November - Month of the Holy Souls In Purgatory

The Final Purification

The Church dedicates the whole month of November to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, celebrating the feast day; the Commemoration of the Holy Souls in Purgatory, on Monday 2 November. During this month, the faithful are asked to remember those who have died through offering their prayers, Masses for the repose of their souls, and visiting graves of loved ones.                                             

The Church has held a long tradition in praying for the dead, with the belief that "all who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. (CCC 1030) Indeed we know through Holy Scripture that , "...without holiness...no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14) and "...nothing unclean will enter..." heaven. (Revelation 21:27)

Praying for the dead, one of the Church's Spiritual Works of Mercy, helps those who have passed on, who can no longer pray for their own purification, or merit grace. And, as St Alphonsus Liguori said, "by assisting them we shall not only give great pleasure to God, but will acquire also great merit for ourselves. And, in return for our suffrages, these blessed souls will not neglect to obtain for us many graces from God..."

Masses can be offered at St Mary Star of the Sea for deceased loved ones by filling out a Mass Offering envelope found in the foyer of the church. 

"Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?

And who shall stand in his holy place?

Those who have clean hands and pure hearts... (Psalm 24:3-4)