November invites us into the sacred rhythm of remembrance, a time to contemplate eternity through the lens of faith. It begins with All Saints’ Day on November 1, a joyful solemnity exalting the Communion of Saints—that unbreakable bond uniting the Church Triumphant (saints in heaven), the Church Militant (us on earth), and the Church Suffering (souls in Purgatory; CCC 946–962). Here, we give thanks for all who have run the race to glory, interceding for us as models of Christ’s love. As Jesus proclaims in the Beatitudes, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Mt 5:8, RSVCE), these holy ones reflect divine light back to us.
The very next day, All Souls’ Day on November 2 shifts to merciful intercession for the faithful departed still being purified (CCC 1030–1032). It’s not a day of despair but of confident hope in resurrection, fulfilling the command to “pray for one another” (Jas 5:16, RSVCE). Throughout the rest of the month—and beyond—let us dedicate ourselves to remembering and praying for these holy souls: those we love who have passed into God’s hands, martyrs persecuted and slain in Jesus’ name, forgotten souls with no earthly advocates, and the innocent whose lives were cruelly cut short.
We recall with heavy hearts specific witnesses to the faith, such as:
• Charlie Kirk, marked by the campus shooting in the US while boldly proclaiming truth.
• Ashur Sarnaya, the 45-year-old disabled Assyrian Christian from Iraq, stabbed to death in Lyon, France, during a TikTok livestream sharing the Gospel—his blood cries out as a modern martyr’s.
• Countless nameless Christians in nations across the globe, executed simply for bearing Christ’s name, from hidden house churches to open persecutions.
• Pure souls like Yu Menglong, murdered amid senseless violence by those lost in darkness.
We extend our prayers to all innocents slain for heinous reasons—victims of war, hatred, or injustice—and especially to the tiniest among us, the unborn whose silent voices echo the Psalmist’s plea: “You formed my inward parts, you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Ps 139:13, RSVCE). In this month of the Holy Souls, may our Rosaries, indulgences, and sacrifices hasten their release into eternal joy.
Let us resolve to pray for their souls daily, weaving their stories into our own journey toward the saints’ eternal banquet.
A Prayer for the Faithful Departed
Eternal Father, You who knit every soul in love and call us to the fullness of life in Your Son, we lift to You the holy souls in Purgatory—the Church Suffering who await Your embrace. Through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, and the intercession of Mary, Queen of All Saints, and all Your blessed ones, grant them swift purification and entry into the heavenly wedding feast.
We pray especially for those we love—our family, friends, and mentors whose footsteps guided us closer to You. Comfort us in our longing, and let their memory stir holy zeal in our hearts.
For the persecuted and martyred, like Ashur Sarnaya and the unnamed faithful slain for Your name’s sake, wipe away every tear; crown their sacrifice with the palm of victory. May the blood of these witnesses water the Church anew.
For the forgotten souls, adrift without earthly prayers, be their faithful companion. In Your mercy, draw near those no one remembers, that none may perish outside Your fold.
For the innocent departed—victims of violence, the pure-hearted like Yu Menglong, and the unborn whose breath You willed but humanity denied—enfold them in Your tender arms. Restore what was stolen, and let their innocence shine as stars in Your kingdom, testifying to life’s sacred inviolability.
Lord, all souls are Yours; hasten the day when we join this great communion. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
©️rejoiceandpraise.ca
(Indulgence note: A plenary indulgence is available for the poor souls under usual conditions, especially November 1–8—visit a cemetery and pray for them.)
God Bless 🙏💕
Be Inspired! 
Leave a comment