Homily: November 2, 2024, The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls); Pleanary Indulgnce.

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 “The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.”

This beautiful passage from today’s first reading is one we often hear at funeral Masses. It comforts and consoles us deeply, assuring us of God’s merciful love and protection for those who have passed from this life.

Today, as we commemorate All Souls’ Day, we remember the souls of all the faithful departed, those in purgatory awaiting the fullness of union with God. Their souls are in the hands of God, and while we need not worry for them, we can still assist them with our prayers.

During the first week of November, the Church offers us the special grace of a plenary indulgence for our deceased loved ones. But what exactly is a plenary indulgence?

It is a special grace that removes the temporal punishments due to sin. While the Sacrament of Reconciliation forgives sins and removes the eternal punishment of hell, temporal punishments may remain.

Temporal punishments are the natural consequences arising from our actions, which remain even after receiving forgiveness, such as habits of sinful acts, damages happened in our relationship with God due to sin, our leaning towards sin, broken relationships with people we have hurt or betrayed, sinful acts which led to damage of property, health or life of other peopled which take time, sometimes generations, to repair and restore, or the emotional and psychological burden of guilt or regret that linger on even after being forgiven.

Many people left this world carrying these unresolved burdens in their souls. A plenary indulgence will remove these punishments, offering purification, spiritual release and helping souls to reach heaven sooner than later.

You can obtain a plenary indulgence for yourself, for someone else, or for the souls in purgatory. During the first eight days of November, here’s how you can receive the graces of this indulgence:

1. Visit a cemetery and offer prayers for the deceased.

2. Visit a church or chapel on All Souls’ Day and pray (an Our Father and Apostles’ Creed are suggested).

3. Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation within this period.

4. Receive Holy Communion.

5. Pray for the intentions of the Pope by praying one Our Father, one Hail Mary and Glory Be.

This indulgence can be a beautiful and powerful gift for your departed loved ones, helping them on their journey toward heaven.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.



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