Reflections for 11/5/23
“Book of Remembrance”
“Friends, I will remember you, think of you, pray for you; and when another day is through, I’ll still be friends with you…” John Denver
During the month of November, the Church calls us to remember in a special way all those who have died. November 1st is the feast of All Saints. A saint is someone who has obtained the ultimate goal of every Christian – heavenly citizenship. Saints lived lives worthy of imitation and are able to intercede for us with God since they are present with him in heaven.
November 2nd is the feast of All Souls. This is the day that we remember in a special way and pray for the souls of all those who have died but may not have reached heaven yet. The Church teaches that if a person dies without receiving absolution, they may spend some time in Purgatory before being admitted to heaven. In this way, the person is “purged” from sin.
The communion of saints includes those of us on earth, the saints in heaven, and the souls in purgatory. The saints can pray for us, and we can pray for those in purgatory. Our prayers can help to speed these souls on their way to heaven.
During the month of November, a Book of Remembrance is placed near the altar in the worship center. This book contains the names of our loved ones who have passed from this life. Writing the names of our loved ones into this book is a wonderful way to remember them. Throughout the month, those whose names are written in the Book of Remembrance will be prayed for at all the Masses; and the presence of the Book is a visual reminder to all of us to continue to hold these beloved souls in prayer.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
- Kathleen Foehrkolb