Home

Broc’s Blog

All Souls' Day

candles in churchAll Souls' Day is marked on 2nd November (or the 3rd if the 2nd is a Sunday), directly following All Saints' Day, and is an opportunity for us to commemorate the faithful departed. They remember and pray for the souls of people who are in Purgatory - the place (or state) in which those who have died atone for their less grave sins before being granted the vision of God in Heaven (called Beatific vision).

Reasoning behind this stems from the notion that when a soul leaves the body, it is not entirely cleansed from venial (minor) sins. However, through the power of prayer and self-denial, the faithful left on earth may be able to help these souls gain the Beatific Vision they seek, bringing the soul eternal sublime happiness.

A 7/8th century AD prayer The Office of the Dead is read out in churches on All Souls' Day. Other rituals include the offering of Requiem Mass for the dead, visiting family graves and reflecting on lost loved ones. 

Whilst praying for the dead is an ancient Christian tradition, it was Odilo, Abbot of Cluny (France) who, in 998AD, designated a specific day for remembering and praying for those in the process of purification. This started as a local feast in his monasteries and gradually spread throughout the Catholic Church towards the end of the 10th century AD.

For the souls in purgatory, waiting for eternal happiness and for meeting the Beloved is a source of suffering, because of the punishment due to sin which separates them from God. But there is also the certitude that once the time of purification is over, the souls will go to meet the One it desires.

Letter of Pope John Paul II for Millennium of All Souls' Day

Current NewsletterThe current Newsletter is now available to donload here. An online archive of newsletter is also available here .

noticesThe latest Sunday Mass notices are now available here

WMS 2017On Sunday 15th October, the Holy Father invites all Catholics to contribute to a special collection. Every person in every parish in every country where the Church is present will be celebrating together and sharing what they have, no matter how little.

Finding Faith in IrelandSt. Paul’s Church will host an ecumenical study event on October 20th at 7.30pm in St Paul’s Church, Arran Quay, Smithfield, Dublin 7 on Finding Faith in Ireland.

UCD 5000 Steps Poster image 17Changing the conversation about mental health and wellbeing, one step at a time.
Mental Health Ireland is hosting our 5,000 Steps to Wellbeing Walk on Sunday 14th October at 2pm in the leafy surrounds of UCD.

Mission Month Pack CoverSince 1926, the Church has traditionally remembered its universal mission during the month of October. This year Mission Sunday will be celebrated globally on the 22nd October 2017. The theme is ‘Reach Out, Spread the Joy.’ Throughout the world the faithful will reflect on the universal call to Mission of all the baptised. They will be invited to contribute what they can to support the development and growth of young churches internationally. Mission Sunday is celebrated by every Church worldwide, including the poorest.