The month of November is traditionally dedicated to remembrance of the dead, beginning with All Saints’ Day on 1 November, a celebration of the saints who have obtained the Beatific Vision, followed by the commemoration of the Holy Souls in Purgatory - All Souls’ Day, 2 November. Whilst the Church has allocated these specific days on the calendar, she has dedicated the whole month of November to the remembrance of our faithful departed. It is an important reminder for the Church to pray for the dead and offer masses for the repose of their souls.

“From the beginning the Church has honoured the memory of the dead

and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice,

so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God”. – CCC 1032

There are various traditions that the members of the Church should take part in, aside from praying for the dead, one can visit the graves of loved ones and attend Mass on the feast of the Holy Souls in Purgatory (a plenary indulgence can be gained under certain conditions), so that “our offerings for the dead [may] bring them some consolation[.]” - CCC1032

Mass request envelopes can be found in the foyer of the church for those who wish to arrange a Mass for their departed loved ones.

Mass times: All Saint's Day - 1 November 7:00 am & 12:30 pm

Commemoration of the Holy Souls - 2 November 10:00 am.

For further reading go to the St Josemaria website:
https://stjosemaria.org/lift-up-your-eyes-to-the-heavens/

To listen to a podcast go to:

https://stjosemaria.org/podcasts/surrounded-by-witnesses/

To read an article by Archbishop Comensoli go to:

https://melbournecatholic.org/news/archbishop-comensoli-praying-for-the-faithful-departed