How to Observe All Souls Day
All Souls' Day, also called Dia des los Muertos, is celebrated on November 2 by Catholics, Anglicans, Eastern Christian churches, and some Protestant denominations. The living congregate to pray for the souls of the departed, helping them on their journey from Purgatory, purification of remnant sins and to the Beatific Vision (vision of God). With its Hispanic origins, All Souls' Day can be a festive and healing experience. Remembering passed loved ones is not only permitted, it is encouraged.
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Instructions
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Observing All Souls' Day
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Attend a service in your parish. All Souls' Day services are offered in the evening of November 2. Formalized offerings of prayers for departed souls, services often invite people to share memories of their loved ones.
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Pray the Invocation for the Souls in Purgatory. "My God, bestow Thy blessings and Thy mercies on all persons and on those souls in Purgatory for whom I am in charity, gratitude, or friendship bound and have the desire to pray. Amen"
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Remember and pray for Poor Souls. Poor souls are those who have nobody living to offer prayers and intercessions on their behalf. A portion of a prayer for poor souls reads, "God of justice, God of Mercy, You have no choice but to love us because love is the only word in Your vocabulary. Love is the only thing You think of or say or do, even when we deserve punishment for our sins." (Cited from Father Angelus.)
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Visit the grave of a loved one. Bring brightly colored flowers, balloons and any other decoration you can think of. Festoon the grave site. If you visit a largely Hispanic cemetery, you will experience a surprising sense of celebration. Think of the ways that living are eager to help their loved ones and all the departed. Experience what communion means on this interesting day.
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Leave a departed loved one's favorite food and drink on the eve of All Souls' Day. An invitation to those who have passed to visit and know they are cherished is one of All Souls' Day's more endearing rituals. A cup of cocoa and a piece of cake is just one idea. The point is to think of what your loved one would like.
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Resources
- Photo Credit http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-2/653261/Carmelitepurgatory.jpg, http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t73/PropogandaQueen/Dia_De_Los_Muertos_1_by_Randiland.jpg, http://www.outofbodytravel.org/images/570_Angels_in_Heaven_HEAVEN_HELL_PURGATORY.JPG, http
