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Rev. Fr. David Okolie
Dearest friends, PRAYING for the DEAD is a rich and rewarding tradition in the Catholic Church (cf. 2 Macc 12:38-46), which some of the faithful do not really appreciate; maybe, because of lack of adequate Catechesis.
It is sad that a good number of us hardly pray for our deceased parents, siblings, relations or friends. The above were those, perhaps, when they were alive, we claimed to LOVE them dearly but now that they are dead, we deny them that which they need most from us now, i.e, PRAYERS.
Apart from praying for our close acquaintances, the Church also encourages us to be praying for all the faithful departed. To ensure the above, the Church attaches to the ANGELUS and the PRAYER AFTER MEAL this: โMay the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.”ย At this point, you may ask yourself when was the last time you prayed the Angelus and the Grace before and after Meals.
๐๐ผ Also, the Church has provided NOVEMBER 1 – 8 every year as a special period for praying for the Faithful Departed. This period is attached INDULGENCEย (both Plenary and Partial). The priests and other teachers of the faith in various parishes should please teach this๐๐ผ
Well, in case you have forgotten the meaning of INDULGENCE, I will make a post soon that will explain it๐๐ผ
But what you are expected to do for the meantime, particularly from November 1 – 8 is to be saying the following prayers (choose any one of your choice):
1. Visit a GRAVEYARD and there pray for the DEAD.
2. Pray MENTALLY for the DEAD
3. Recite devoutly the LAUDS or VESPERS of the Office of the Dead.
4. Pray the invocation: โEternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon them; may their souls rest in peace. Amen.’
๐๐ผ Please, try your best to REPENT from sins and then go for CONFESSION within this period. It is very important. I will tell you the link in my forthcoming post on INDULGENCE. Until then,
Remain blessed๐๐ผ
