November invites us to pause and remember. In our Catholic tradition, this is a month of prayer for the Holy Souls, when we hold in our hearts all those who have died and who shaped our lives by their presence, love, and example. At the same time, we mark Remembrance Day, honouring all who served in times of war and conflict, and those whose lives were forever changed by it. We also remember Catherine McAuley, who died on 11 November 1841, leaving a legacy of compassion and mercy that continues among us. As we gather in prayer, we do so with gratitude for the past, hope for those who have gone before us, and a renewed commitment to live with courage, gentleness, and peace.
Loving God,
November is a month of memory.
We pause to remember those who have died:
family members, friends, mentors, Sisters of Mercy and all who shaped our lives.
Grant them the light of your presence and the peace of your eternal rest.
We remember, too, all who have died in war and conflict.
On Remembrance Day, we honour the courage and sacrifice
of those who served, those who returned changed,
and those who never came home.
May their longing for peace live on in us,
in the choices we make and the way we treat one another.
We remember Catherine McAuley,
whose life drew others toward mercy, hope and welcome.
Her final days were marked not by fear,
but by trust in your love and tenderness.
May her spirit of compassion continue to shape us
as we seek to serve others with dignity and joy.
God of all time and all generations,
comfort those who grieve,
strengthen those who care for the dying,
and guide us to live gently, generously and with open hearts.
May our remembering lead us not to sorrow alone,
but to gratitude, faith, and deeper love.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Venerable Catherine McAuley - pray for us.
Mother Ursula Frayne - pray for us.
Mother Basil Emoe - pray for us.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.