A message of hope has been released to coincide with the start of the month when Catholics especially remember and pray for those who have died and for those who are grieving.
Rt Rev Kieran Conry, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton Diocese, who also has responsibility in England and Wales for evangelisation, said:
“Every November throughout the world those who have died are especially remembered and prayed for by the Catholic community. The commemoration begins on 2nd of the month on a day called All Souls when Catholics pray for the dead as they continue, ahead of the living, the journey into the fullness God’s Light. Catholics also pray for those who are left behind and are still grieving. These prayers continue throughout the month of November, with people encouraged to visit a church or cemetery to pray.”
“Know that, even if you are not a Catholic, you and your loved ones will be prayed for and remembered during November. Jesus Christ conquered death through his own suffering and death on a cross and by his resurrection. In Him is the source of our hope and light whatever darkness we might currently face. His love for us and those that we love is endless.”
Prayers have been released to coincide with the publication of the Bishop’s message.
Prayers for the Dead and Grieving
Prayer One
Father of mercies and God of all consolation,
N. is gone now from this earthly dwelling
and has left us behind mourning his/her absence.
Let us find in your Son, Jesus,
comfort in our sadness,
certainty in our doubt,
and courage to live through this hour.
Make our faith strong
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Prayer Two
Most merciful God,
whose wisdom is beyond our understanding,
surround the family of N. with your love,
that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss,
but have confidence in your goodness,
and strength to meet the days to come.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Prayer Three
To you, O God, the dead do not die,
and in death our life is changed, not ended.
Hear our prayers
and command the soul of your servant N.
to dwell with all the saints,
and be raised at last on the great day of judgement.
In your mercy cleanse him / her of any sin
which he / she may have committed through human frailty.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Prayer Four
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them,
may they rest in peace.
Amen
Where N. is found in the prayers above please insert the name of your deceased loved one(s).
The day before All Souls, the Catholic Community celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints – a celebration of all the lives of the saints, known and unknown. Catholics give thanks for their example and everyone receives afresh the invitation to become a saint. Both All Souls and All Saints express faith in God’s invitation to share eternal life with him.
cbcew.org.uk/evangelisation-and-catechesis
Source of prayers: Adapted from Order of Christian Funerals, ICEL. 1990
