Novena for All the Faithful Departed
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed is observed on November 2.
(To be prayed every day for nine days)
O God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of your servants who have departed the forgiveness of their sins, and hear the supplication and prayer we offer for them in this novena.
Merciful Father, in union with the Church triumphant in heaven, I beg you to have mercy on the souls in purgatory. Remember your infinite love for them, and show them your mercy through the infinite merits of your beloved Son.
Free them from pain and sorrow, so that they may then enjoy eternal peace and happiness. I thank you, heavenly Father, for the grace of waiting that you have granted to the souls of the faithful departed.
Jesus Christ, beloved Saviour, King of kings in the land of eternal bliss, I beg you in your mercy to hear my prayers and free the holy souls in purgatory, especially (name the person or persons).
Lead them out of the prison of darkness into the light and freedom of the children of God in the kingdom of your glory. I thank you, beloved Saviour, for redeeming these poor souls with your precious Blood and saving them from eternal death.
O Holy Spirit, God, kindle in me the fire of your heavenly love, increase my faith and trust, and accept the prayer I offer you for the souls suffering in purgatory. I want the merits of this novena to extend to the Church suffering, especially to the departed members of my family (parents, brothers, sisters, relatives or friends). Hear my prayer, so that one day we may be united with them in the kingdom of your glory.
O Holy Spirit, God, I thank you for all the graces you have poured out on the suffering souls: you sanctify them, strengthen them and comfort them in their present suffering, and assure them of eternal bliss, so that they may be united with you and hear the blessed words that call them to their heavenly home: “Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).
Amen.
(Source: Catholic Church prayer book)
Litany for the Faithful Departed
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus Christ, hear us.
Lord Jesus Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on the faithful departed.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on the faithful departed.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on the faithful departed.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on the faithful departed.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for the faithful departed.
Saint Michael the Archangel, pray for them.
My guardian angel and guardian angels of the faithful departed, pray for them.
Choirs of the blessed spirits, pray for them.
Saint Joseph and Saint John the Baptist, pray for them.
Holy patriarchs and prophets, pray for them.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul, pray for them.
Apostles of Christ and evangelists, pray for them.
Saint Stephen and Saint Lawrence, pray for them.
Holy martyrs, pray for them.
Saint Gregory and Saint Augustine, pray for them.
Holy Fathers of the Church, pray for them.
Saint Anne and Saint Mary Magdalene, pray for them.
Saint Catherine, Saint Ursula and her companions, pray for them.
Holy virgins and widows, pray for them.
All you whom God has made holy, pray for them.
Be their help, O Lord.
Forgive them, O Lord.
O Lord, be their help and hear us.
By your beloved name, O Jesus, have mercy on the faithful departed.
By your great mercy, have mercy on the faithful departed.
By your bitter Passion and your holy wounds, have mercy on the faithful departed.
By your precious Blood and your redeeming death, have mercy on the faithful departed.
We poor sinners, hear us, O Lord.
Grant the faithful departed the gift of your mercy.
Soften for them the severity of your justice.
Release them from the punishments due to their sins.
Receive them into the dwelling of peace and eternal rest.
Receive them into your Father’s inheritance.
Grant them to behold your divine beauty.
Show them, O Lord, the greatness of your love.
Fulfil their longing for eternal rest.
Give them rest, O Lord, especially the souls of our relatives, friends and benefactors.
Grant your mercy to the forgotten souls for whom no one prays.
May the Holy Sacrifice and Holy Communion be nourishment for their salvation.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, forgive them.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, hear them.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, grant them eternal rest.
Amen.
Prayer for the Faithful Departed
Merciful Lord, holy and just, receive in your mercy the love of these holy souls. Do not abandon their burning desire for you, and do not reject them.
Open your most holy Heart to them, O Lord, and let them be immersed in you.
Beloved Jesus, call your children, our brothers and sisters, to eternal happiness, and may the light that never fades shine upon them! May they rest in peace!
Amen.
