St. Augustine wrote in his commentary on 1 Corinthians 3 in the Enchiridion [69]: “And it is not impossible that something of the same kind [purification by fire] may take place even after this life. It is a matter that may be inquired into, and either ascertained or left doubtful, whether some believers shall pass through a kind of purgatorial fire, and in proportion as they have loved with more or less devotion the goods that perish, be less or more quickly delivered from it.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven” [1030].
On the Solemnity of All Souls (November 2), the Diocese of Hong Kong celebrated Masses in Catholic cemeteries in remembrance of all the faithful departed, and the purification of souls through prayer, devotion, repentance and atonement.
The greatest commandment of God is the commandment to love one another. Through the communion of saints we pray for the deceased, and help those who have not perfected their lives on earth to attain to the fullness of heaven as early as possible, to reunite with God and all the saints, and to enjoy eternal life. If the faithful have fulfilled the conditions of sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, prayers for the intentions of the pope, and perform works as required, indulgence can be gained for the faithful departed.
Mauro Cardinal Piacenza, the head of the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See, in an interview with Vatican News in October 2020, said that the faithful went to the cemetery to mourn the deceased or relatives and friends. “This relationship imparts to us that life does not end with death but is transformed to another state. The living and the deceased maintain a connection that transcends the limits of time and space.” People who have experienced death in their present lives, also share the experience of salvation and victory of Jesus Christ, and will be resurrected to be with God. Likewise, the deceased can pray to God for the living ones.
The day before All Souls Day is the Solemnity of All Saints. In 835 AD, Pope Gregory IV designated November 1 for the feast to celebrate and commemorate all saints in heaven. It is God’s will that everyone be resurrected. They should have abundant life on earth, do good deeds to benefit all, and pray for others in order to be saints in times to come.
Pope Francis also talked about the communion of saints in his catechesis at the general audience on February 2: “The saint is an intercessor, one who prays for us and we pray to him, and he prays for us and the Lord gives us grace: The Lord acts through the saint and the righteous.” The communion of saints connects the community of the faithful on earth and in heaven.
May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, be saved from purgatory. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. SE
