Community invited to submit names for prayer for All Souls’ Day

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All Souls’ Day, also known as “The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed,” is a feast day that dates back to the 11th century. It was established by St. Odilo, a Benedictine abbot of Cluny, around 1030.

All Souls’ Day is part of a three-day period of remembrance that starts on Oct. 31 and follows All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1. Some cultures refer to All Souls’ Day as the Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos.

While All Souls’ Day is believed to be primarily a Catholic tradition, there are many Christian faiths that also observe a day of prayer for the departed. These include the Eastern Orthodox Church, certain parts of Lutheranism and Anglicanism, and some Protestant churches.

Before St. Odilo standardized the Nov. 2 observance date, many Western Christians observed it on various dates. Many Eastern Christian churches still observe All Souls’ Day during the Easter season, specifically the Friday before Lent.

The Catholic church celebrates a special All Souls’ Day Mass on Nov. 2 that focuses on praying for those who are in a state of purification in purgatory. In addition to attending Mass, some light candles, offer alms, do deeds and decorate the graves of loved ones.

Regardless of religious affiliation, community members are welcome to add the names of departed loved ones to the prayer intentions of the entire Pagosa Catholic Community. Envelopes with names will be placed on the altar and prayed for during the entire month of November.

Prayer intention envelopes are available at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church located at 353 S. Pagosa Blvd. 

All Souls’ Day Mass will be held at the Pope John Paul the II Catholic Church on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 10 a.m. 

For more information about the Pagosa Catholic Community, visit ihmjp2.org.