All Souls’ Day falls on November 2, just one day after All Saints Day. In some Spanish-speaking countries and communities, All Souls’ Day is the second day of “Día de Los Muertos” celebrations. This holy day celebrates all the faithful departed.
Officially known as the “Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed,” All Souls’ Day is a day to celebrate, honor, and pray for all those who have died to rest peacefully with God. Many pray for their friends and family who have passed on this day. In Mexico and other Hispanic countries and communities, All Souls’ Day is the second day of the famous “Día de Los Muertos” celebrations.
All Souls’ Day is celebrated on November 2 every year. In 2023, All Souls’ Day falls on a Thursday.
All Souls’ Day guides us in remembering our deceased loved ones, as well as praying for a peaceful journey from Purgatory to Heaven.
All Saints Day celebrates the holy men and women in Heaven, those known and unknown by the Church, on November 1, whereas All Souls’ Day honors all of the faithful departed on November 2.
All Souls’ Day is mainly celebrated in Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox Churches.
Yes, Mass is celebrated on All Souls’ Day. Check with your local parish for Mass times throughout the day!
No, All Souls’ Day is not a Holy Day of Obligation (though All Saints Day is).
People commonly pray the “Eternal Rest Prayer for the Dead” on All Souls’ Day: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
All Souls’ Day is celebrated all around the world in a variety of ways. Generally speaking, All Souls’ Day customs relate to celebrating your loved ones who have passed away. This could mean visiting their cemetery, lighting a candle at Mass in honor of them, or cooking a meal that reminds you of them. You could even participate in an activity they loved during their time on earth, such as playing music or a game they enjoyed.
Celebrate All Souls’ Day by praying for all the faithful departed, those close to you, and those unknown. You can also attend Mass, light a candle in honor of someone in your life who passed, or learn about the traditions celebrated as part of “Día de Los Muertos.”
All Souls’ Day Prayers
The “Eternal Rest Prayer for the Dead” is popular in the Western Church on All Souls’ Day:
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
The collect prayer for All Souls’ Day is,
“Listen kindly to our prayers, O Lord, and, as our faith in your Son, raised from the dead, is deepened, so may our hope of resurrection for your departed servants also find new strength. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.”
You can also pray specifically for your loved ones who have passed. Consider praying the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, or even beginning a novena in honor of a deceased friend or family member this All Souls’ Day. Or, reflect carefully on the Mass Readings for All Souls’ Day, which you can read here or listen to on Hallow.