All Souls Novena
This novena is prayed for the faithful departed, especially those in purgatory. It concludes on All Souls Day, November 2.
All Souls Novena - Day 1
All Souls Novena - Day 1
Opening Prayer
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Your departed servants the remission of all their sins, that through our devout supplications they may obtain the pardon which they have always desired. You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
The Communion of Saints
"I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting." -- The Apostles' Creed
The Church on earth, the souls in purgatory, and the saints in heaven are united in one mystical Body of Christ. This communion of love binds us together across the veil of death. The prayers of the living avail much for the dead, just as the intercession of the saints in glory aids us in our pilgrimage. No member of Christ's Body is forgotten; no soul suffers alone.
By our prayers, sacrifices, and offerings, we extend the mercy of God to those who have gone before us and who await the fullness of His glory.
Prayer
O Lord God, we humbly beseech You for the souls of all the faithful departed, especially those most united to us by bonds of faith and love. By the merits of Your Son's most precious death and Passion, grant them a place of refreshment, light, and peace. Let the communion of saints, which binds heaven, earth, and purgatory in one great family, be a channel of Your mercy to those who still await the vision of Your face. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers for the Faithful Departed
De Profundis (Psalm 130)
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let Your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication. If You, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered. I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word. My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn. More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord, for with the Lord is kindness and with Him is plenteous redemption. And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Closing Prayer
O God, whose property is always to have mercy and to spare, we humbly entreat You on behalf of the souls of Your servants whom You have commanded to depart from this world. Deliver them from the pains of purgatory and lead them into the land of eternal light and peace, to dwell with Your saints in everlasting glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Merciful Jesus, grant them rest.