Did you know the Eastern Catholic Church does not celebrate All Souls Day on November 2nd? Instead, they celebrate five “All Souls Saturdays” when the Eastern Church remembers their departed five times on Saturdays commemorating them with the Divine Liturgy for the souls of all departed loved ones. All Souls Saturdays are given over to the souls in purgatory during the Great Lent.
The faithful submit the names of all their immediate families and friends. These names are put in a book called the “Scroll of the Departed.” At the end of the Divine Liturgy all submitted names are read out loud. No one is left out, no matter how long it takes to recite them.
The book is placed in a corner where a sacred icon is located. Parishioners can venerate and pray at this icon corner during Lent. There are five All Souls Saturdays, with the first beginning before Lent, and the fifth on the Saturday evening before Pentecost Sunday.
St. John Chrysostom spoke of prayer as light in the house of one’s heart. He encouraged people to decorate their homes with the justice of fasting and the gold of almsgiving so that they might become perfect dwelling places for the Lord. Remember to have Masses and Gregorian Masses offered for the deceased AND the living. Visit the Pious Union of St. Joseph. Become a member and pray for the dying. You will receive the grace of a happy death.
We have this great power and privilege given to us to expiate for sins by enduring suffering and imitating Our Lord. When we imitate Our Lord by fasting, praying, and persevering, we are able to bring our souls and all other souls we love into the sweet-smelling grace of Our Lord’s mercy and forgiveness which is the great goal of Lent.
Make this 2024 Lent Journey the best ever for the sake of the suffering souls. Think of the powerful intercessors you will have here on earth. Yes! They can pray and intercede for you while they are in purgatory. The Catechism of the Catholic Church #958 states: “Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also making their intercession for us effective.” The more you pray for them, the more powerful is their intercession for you!
Let’s join our Byzantine brothers and sisters during the holy Season of Lent and let the souls of our loved ones join the resurrection of Jesus into paradise, and mercy and forgiveness shall be ours when we meet our good God!
Happy Lenting!
Susan Tassone is an award-winning, best-selling author of 15 books including: New Friends Now and Forever, The Way of the Cross for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, Day by Day for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, Jesus Speaks to Faustina and You. (Excerpts taken from Praying with the Saints for the Holy Souls). She is a popular speaker and frequent guest on radio and EWTN Global Catholic Network. To learn more visit: susantassone.com