October 25, 2025
The following reflection on praying for the dead was written by Brianna Madrigal and appears on the Hallow website at (https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-the-dead/#why)
“All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.” from Catechism of the Catholic Church 1030
Praying for the souls of our loved ones is a beautiful and important way to show our love and support for them, even after they have passed away. The Church believes that death is not the end, but rather a transition to eternal life. Our prayers can help to purify the souls of those who are in purgatory, so that they can more quickly enter into Heaven.
On All Souls’ Day, we celebrate, honor, and pray for all those who have died. While it is important to pray for souls every day, November 2 is a particularly special day for prayers for the dead.
Why Pray for the Souls of our Loved Ones?
First and foremost, we should pray for our loved ones’ souls to show our love and support for them, even after they have passed away. Our prayers can help to comfort them and strengthen their souls on the way to Heaven.
Second, our prayers can help to purify the souls of those who are in purgatory. Purgatory is a place of temporary purification where souls go to be cleansed of their remaining sins before entering Heaven. Our prayers can help to shorten their time in Purgatory and bring them closer to eternal life.
Finally, praying for the souls of our loved ones is a way to grow in our own faith. When we pray for others, we are reminded of our own mortality and the importance of living a good and virtuous life.”
ALL SOULS DAY MASS SCHEDULED
Sunday, November 2, 2025
1 pm, rain or shine; tents and portable facilities will be provided.
This Mass will be offered for the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed. Catholics are encouraged that day to pray that all those who have died may rest in the peace of Christ.
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano will celebrate this Mass at Gate of Heaven Cemetery
at 1056 Daniels Farm Road, Trumbull, CT 06611.
This will be the only All Souls Day Mass celebrated in a diocese cemetery this year.
Lourdes Holy Water and carnations will be distributed at the Mass.
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