November is a month when Catholics remember the dead. In the ninth century, the Church officially designated Nov 1st as All Saints’ Day – a celebration commemorating all saints (people who we are sure are in heaven). It is a holy day of obligation so Catholics attend Mass on this day.
November 2nd is All Souls’ Day. On this day we commemorate all those who have died and are now in Purgatory being cleansed of their venial sin and atoning before fully entering Heaven.
Praying for the dead is a Christian obligation. The Church devotes the month of November to praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
“How silently they tumble down
And come to rest upon the ground
To lay a carpet, rich and rare,
Beneath the trees without a care,
Content to sleep, their work well done,
Colors gleaming in the sun.
At other times, they wildly fly
Until they nearly reach the sky.
Twisting, turning through the air
Till all the trees stand stark and bare.
Exhausted, drop to earth below
To wait, like children, for the snow.”
– Elsie N. Brady, Leaves
Thanks Dr O’Dowd!
What a lovely poem and so fitting for the month of November. I love this time of year, and this poem captures so much of what is wonderful about winter.
Thank you!
Love the blog!Its got me thinking about some ideas for our own blog!Best of luck…
Thanks Fiona! Send me a link to your blog when you get a chance.
Thanks.