STMS: What is All Souls' Day?

All Souls’ Day is a day for Christians to commemorate the faithful departed. Some Christian traditions, Catholicism particularly, believe that additional “purification” is necessary after death before we can attain the beatific vision in Heaven. This state is referred to as Purgatory.

On All Souls’ Day, and through the whole month of November, Catholics pay special attention to the dead and pray for the souls of our loved ones who have gone before us. Through our prayers, our participation in the work of Christ, the dead can be helped to attain the beatific vision.

In the hall on the second floor of the Law School, right outside of the meditation room, there sits a book. Until All Souls’ Day (November 2nd), you are invited to write the names of deceased friends and family members. The people listed in the book will be prayed for, specifically, at the All Souls’ Day Mass next week.

Also, on All Souls’ Day, you can hear Professor Cribari reflect on these themes using music from Mozart’s Requiem Mass. More information is on that event HERE.

I will speak for myself when I say that keeping death in front of me reminds me acutely of my need for Christ’s redemption and provokes me to live more fully with a greater awareness of God who is our source of joy and peace. Gratitude is inevitable when I consider how much my need is provided for. Who can be unhappy and grateful at the same time? I sure can't.

More information on All Souls’ Day is HERE.