As we prepare to celebrate All Souls Day (Nov. 2), we gladly take the opportunity to pray for all the faithful departed. What an honor and important duty it is to spiritually assist the faithful departed as we offer our annual Novena for All Souls! Today, we pray in a special way for the Unborn and those who have died because of the violence of others or by accident.
Opening Prayer: “Merciful God, during this Novena of prayer, we remember those who have died. We pray for their joyful reunion with you, their loving Creator. You raised your Son from the dead that all may share in His joyful Resurrection. So, as your Son has commanded, we reach out in prayer for the benefit of all those who have gone before us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”
The Rosary on Thursday: The Luminous Mysteries Mysteries (The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, the Wedding Miracle at Cana, the Proclamation of the Kingdom, the Transfiguration of Jesus, and His Institution of the Eucharist)
Prayer for Day: “Lord our God, you are always faithful ad quick to show mercy. Our brothers and sisters, for whom we have prayed, were suddenly taken from us. Come swiftly to their aid, have mercy on them, and comfort their families and their friends by the power and protection of the Cross. We ask your blessing through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
For added reflection as we remember the innocent who have died: Many of those whom we remember in this Novena and throughout the month of November were long ago perfected by God’s mercy and welcomed to their places in heaven. We remember and pray for them, too, along with all those who still need our prayerful assistance. The Second Book of Maccabees in the Old Testament says this is a good and holy thing to do. Let us continue to remember all those who have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again. Let us also remember Jesus, our brother, who died a violent death for us, rose, and opened the door to His Father’s house, preparing for each of us a dwelling place of peace.
