All Souls Day, Nov. 2

October 30, 2003

On All Souls day, Sunday, Nov. 2, Catholics remember all of their departed brothers and sisters as they pray for the repose of their souls.

This common celebration for all departed souls has been with people for many centuries.

It is also fitting that on All Souls Day we observe Catholic Cemetery Sunday this year. A Catholic Cemetery is intended to be a special place of peace and prayer, a place of remembrance of those who have died and are buried there, a blessed space for the burial of our deceased brothers and sisters. If possible, people are encouraged to bury their loved one in a Catholic cemetery as the final resting-place for them in this world.

It is indeed fitting that after people rejoice with all the saints in heaven on All Saints Day, we join with the prayers of the Church for the repose of the souls in purgatory on All Souls Day.

At Calvary Cemetery in Sioux City, a Mass will be offered at 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, for the Poor Souls in Purgatory. Everyone is welcome to attend.