FROM THE PASTOR

All Souls Day will be celebrated at our weekend Masses on November 1 and 2 this year. It is a day of remembrance for friends and loved ones who have passed on into God's care. All Souls Day has its roots in the ancient Pagan Festival of the Dead, based on the pagan belief that the souls of the dead would return for a meal with the family. Candles kept in the window guide the souls back home and another place was set at the table. Children came asking for food to be offered symbolically to the dead, but then gave it out to the hungry. The Christian celebration of the Feast of All Souls was started by seventh century monks who decided to offer the Mass on the day after Pentecost for their deceased community members. The choice of November as the official annual date of All Souls Day is attributed to St. Odilo, the fifth Abbot of Clunny. He wanted to set a specific date for the offering of special prayers for the deceased. All Souls Day is important because Catholics believe that those who die are not immediately eligible for the Beatific vision (the reality and goodness of God in heaven). They need to be purged of their sins. This purification of the elect is called "Purgatory".

The Church maintains that there will be a purification of the believers prior to entering heaven and that the prayers and Masses of the faithful here on earth benefit those in the state of purification -- we assist the souls of our departed loved ones on their journey from Purgatory to Heaven.

May the Lord continue to Bless You with His Grace and peace.

Sincerely in the Lord,
Fr. Nathan Libaire
Pastor