Sunday - All Saints Day


Torch of The Faith News on Monday 03 November 2008 - 10:59:26 | by admin

skyyyy.jpgPhoto by Helen Jones.

On Sunday, in England and Wales, we celebrated the great Feast of All Saints - a day when we especially remember all those who have made it home to the Lord and are now enjoying the Beatific Vision in Heaven.

Something that is really encouraging about this day is that we do not just turn our thoughts to those whom the Church has officially proclaimed as saints. We also contemplate the truth that there are many unknown, ordinary men and women who have lived their earthly life for the Lord and are now praying for us from their heavenly home - this can encourage us to reconsecrate our own ordinary lives and seek to live them for God.

Another great truth about these first days of November is that from Nov 1st to 8th we can gain a plenary indulgence, and apply it to the holy souls in purgatory, by praying (even in silent mental prayer) in a churchyard or cemetery. This helps us to remember that the Church is in communion with the souls in heaven and the souls being purified after death for heaven. It is a profound act of charity, and indeed a work of mercy, to be able to pray for the dead in this manner and help them now that they can no longer help themselves. It is also a most consoling doctrine which gives hope to us in the loss of our own friends and loved ones.

2 Maccabees 12:45 teaches -

'Therefore Judas Maccabeus made atonement for the dead, that they may be delivered from their sin.'

Last night we prayed in the cemetery of a Welsh chapel amongst tall and majestic Victorian graves bearing great Welsh names like Davies, Roberts, Thomas, and Williams.

Eternal rest grant unto them dear Lord and may they rest in peace. 
Amen.


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