May the souls of the departed
rest in peace
November 2, 2016
by Mac Norhen Bornales
by Mac Norhen Bornales
THE SECOND day of November is often disregarded by Filipinos nowadays. It seems that the term “All Souls’ Day” does not apply anymore for November 2 because Filipinos often visit their deceased loved ones on November 1 or also known as All Saints’ Day. But what is really the difference between the two events? All Saints’ Day is when we commemorate the Holy People of God.
They are the ones we pray for intercession for our exams, for our health, and prosperity. They are the helpers of Jesus Christ towards our salvation for they set the example of a true Christian. They denied themselves from worldly materials in order to live the Christian way of life.
But for today, we just don’t honor and remember the Saints but we also remember the souls of our loved ones who already left the physical world and is in journey to be one with our God. But that is easy to be said than done. Even if we do good in our lives in the earth, we still lack on some aspects of our lives. That hinders us from our journey to heaven.
We Catholics believe that the souls who are not yet ready to go to heaven is temporarily waiting in the purgatory. And our prayers here on earth could help the souls in purgatory to be one with God. And that is why there is a day for all souls. It is a day we pray and remember the souls of our loved ones that they may finally be one with God.
But regardless if it is November 1, 2 or any day of the year, what is important is we visit our deceased loved ones. And as we visit them, let us offer a prayer or two for the eternal repose of their souls. You may never know, they might be praying for you as well when they are already one with the Father. Include them in prayers for they are the ones who are close to God.
In this we pray: God our Father, Your power brings us to birth, Your providence guides our lives, and by Your command we return to dust. Lord, those who die still live in Your presence, their lives change but do not end. I pray in hope for my family, relatives and friends, and for all the dead known to You alone.
In company with Christ, Who died and now lives, may they rejoice in Your kingdom, where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family, to sing Your praise forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer from: http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=805
They are the ones we pray for intercession for our exams, for our health, and prosperity. They are the helpers of Jesus Christ towards our salvation for they set the example of a true Christian. They denied themselves from worldly materials in order to live the Christian way of life.
But for today, we just don’t honor and remember the Saints but we also remember the souls of our loved ones who already left the physical world and is in journey to be one with our God. But that is easy to be said than done. Even if we do good in our lives in the earth, we still lack on some aspects of our lives. That hinders us from our journey to heaven.
We Catholics believe that the souls who are not yet ready to go to heaven is temporarily waiting in the purgatory. And our prayers here on earth could help the souls in purgatory to be one with God. And that is why there is a day for all souls. It is a day we pray and remember the souls of our loved ones that they may finally be one with God.
But regardless if it is November 1, 2 or any day of the year, what is important is we visit our deceased loved ones. And as we visit them, let us offer a prayer or two for the eternal repose of their souls. You may never know, they might be praying for you as well when they are already one with the Father. Include them in prayers for they are the ones who are close to God.
In this we pray: God our Father, Your power brings us to birth, Your providence guides our lives, and by Your command we return to dust. Lord, those who die still live in Your presence, their lives change but do not end. I pray in hope for my family, relatives and friends, and for all the dead known to You alone.
In company with Christ, Who died and now lives, may they rejoice in Your kingdom, where all our tears are wiped away.
Unite us together again in one family, to sing Your praise forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer from: http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=805