By Brea Cannon
Liturgical Rhythm of Life
This time of the year is filled with so many fun and exciting sights and activities — I am particularly fond of campfires, creative jack-o’-lanterns and the fun of dressing up for Halloween and All Saints’ Day. As a mom with young children, I enjoy the days from Oct. 30 through Nov. 2: Oct. 30, my son’s baptism anniversary; Oct. 31, All Hallows’ Eve; Nov. 1, Solemnity of All Saints and Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day. Beyond the fun of carving a baptism cross-shaped pumpkin, dressing up in saintly costumes and visiting family and friends for a little treat, it is great to celebrate and pray for the souls of those who have died in faith. This past year, I was given some of my great-granny Vella’s clothing. For Halloween, I am excited to dress up like her, visit family members who loved her and offer up prayers for the repose of her soul.
The Church dedicates the entire month of November to the souls in purgatory. In our house for the month, we prayerfully assign one deceased loved one to each day in the month — we write the names on a calendar to help us remember who is assigned to each day. Every day we come together, light a candle and pray that in God’s great mercy, he releases that specific soul from purgatory to live with him in paradise forever.
We started the prayer calendar years ago and have come to look forward to the time of prayer for friends and family. I did not have the privilege of meeting all of my great-grandparents or most of my husband’s grandparents. Sharing stories and praying for each loved one has allowed us and our children a glimpse into the lives of those who have been loved for generations.
There are many customs around the world for the Solemnity of All Saints and All Souls days, anticipated by Halloween, as it is known in America. Tradition had it that on Oct. 31, in parts of Europe, “soulers” would walk around house-to-house singing and praying, offering up prayers for the faithful departed in exchange for soul cakes. Soul cakes are cookie-like baked goods given out to remind the faithful to pray for the souls in purgatory. In other countries like Peru, India and the Philippines, for All Saints and Souls days, the faithful decorate the graves of deceased loved ones, offer up prayers and celebrate the deceased life by having a small gathering at the cemetery.
As we approach this month of November, please keep in mind that the Solemnity of All Saints is a holy day of obligation — check for special holy day Mass times at your parish. Also, the Church decrees that from Nov. 1-8, the holy souls’ plenary indulgence is available. In addition to the usual conditions for obtaining an indulgence, going to confession, receiving Holy Communion, rejecting the attachment to sin and praying for the intentions of the Pope, this plenary indulgence may be gained by visiting a cemetery and praying for departed souls.
November is filled with some other great feast days:
- 13: St. Francis Cabrini
- 16: St. Margaret of Scotland (Patron saint of parents who have lost a child — take some time to reach out to a friend or family member who has lost a child or offer up a small sacrifice for their pain)
- 17: St. Elizabeth of Hungry (Patron saint of those in hospitals and nursing homes — make a visit or plan to have a Mass said for those in need)
- 21: Presentation of Mary
- 22: St. Cecilia (Patron saint of musicians — send a letter of appreciation to your church choir)
- 24: Christ the King of the Universe (Set the table for a meal and leave an extra place setting and possible paper crown at the head of the table for Jesus — during the meal reflect on Jesus as King by reading Revelation 17:14 and Timothy 6:11-16)
- 27: Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Consider wearing a medal and praying the prayer Mary gave to St. Catherine Labouré: “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”)
- 28: St. Catherine Labouré (Enjoy some French food and research what St. Maximillian Kolbe shared about St. Catherine and the Miraculous Medal)