The Church celebrates All Souls Day on November 2, and Catholics traditionally dedicate the entire month of November to remembering those who have gone before us. Whether you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, have questions about Purgatory, or are looking for creative ways to honor those who have passed away, check out these Busted Halo resources you can refer to all month long.
What is All Souls Day? (Question of Faith)
Deacon Mike Hayes answers what All Souls Day is and how the commemoration is different from All Saints Day.
Why Do Catholics Pray for the Dead? (Question of Faith)
Father Joe Scott explains why it is important for Catholics to remember the dead in their prayers – both to help them through the grief of losing a loved one and for the well-being of their loved one’s soul.
Gone, But Not Forgotten: November – A month for remembering those who have gone before us (Article)
Father Steven Bell, CSP, reflects on the month of the dead. He shares how remembering those who have gone on before us connects us to our family legacies, and spiritual practices of the Church help keep them in our prayers.
7 Ways to Pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory This November (Article)
Not sure how best to pray for the souls in Purgatory? Maria Cintorino outlines seven practices you can implement throughout this month to remember the dead in your prayers: visiting a cemetery, praying the Eternal Rest prayer, having Masses offered, sacrificing something for a soul in Purgatory, praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, praying the Prayer of St. Gertrude, and obtaining an indulgence for a soul in Purgatory.
The Importance of Tending to the Graves – and Souls – of Our Beloved Dead (Article)
“Caring for the dead is no mere hobby for Catholics; it is a requirement of our faith. Both the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy involve caring for the dead, by burying them and by praying for them; for the dead have need of our prayers and cannot intercede on their own behalf in purgatory.” Read more by J. Barnes.
How Prayer Cards Help Me Honor the Holy Souls That Have Gone Before Me (Article)
When was the last time you prayed with a memorial card? Colette Liddy reflects on using the prayers on memorial cards from deceased friends and loved ones as a tangible reminder to pray for their souls, hoping that future generations will do the same.
Where is Purgatory Mentioned in the Bible? (Radio Show)
Father Dave answers a listener’s question about the biblical roots of Purgatory.
Our Faithful Departed: Discussing Heaven and Purgatory with Leonard DeLorenzo (Podcast)
Father Dave talks with Leonard DeLorenzo, author of “Our Faithful Departed: Where They Are and Why It Matters” and director of undergraduate studies at the McGrath Institute for Church Life and the University of Notre Dame. They discuss what purgatory is as well as the intercession of the saints for the Church on earth.
Memento Mori: What It Means to ‘Remember Our Death’ (Homily)
Father Dave explains why it’s important to remember our death and remember God’s grace. The idea of “memento mori” is not intended to be morbid but rather to encourage us to live a moral Christian life.
A Prayer Journey Through Grief (Article)
Elizabeth A. Elliot reflects on how grief has shaped her prayer life. She shares how turning to heavenly intercessors and persisting in her prayer life has changed after the deaths of several loved ones.
Seeking Forgiveness After a Loved One’s Death (Radio Show)
Father Dave answers a listener’s question about asking forgiveness from someone who has already passed away.
Dealing with Grief Around the Holidays (Radio Show)
Father Dave and Brett receive a question from a listener who writes, “Our 33-year-old son was killed in a car accident this past September. How do we get through birthdays, holidays, or even parties?” Father Dave and Brett answer this question by recounting their own experiences of loss and how this sadness can lead to an honest encounter with God.
On Everlasting Life: 6 Bible Verses to Comfort the Grieving (Article)
Jocelyn Soriano reflects on her family grieving the loss of her grandfather, especially grappling with the idea of never seeing him again. She turned to six Bible verses that offered her solace about the resurrected life God has prepared for all who believe in him.
