All Saints and its Octave

We begin the month of November with our annual celebration of All Saints.  This feast, with a very long history in the universal Church, is that celebration in which we recognize that there is, indeed, a heavenly host which includes those officially recognized and canonized (that is, entered into the canon or list of the saints) as well as the numberless band of those who are also amongst the blessed.

In the celebration of this feast we thank almighty God for the example of the saints as well as the prayers they continually offer on our behalf.  In celebrating this feast, we are also inspired to greater efforts in cooperating with God’s holy will; so that we may ourselves be numbered among that cloud of witnesses to the mercy and glory of God.

We spend the rest of the month making a claim on that mercy for those brothers and sisters of ours who, having loved God, but also having fallen short of His perfection, suffer that final cleansing (purgation) which will at last find them fit and ready to enter into the fullness of heavenly glory.

Traditionally we have an opportunity on the octave of the Feast of All Saints, as well as on the Commemoration of All Souls itself to receive a plenary indulgence and apply it to one of the poor souls in purgatory.  Indeed, during the octave we can receive and apply one plenary indulgence each day of the octave.  The way this is done is by, in a state of grace and free from all attachments to sin, one stops at a cemetery or church and prays for the poor souls, along with the usual conditions which include sacramental Confession within a week before or after, reception of holy Communion, and prayers for the intention of the Holy Father (the Pope).

Because of the current pandemic, the Holy See is concerned that Christ’s faithful have the opportunity to attend Mass (in order to receive Holy Communion), get to Confession, and even visit the cemetery without the fear of a lack of ability to keep appropriately distanced.  Out of this concern, the Holy Father has extended the ability to obtain this plenary indulgence for the poor souls in purgatory to the entire month of November.

Recognizing that, because of conditions, some will be unable to even leave their homes, for these, the Holy Father has given the opportunity to gain this indulgence from their home; of course, this will mean asking Father to come and hear one’s Confession and give to you Holy Communion.

I am always happy to do what I can to assist in these most worthy works of mercy and love.  So, please don’t hesitate to contact me and arrange for a home visit if you are in need.

“May Christ our Lord help us all with His bountiful grace, so that we may know His holy will and perfectly fulfill it.” (St. Ignatius of Loyola)