31/10/2025
All Saints Day & the Month of Holy Souls: A Gift of Mercy for the Souls in Purgatory
Tomorrow we celebrate All Saints Day, a joyful reminder that Heaven is filled with countless men, women, and children who loved God and persevered in faith. Many are canonised saints, known to us by name, but the vast majority are ordinary people who lived humble, faithful lives. Today they rejoice in the glory of God, and they encourage us to follow the same path of holiness.
The Church also gives us the month of November to remember and pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. These are souls who died in God’s grace, destined for Heaven, but who still need purification before entering the fullness of God’s presence. Our prayers, sacrifices, and Masses offered for them bring immense consolation, relief, and help to their souls.
A Plenary Indulgence – What Does It Mean for the Souls?
During the first days of November, the Church grants a special grace. From November 1st to November 8th, the faithful can obtain a plenary indulgence each day for a soul in Purgatory by visiting a cemetery and praying for the dead, along with the usual conditions of an indulgence. This grace can be gained every day, meaning eight souls can be released and welcomed into Heaven if we pray each day with love and sincerity.
A plenary indulgence removes all temporal punishment due to sin. In simple terms, when offered for a soul in Purgatory, it is like opening the door for that soul to enter Heaven. Imagine the joy of a soul who has longed to see God finally being released into His glory because of your prayer!
What a Beautiful Act of Charity
This is one of the greatest acts of love we can offer. Souls in Purgatory cannot help themselves—they rely on the prayers of the living. When we pray for them, we share in the loving mercy of God, and they in turn become powerful intercessors for us in Heaven.
Even a short visit, a Rosary, a Divine Mercy Chaplet, or a prayer such as:
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.”
can ease their suffering and shorten their time of purification.
As we honour the Saints in Heaven and remember the Holy Souls this month, let us not miss the opportunity to help them. One day, we too will be grateful for those who will pray for us.
