All Souls day in Roman Catholicism is a day for the commemoration of all the faithful departed. It is a day of prayer and remembrance for the souls of those who have died but are believed to be in purgatory, a place of purification.
Celebrating All Souls day at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, His Lordship Bishop Callistus Onaga said that it is necessary to remember the dead since it is certain we will all die but may not know when or how.
Furthermore, His Lordship encouraged all to live everyday as though it is their last on earth, stressing that the bell may ring anytime and in one minute we could be all gone and forgotten. Some will go to heaven; some to purgatory, others hell.”
“Just like an accident that happened in Awgu Diocese that claimed the lives of about eight children, they all prepared to school but never came back alive. Nobody, not even their parents knew it would be their last day on earth”, Bishop Onaga said.
His Lordship therefore admonished the faithful to be of good character, as it is the only ticket they have to access heaven.
The Assistant Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Igweshi encouraged the faithful to pray for the souls of their deceased ones by going to the cemetery or the church. According to him, the Holy See has granted indulgence for all the days in the month of November when prayers are offered for these departed souls.
All Souls Day being a significant celebration in Catholic Church holds that the prayers of the faithful on earth is beneficial for these souls in purgatory so that they will be purified to see God face to face. Requiem masses are commonly held, and many people visit the graves of their loved ones, offering prayers and decorating the graves.
In view of this, three Masses are traditionally celebrated for the faithful departed on All Souls day.
Some pictures from the mass
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