The month of November is dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory to enable the faithful in this secular world to help the souls of the deceased to undergo purification and enter into eternal life. These good deeds can also help us, the faithful on Earth, to continually respond to conversion, which eventually helps us to move towards the full life of the Holy Trinity.
On November 2, All Souls’ Day, the Diocese of Hong Kong celebrated the Eucharistic liturgy at Catholic cemeteries, in which the faithful prayed together for all the deceased. If the faithful made their confession, received Holy Communion, prayed for the pope’s intentions, and complied with the conditions laid down by the Church, they could obtain plenary indulgence for the souls in Purgatory. On October 30, these special provisions were extended for entire month of November.
In fact, All Souls’ Day is closely linked to All Saints’ Day [November 1], when we pray for the intercession of all saints, express our desire to live out a Christian life, and to eventually join their ranks, as the Church believes in “the soul of the holiness to which all are called.” (cf. Catholic Catechism 826)
All Souls’ Day embodies another transcendent perspective. When we go to the graveyard to remember the deceased, we experience that life has not vanished because of death, but instead it is transformed. We maintain a connection with the deceased thanks to the communion of saints, and those who have attained everlasting life in Heaven can establish a completely special relationship with those on earth, forming God’s family.
The Covid-19 pandemic has lasted for almost two years and millions have lost their lives. Many more are suffering from loneliness due to isolation measures. We must pray for the deceased and also care for the lonely hearts. Some feel disheartened and perplexed under the current social circumstances where routine has been turned upside down by attempts to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Go to a cemetery to pray for the deceased, this undoubtedly makes us reflect on life and death, and is also a good opportunity to re-examine the supernatural virtue of hope: “By hope we desire, and with steadfast trust await from God, eternal life and the graces to merit it.” (Catholic Catechism 1843).
Hope does not disappoint, as St. Paul teaches us. Hope attracts us, giving meaning to life. Hope is the grace granted by God. It appeals to us to place our hope in life and yearn for eternal joy. Through hope, Christians expectantly await the kingdom of God and eternal life. The virtue of hope inspires people to act, purifies them and guides them to the kingdom of God.
We do not rely on our own power, but trust Christ’s promise and the assistance of the grace of the Holy Spirit. As written in the Letter to Titus (3: 6-7): “… the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our saviour, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life”.
During this month, in this pandemic situation, and amidst this depressing mood around the world, let us pray to the Holy Spirit of God to strengthen the virtue of hope in us so that we can maintain our courage to overcome the crisis of despair and await the coming of God’s eternal blessing. SE
