All Souls' Day 2015: Dates and origins of the day Christians pray for the dead
THE HUFFINGTON POST
By Carol Kuruvilla
While All Saints' Day is a day that Catholics remember those who have already entered heaven, *All Souls' Day is a day to pray for all loved ones who have died. In particular, Catholics remember the souls of those who are caught in purgatory, undergoing a process of purification before entering heaven. The Catholic Church teaches that "all who die in God’s grace, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven." [link]
*NOTE: Although All Souls' Day is primarily a Catholic holy day, it is also observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Episcopal church and a few other Protestant denominations.
By Carol Kuruvilla
*NOTE: Although All Souls' Day is primarily a Catholic holy day, it is also observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Episcopal church and a few other Protestant denominations.
