Today we interrupt the normal course of Ordinary Sundays to commemorate the Faithful Departed or All Souls. These are those who, not being quite ready to meet God face to face, must undergo some purification that great moment. Perhaps some of our loved ones are in this state. We can assist them by our Masses, prayers and good works applied for their benefit. This Sunday and the whole month of November let us do our part to hasten the day when our loved ones and especially those forgotten by others can finally enjoy their heavenly reward.

Pope Francis has extended the traditional indulgences for All Souls’ Day. One can visit a cemetery and pray for the Faithful Departed for the whole month of November rather than just 8 days. Also, one can say, 1 Our Father, Hail Mary and Eternal Rest wherever they are without having to do this in a church for a Plenary Indulgence that remits all temporal punishment due to sin. One must still have Confession and Holy Communion to gain this indulgence. As we with the souls in purgatory join with the saints in heaven to form the Communion of Saints that we mention each Sunday in the Creed, let us do our part on behalf of those who have gone before us. Someday we will hope to benefit from such prayer ourselves. 

On another note, this Tuesday is Election Day. It is our civic duty to vote. Please remember that you are a Catholic Christian wherever you are, so please ask the Holy Spirit to assist you in your voting. We are one nation under God. Let us remember that when we vote.