Almost all of us have lost someone, a loved one whom we miss and grieve. November affords us a unique opportunity to gather in prayer in parish communities and call upon the communion of Saints to pray for our dearly departed and entrust their souls to the mercy of God. Yet, this month of remembrance isn’t a time to dwell in sorrowful memories of the loved ones we miss; it’s a time to transform our grief into hope.
In his homily on All Souls’ Day, Pope Leo XIV invited us to think of death as “hope for the future”, reminding us of “the safe harbour that God has promised us”. He said, “This hope for the future brings to life our remembrance and prayer today. This is not an illusion for soothing the pain of our separation from loved ones, nor is it mere human optimism. Instead, it is the hope founded on the Resurrection of Jesus who has conquered death and opened for us the path to the fullness of life.”
Across our Diocese, parish communities have gathered for special Masses and prayer services over the Sacred Triduum of Hope: All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day. With each prayer of intercession, each candle lit, and each name spoken, we are reminded that love endures beyond death.
At St Augustine’s Church, Myers Flat, Eaglehawk parishioners celebrated the Vigil of All Saints’ Day a day early on Thursday, 30 October. Children and their parents dressed as Saints for Mass celebrated by their Parish Priest, Fr Stephen Bolling. Afterwards, families enjoyed a barbecue in the Church grounds, a joyful mix of community, faith and fun.
All Hallows’ Eve (now widely known as Halloween) on 31 October, was traditionally a prayerful vigil before All Saints’ Day. Hallow means holy, and the evening vigil helped to prepare hearts to honour the saints the next day. The evening at St Augustine’s allowed children of the parish to enjoy aspects of Halloween seen in popular American culture, while learning of its origins and the importance of prayer and saints as intercessors.
In Echuca, children led a “Parade of Saints” at St Mary’s Church, inspiring parishioners to live with the same courage, holiness and hope as the Saints and reminding us of Pope Francis’ words, “The Saints are not far from us; they walk with us and pray with us.”
On 6 November, Shepparton parishioners gathered at their local cemetery for a Mass of Remembrance celebrated by Fr Ronald Masilang RCJ and Fr Addin Doe RCJ, followed by a light supper of shared stories and fellowship in the Pastoral Centre.
On Saturday, 8 November, Tatura parishioners gathered at their local cemetery to pray for their families, friends and fellow parishioners who have passed away, at a special Mass celebrated by their Parish Priest, Fr Uday Marneni.
On Remembrance Day, 11 November, Fr Brian Boyle led a Memorial Service for the faithfully departed of St Joseph's Quarry Hill at Bendigo Cemetery Chapel. During the service, rose petals were blessed for participants to take to the grave of their loved ones.
On 13 November, at St Therese’s, Kennington, Fr Jake Mudge led a Parish Memorial Mass to remember and pray for parishioners who have passed away. Parishioners who have died in the last six months are named at this service and their families are invited to light a candle for them. A Memorial Mass is held every six months at Kennington.
The Feasts of All Saints and All Souls remind us that the Church on earth, the souls in purgatory, and the saints in heaven are united in the great Communion of Saints. Love conquers death and, in love, God will gather us all together. As we continue through November and beyond, let us hold in our hearts all who have died, trusting in God’s mercy and the promise of eternal life.
Who will you take time to pray for this month? And how will your love for those who came before you continue to flourish every month of the year?
1 November – All Saints’ Day:
A joyful celebration of all who now share in God’s glory, known and unknown, inspiring us to live with the same holiness and hope.
2 November – All Souls’ Day:
A day of commemoration, to pray for those still journeying toward Heaven, reminding us that love and prayer connect the living and the dead in the Communion of Saints.
