Masses for the dead
can be found in the fifth century. St. Odilo, fourth abbot of Cluny, was
responsible for the institution of the general commemoration of all the
faithful departed. He instituted it and fixed its celebration on November
2, the day after All Saints.
We continue to
dedicate this month of November for the poor souls in purgatory. We shall offer
Masses and prayers for the liberation of our deceased families, friends,
priests and all forgotten souls as well.
What more we can
do:
a) Do pious
practices to help the Poor Souls by attending Weekend Masses and do remember
the deceased members among your family and friends and make an extra sacrifice
for them; pray the rosary for the most forgotten souls in purgatory.
b) At home: Make a
nice poster listing all the family and friends who have departed. Put this on
your altar where the members of the family can be reminded to pray for the
loved ones throughout November.
c) Do visit
gravesites anytime throughout the year. You can make it a monthly affair or
during the deceased’s birthday or anniversary. It can be done privately.
Whenever you visit the gravesites, clean them, decorate them with flowers and
add lamps or candles. Do pray for the faithful departed. You may recite the
Creed, the Lord’s Prayer and the Rosary. Visits to the cemetery should be
uplifting, calm and peaceful, not a scary event.
d) On a personal
level, do read about “The Doctrine of Holy Souls in Purgatory” and “The Mystery
of God’s Justice and Mercy.
Can we help the
departed who are in the condition of purgatory? (YouCat no. 160 or CCC
nos. 1032 & 1414)
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