronger after he was told of a vision a pilgrim had about the poor souls in purgatory suffering punishment for their sins. St. Odilo instituted the annual commemoration of the faithful departed to be observed by all his monasteries in France with alms, prayers, and sacrifices His monasteries were strong spiritual hubs in uneasy times. Through his guidance of 65 monasteries, St. Odilo was able to bring more faithful tradition back to the people.
Three Beautiful Prayers for The Faithful Departed
Scripture tells us, “the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of hell shall not touch them,” Wisdom 3:1.
Many antique holy cards celebrating the life of the deceased had beautiful prayers for the faithful to pray.
Here are three prayers we can say this November for the faithful departed, including a beautiful prayer for the priests we have known who have passed away to Eternal Life.
- Of your charity pray for the repose of the soul of (mention name) who departed this life, fortified with the Sacraments of the Church. O Sweetest heart of Jesus ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in purgatory, have mercy on the soul of thy servant, (name ), bring her far from the shadow of exile to the bright home of Heaven, where we trust, Thou and Thy Blessed Mother have woven for her a crown of unending bliss. Amen. Merciful Jesus, grant her eternal rest. Amen.
- In your charity Pray for the Repose of the soul of (name). O gentlest Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on the soul of Thy servant. Be not severe in Thy judgments, but let some drops of Thy Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames and do Thou, O merciful Savior, send Thy angels to conduct him to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on him.. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for him. St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart, pray for him. Merciful Jesus, grant him eternal rest.
Lastly, here is a special prayer to remember our priests that have died.
Let us pray: O God, Who has raised up Thy servant, {priest name} to the dignity of Thy Apostolic priests, grant, we beseech Thee, that he may also be admitted in heaven to their everlasting fellowship. O gentlest Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in purgatory, have mercy on the soul of Thy servant {name}; bring him from the shadows of exile to the bright home of heaven, where, we trust, Thou and Thy Blessed Mother have woven for him a crown of unfading glory. Amen. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him
Image Credit: Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery on the Atlantic Ocean in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
