By Anthony Richards
All Souls’ Day brings a mix of emotions as Catholics remember loved ones who have died. But the day’s liturgical purpose goes beyond memory — it is also about praying for the dead, asking God to forgive their sins and grant them eternal rest.
“Yes, All Souls’ Day is about remembering those loved ones who have passed, but liturgically it’s about praying for the dead that they may rest in peace and be forgiven for any sins they may still have,” said Father Tom Willis, director of liturgy for the Diocese of St. Augustine.
The emotions surrounding the day can mirror those experienced at a funeral — both tears and smiles — but Father Willis said Catholics can find hope in knowing their prayers can help loved ones reach heaven.
“Ultimately, we believe in the mercy of God, so we must pray for those in purgatory, where there are people that have lived a good life in general, but who still have sins to repent for,” he said. “That is where this purging and cleansing takes place.”
November has long been a month of remembrance — a time to reflect on life’s brevity and reorient one’s path toward heaven. In the Church’s tradition, this season naturally points us to the “four last things:” death, judgment, heaven and hell. “We can prepare for those last things by the way we live our lives,” Father Willis said.
These holy days often lead to moments of deeper reflection about one’s own life — and death.
“It does get people thinking,” said Keith Rezendes, diocesan director of Catholic Cemeteries. “What would you do tomorrow if your husband or wife didn’t wake up? Do you have a plan set? Making that first step (toward getting a funeral arrangement in place) is the hardest step to take, and I get it. Nobody wants to do it, but we’re all going to have to.”
Rezendes urges people to begin making funeral plans as early as possible, recommending that couples start the process soon after marriage.
“You should do it the day after you get home from your honeymoon,” he said. “Once you have a wife and a family, all that needs to be set in place to look out for them now.”
The Diocese of St. Augustine owns four cemeteries: Gate of Heaven and Our Lady of Hope in Jacksonville, San Lorenzo in St. Augustine, and St. Mary’s in Bunnell. Our Lady of Hope is the newest, opening in February. San Lorenzo, which dates to 1892, is the oldest. Gate of Heaven is reserved for cremation burials.
“Our Catholic cemeteries are an extension of the church,” Rezendes said. Each cemetery’s grounds have been blessed by a bishop, making them sacred.
For more information or to begin making funeral arrangements, contact Catholic Cemeteries at (904) 824-6680.
Photos by Scott Smith
