The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
“You who gave us life by Your death on the Cross, receive our departed into the everlasting dwelling.”
November 2 is the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed.
It was established by Pope Boniface, like the feast of All Saints. For the faithful who have fallen asleep in the Lord and who still owe temporal punishment for sins forgiven through sacramental absolution, or for venial sins, not made up for in this life, must be purified of them in Purgatory, by a fire like that of hell, but temporary. That is why the Church, East and West, offers prayers and sacrifices for the repose of the souls in Purgatory.
Let us remember in our prayer our departed who have gone before us into eternal life.
O Lord, hear our prayer, and let our cry come to You. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Prayer for the Commemoration of the Departed
Merciful Father, hear our prayers and grant us comfort.
As we renew our faith in Your Son, risen from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our brothers and sisters who have left this world will share in His resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace.
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Your mercy. Amen.
Another Prayer for the Departed
Merciful Creator, who order all things, we ask You, by Your fatherhood and Your divinity, and by the holy Blood that Jesus shed on the Cross for our salvation, to have pity and mercy on our departed and to bring them to dwell in Your heavenly glory. O our God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who saved us by Your death and resurrection, we implore You to stretch out a helping hand to our departed and let them enjoy the happiness of heaven. Do not deprive them, Lord, of Your paradise, and do not leave them strangers to Your dwelling. Draw them close to You, O great God, so that they may discover the depth of Your love and mercy.
Amen.
