At this time of year, it is hard to miss Halloween celebrations. The name itself comes from All Hallows’ Eve, the evening before All Saints’ Day (1 November), followed by All Souls’ Day (2 November). Together, these days invite us to pause, remember and give thanks.
All Saints’ Day celebrates the saints and holy people whose lives show us what it means to make the love and Kingdom of God present in our world. Their lives remind us that holiness is not something distant or extraordinary. It is found in everyday choices to live with courage, compassion, justice and mercy.
All Souls’ Day invites us to remember with love all those who have died, particularly family members, friends and members of our community who remain close to our hearts.
In our Catholic and Mercy tradition, praying for the living and the dead is one of the spiritual works of mercy. While we do this throughout the year, November holds a special place as a month of remembrance.
As a Mercy community, we invite you to pause in November and remember those who have gone before us. You may also like to light a virtual candle at the tomb of Venerable Catherine McAuley, asking Catherine to join you in prayer.
https://institute.mercy.org.au/about-us/catherine-mcauley/
Used with permission.
So we pray…
Loving God,
source of all goodness and light,
As the world around us bursts into spring
and the days grow longer,
we pause during this season of Allhallowtide
to remember that we belong to one family in you.
We give thanks for all the saints,
those whose stories are known throughout the world
and those whose goodness was known only to a few.
Inspire us, the Mercy community of OLMC,
to become everyday saints:
to choose courage over comfort,
kindness over judgement,
mercy over indifference,
and hope over despair.
Help us to work for justice,
to care for one another and our common home,
and to model the generous love of Jesus
in all that we do.
On All Souls’ Day,
we remember with love all who have completed their earthly lives,
especially our family members, friends
and those in our community whom we miss.
May they rest in your peace
and in the embrace of your endless mercy.
Strengthen our faith in the Communion of Saints.
Remind us that, in life and in death,
we remain one community,
held together by the enduring love of Christ.
Help us to honour those who have gone before us
by carrying their love, goodness and legacy into the world,
until we are all united with you.
We ask this in the name of Jesus,
who makes all things new.
Amen.
Venerable Catherine McAuley, pray for us.
Mother Ursula Frayne, pray for us.
Mother Basil, pray for us.