All Souls Day being observed on November 2

PANJIM: Roman Catholics observe All Souls’ Day on Saturday. On this day they pray for all the faithful departed, who are believed to be in purgatory, because they died with the guilt of lesser sins on their souls. Roman Catholic doctrine holds that the prayers of the faithful on earth, will help cleanse these souls, to enable them to get to Heaven and enjoy the presence of God. People decorate the graves of the departed and offer masses for the repose of their souls.

From time immemorial certain days are devoted to intercession for particular groups of the dead. The institution of a day for a general intercession on November 2 is due to Odilo, abbot of Cluny who died in 1048. The date, which became practically universal before the end of the 13th century, was chosen to be observed as All Souls day.

Having celebrated the feast of all the members of the Church who are believed to be in heaven, that is –All Saints Day, on November 1, the church on earth turns, on the next day, to pray for those souls believed to be suffering in purgatory.