All Souls Day in 2022 It is celebrated on the 2nd of November by Catholics around the globe. For those who practice Roman Catholicism, All Souls Day is an important event. This date was picked to be just after All Saints Day- as an integral part of the festivities that are celebrated during “Allhallowtide”. Allhallowtide also includes Halloween on the final day of October All Saints Day on November 1 and All Souls Day, which falls on the 2nd of November.
The date was selected to be the day that falls on the All Saints’ day the day when a meal is celebrated to commemorate people from the congregation who’ve achieved eternal existence. The church gathers to pray for souls they believe are in purgatory following the celebration.
All Souls’ Day: History
The story of its origins is explained in Peter Damiani in his Life of St Odilo which states that A pilgrim who was who was returning to in the Holy Land was cast by an icy storm onto a deserted island. A hermit on the island informed him that among the rock was a chasm that connected with purgatory. From it constantly erupted the cries of souls suffering.
The hermit also stated that that he had heard demons ranting about the effectiveness of prayers offered by the faithful, especially those of the monastery at Cluny for rescuing their victims. After returning to his home, the pilgrim was quick to inform the abbot at Cluny that he had set the 2nd of November as a day for intercession by his community for all souls that were in Purgatory.
All Souls’ Day: Significance
A soul’s soul may depart from this life in one of three ways according to Catholic doctrines. The person who dies in complete mercy and in communion with God is taken to heaven and is the first choice. The other is hell, where people who die while doing a grave sin will be condemned by their free will.
Purgatory is believed to be the ultimate option for those who aren’t yet mortally sinful but are in a state that is less severe (venial) offenses. Purgatory is required to allow souls to be cleaned and perfected prior to their journey to ascend to heaven in accordance with the scriptural doctrines.
All Souls’ Day: Prayer
“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labours for their good deeds go with them.” -Gospel Verse, Rev 14:13
