All Souls’ Day: Remembering Those Who Have Died

On 2 November the Church keeps All Souls’ Day, a day set aside to pray for everyone who has died. November as a whole is traditionally a month for remembering the dead, and many families visit graves, have Masses said and light candles.

Why we pray for the dead

Catholics believe that prayer, and above all the Mass, can help those who have died on their journey to God. It is an act of love that does not end with death, and a way of staying close to the people we miss.

Simple ways to remember

• Have a Mass said for someone you love. Many Irish parishes also keep a list of names to be remembered at Mass through November.
• Visit the grave of a family member or friend, and say a short prayer there.
• Light a candle at home and say a decade of the Rosary for them.
• Keep a prayer card in your wallet or prayer book as a quiet reminder to pray.

A quiet keepsake can help: a small Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Statue for a windowsill, a St. Vincent Pallotti Prayer Card, or Carlo Acutis Novena Cards to pray through the month.

Marian Holy Art is an Irish Catholic company offering unique religious gifts and devotional items inspired by Lourdes, Knock and the Catholic faith. Our products are available exclusively through Marian Holy Art and are sold at Knock Shrine, Ireland.