Day 59 -- All Souls Day

Today as we celebrate and remember our faithful departed, especially those in purgatory, I would like to remember a few of my family members: Grampa, Nana, and Aunt Kitty. Each of them have taught me something and I will never forget them.

In 998, Abbot Odilo of Cluny institued this in his monasteries of his congregation, and then other religious orders adapted the observance, then Dioceses, then the entire Church. Pope Benedict XV granted priests the privilege of celebrating three Masses of requiem:

• one of the souls in purgatory
• one for the intentions of the Holy Father
• one for priests

The Feast of All Souls is the patron of Monselice, Italy.

Contemplation of the lives of those who have followed Christ encourages us to lead a good, upright Christian life which makes us "worthy of the kingdom of God" (2 Thes 1:5)."

-Venerable Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) All Souls Day reflection