Spokesman of the Polish Bishops’ Conference: Praying for the dead is also an opportunity to open ourselves to God's mercy
May these days, when we contemplate the mystery of life and death, become an opportunity for us to deepen our faith in eternal life and communion with the saints, said Fr Leszek Gęsiak SJ, spokesman of the Polish Bishops’ Conference, on the occasion of All Souls' Day and the Octave of All Saints.
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The Spokesman of the Polish Episcopate reminded that on 2 November, All Souls' Day, ‘we want to surround those who have passed away with special prayers’. ‘We can pray for them by participating in Holy Mass, offering our personal prayers or making a donation for Masses for the dead,’ he said. ‘Let us unite with them and ask for the grace of eternal life for those who have passed away,’ he encouraged.
Fr Gęsiak pointed out that during the Octave of All Saints, which we celebrate from 1 to 8 November, a plenary indulgence for the deceased can be obtained every day. ‘All we need to do is be in a state of sanctifying grace, receive Holy Communion, say a prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father, and visit a cemetery, where we will say a prayer for the deceased,’ he explained.
The Spokesman of the Polish Bishops’ Conference pointed out that the Octave of All Saints is a time when we especially remember those who have passed away. ‘We commend to our memory our loved ones, those who are no longer with us, whom we knew well,’ he said. At the same time, he encouraged to remember all those faithful who are still waiting for full union with Christ in eternity. ‘We visit cemeteries, bring and light candles, offer and place flowers on graves, but what we can give them most is our prayerful remembrance: the Eucharist, individual prayers and indulgences obtained for all the deceased,’ he emphasised.
‘May these days, when we contemplate the mystery of life and death, become an opportunity for us to deepen our faith in eternal life and the communion of saints. Let us remember that prayer for the deceased is also an opportunity to open ourselves to God's mercy, which is offered to everyone, both the living and the deceased,’ said the Spokesman of the Polish Bishops' Conference.
Press Office of the Polish Bishops’ Conference
