Photo Courtesy of mercyhome.org.
All Souls’ Day is a day of prayer for the deceased. During this day, we are asked to offer a prayer to those who are believed to be in the purgatory. Purgatory is a state to those who die in God’s mercy, assured of their eternal salvation but still needs purification to enter the gates of heaven.
Christians observe All Souls’ Day every second of November, following the day of the saints, prior to Lenten Season.
In the Catholic Church, All Souls’ Day is a day of commemoration of all the faithful departed, those who were baptized as Christians and were believed to be in purgatory because they died with the guilt of lesser sins.
El Día de los Muertos or “The Day of the Dead” is a similar Christian celebration in Mexico. During this three-day festival, Mexicans offer food, drinks, and flowers to their family and friends in decorated altars or graveyards.
All Souls’ Day in the Philippines also serves as a reunion for families. Filipinos remember their loved ones while enjoyinh foods, drinks, and music. However, we are constantly reminded to respect cemeteries the way we behave in churches.
Though we are not expected to be sad during this day, we are asked to offer prayers and keep the solemnity of our departed loved one’s graveyards while enjoying the time with our family and friends.
May all the souls, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
