More about the Holy Souls

It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.” (2 Maccabees 12:46)

Photo credit: My sweet and talented friend, Annie Norton

 

Look, Mom dear reader! Three posts in three days!

(Only 27 more to go.)

(Let me just say that a definite shift in habit’s going to be required.)

So yesterday’s post was jam-packed with info and I’d like to keep today’s installation brief. Two things and two things only:

1. Visit a cemetery and pray for the Poor Souls! From November 1st through November 8th, you can gain an indulgence every time.

Here’s the photo that I took last yesterday. Annie Norton, I need lessons!

 

Learn more about this tradition here. Highly, highly recommended!

 

2. I owe my devotion to the Holy Souls to my own dear mother, who turned 91 on All Hallows’ Eve, and who is neither a poor soul nor a canonized saint (yet!).  We prayed for the poor souls at every meal, using this as our a family blessing:

Bless us, oh Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty. We give Thee thanks, Almighty God, for these and ALL Thy blessings, (here we raise our hands slightly, to show ALL His blessings), and may the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

And then, at the end, my mother would always add, “Pray for us, dear souls!”

(I love you, Mama! Thank you for your example!)

Well, my husband and I have continued this tradition, which means our friends and family members  get prayed for daily.

Three times daily! Which is even better. : )