By Chikezie Ogbonna
The Catholic Diocese of Enugu joined millions of Christians worldwide today in marking All Souls Day, a sacred day of remembrance dedicated to the faithful departed. At Holy Ghost Cathedral, the solemn atmosphere underscored the weighty purpose of the day, as Bishop Callistus Onaga and Very Rev. Fr. Victor Eze urged the faithful to pray deeply for loved ones in purgatory and to reflect on life’s ultimate journey.
Addressing the congregation at the final Mass of the day, Bishop Onaga emphasized that All Souls Day is a time-honored tradition observed each year on November 2. “This day is one of remembrance and prayer,” he said, calling on the faithful to remain steadfast in their devotion throughout November, a month dedicated to contemplating death and the journey beyond.
“Death is the Great Equalizer”
In his homily, Very Rev. Fr. Victor Eze, Dean of Emene Deanery, delivered a soul-stirring reflection on the universal reality of death. “Death is the major leveler and uniter of all,” he reminded those gathered, recounting how humanity’s inevitable journey toward the end unites every person. “Today, we remember those who have left us and are on their journey to heaven.”
Referencing Catholic teaching, Fr. Eze explained that death is not the end but rather a passage to eternal life. Drawing from the Catechism with emphasis on catechism numbers 177 through 180, he reminded the congregation that faith in God is both a supernatural gift and a conscious human choice. “To believe is to trust in the truth,” he said, quoting from the Catechism’s teachings on faith and the human spirit’s journey towards its creator.
A Journey Through Purgatory: “It’s No Joke”
Fr. Eze’s words took on a particularly grave tone when he spoke of purgatory. “Purgatory is not a joke,” he cautioned, describing it as a place of purging where souls undergo purification before they are admitted to heaven. Unlike the eternal torment of hell, purgatory offers hope, yet it is a place of suffering. “The pain felt in purgatory is as excruciating as that in hell, but it is a place where there is still a chance to make it to heaven,” he said.
In a vivid explanation, Fr. Eze illustrated how the soul, upon death, yearns to return to its Creator. “Imagine the agony,” he said, “of having that deep desire denied—even temporarily.” He described the ultimate punishment for a soul as the pain of separation from God, a torment so profound that only the prayers of the living can offer relief to the souls enduring it.
“Our Prayers Are Their Only Hope”
Fr. Eze urged the faithful to pray fervently for those in purgatory, describing these prayers as the greatest gift they could offer to their loved ones on their path to heaven. “Our departed brothers and sisters cannot help themselves,” he reminded the congregation. “Only our prayers can avail much on their behalf.”
Linking this teaching to the state of the world, Fr. Eze made a powerful connection between earthly sin and the spiritual journey after death. He spoke of the widespread corruption and deception that have gripped society, warning that these transgressions reflect the influence of the devil, whom he described as the “master of lies.” He urged the faithful to recognize that purgatory serves as a space for purification, where souls are cleansed of these worldly stains to prepare for heaven.
A Call to Action: Prayers and Supplication
Concluding his homily, Fr. Eze reminded the faithful that life is fleeting and that every action carries eternal significance. “Purgatory is a place where God’s perfect justice and mercy meet,” he explained, calling on the faithful to take their responsibility seriously by offering prayers, Masses, and sacrifices for the dead.
His message, reinforced by the teachings of Bishop Onaga, challenged the congregation to embrace prayer as a powerful force of mercy and healing. As the night drew to a close, a palpable sense of urgency filled the cathedral, each parishioner seemingly resolved to continue praying for their departed loved ones throughout the month of November.
All Souls Day serves as a stark reminder of life’s brevity and the spiritual journey awaiting every soul. For the faithful of Enugu Diocese, this year’s observance offered more than ritual; it was a call to act with compassion, prayer, and purpose, an invitation to be a source of grace for those souls journeying homeward.
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