The Forgotten Souls: Why All Souls Day Matters More Than You Think - Fr. Chris Alar | 11/2/25

Homilies from the National Shrine

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Fr. Chris reminds us that today — the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed — is one of the most important days of the Church year. Though it’s not a solemnity or feast, its spiritual weight is immense. Following the glory of All Saints Day, we now turn to the souls who still await their full union with God — the holy souls in Purgatory. Together, these three days — All Hallows Eve, All Saints, and All Souls — form what the Church calls Allhallowtide, or the “Triduum of Death.” It is not dark, but deeply merciful, because it reveals God’s justice and His love.

Too often, people misunderstand Purgatory. It is not a second chance, nor punishment, nor forgiveness of sins — that happens in the confessional. Rather, it is the merciful purification of souls who died in grace but still need to be cleansed of attachment and the lingering effects of sin. As Fr. Chris teaches, “Christ paid the price for our redemption, but He did not remove the consequences.” A loving Father forgives, but still allows us to repair what was damaged. That is justice in love.

The Church calls us — the Church Militant — to help the Church Suffering through prayer, fasting, indulgences, and sacrifices. The poor souls cannot help themselves; even the saints in Heaven cannot directly shorten their time. But you can. Offer Masses, rosaries, and daily sufferings for them. Each small act of love can release a soul into Heaven. “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pt 4:8).

As Fr. Chris beautifully says, “Perhaps some of those in Purgatory are there because of us.” Today, we make reparation — not only for our sins, but for those we may have influenced. Pray for your loved ones, forgive those who’ve hurt you, and offer every moment as a work of mercy. The greatest weapon against Purgatory is humility — to forgive, to love, and to trust in God’s mercy.

Learn more in Fr. Chris’s talk on Purgatory this Saturday at DivineMercyPlus.org or on the free, ad-free Divine Mercy Plus app. Visit the link in our bio to watch, pray, and intercede for the holy souls.

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