November 2

Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

Solemnity

A day to remember all who have died, in the hope of the resurrection

On 2 November, the day after All Saints, the Catholic Church remembers everyone who has died. Christians have prayed for their dead since the early centuries. Tertullian, writing around 200, mentions offerings made on the anniversary of a death, and ancient tombs in Rome carry requests for prayer.

Around 998, Abbot Odilo of Cluny set aside 2 November for the departed in the monasteries linked to his abbey. The custom spread across Western Europe and was eventually adopted in Rome. In 1915, during the First World War, Pope Benedict XV allowed every priest to celebrate three Masses that day.

Catholics believe that prayer can help the dead as they are made ready to see God. Orthodox Christians keep their own days of remembrance, and many Protestants also remember their dead around this time. Families visit cemeteries, light candles and bring flowers, holding on to Christ’s promise that death does not have the last word.

Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 · BSB

A prayer

God of the living and the dead, you raised your Son Jesus from the grave and promised that all who belong to him will rise. We entrust to your mercy those we love who have died. Comfort us in our grief, and keep us faithful until we meet again in your presence. Amen.