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Every November 2, Catholics around the world pause to remember the faithful departed — our loved ones who have gone before us, marked with the sign of faith. In the Philippines, this solemn day is lovingly known as Undas, a time when families gather to visit cemeteries, light candles, offer flowers, and most importantly, pray for the souls of the departed.
While it may seem like a cultural tradition, the heart of Undas is deeply spiritual. It is a living expression of the Church’s belief in the Communion of Saints — that those in heaven, on earth, and in purgatory are united in God’s love.
🕯 How Catholics Celebrate Undas
During Undas, many Filipino families:
- Attend Holy Mass offered for their departed loved ones.
- Visit graves and offer prayers, rosaries, or novenas.
- Light candles as a symbol of hope and resurrection.
- Offer flowers, especially white ones, as a sign of purity and remembrance.
- Share food and stories, turning grief into gratitude for the gift of life shared with their loved ones.
For many, the cemetery becomes a place not of sorrow, but of communion and faith — a reminder that love never dies, and that death is not the end, but a passage toward eternal life.
✨ The Gift of Plenary Indulgence
The Catholic Church, in her mercy and wisdom, grants a plenary indulgence for the souls in purgatory during the first eight days of November.
According to Church teaching, a plenary indulgence is the full remission of temporal punishment due to sin — not only for ourselves, but for the souls in purgatory who long to see the face of God.
To gain this indulgence, Catholics are encouraged to:
- Visit a cemetery and pray for the departed (between November 1–8).
- Receive Holy Communion and go to Confession (within about 20 days).
- Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.
- Be free from attachment to sin, even venial sin.
By offering these prayers and acts of faith, we become instruments of God’s mercy — helping souls in purgatory hasten their journey to heaven.
🌹 The Loving Intercession of Mama Mary
The Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother, plays a special role in helping the souls in purgatory. As the Mediatrix of all graces, she lovingly intercedes for them before her Son.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective” (CCC 958). Through Mary’s maternal care, our prayers gain even greater power, for she never ceases to lead souls to Jesus.
Many saints have testified to the tender compassion of the Blessed Mother for the suffering souls — she comforts them, prays for them, and presents their longing before God’s throne.
When we pray the Rosary for the Dead, we unite our hearts with Mary’s own sorrow and hope. Through her, we find peace in the promise of resurrection.
🕊 A Reflection for the Living
All Souls’ Day calls us not only to pray for the dead but also to reflect on the kind of life we live today. It reminds us that this world is temporary, and that our true home is in heaven.
As we light candles and whisper prayers, may we renew our faith in God’s mercy — trusting that one day, we too shall be reunited with our loved ones in eternal joy.
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.”
💛 Let us Remember
When we celebrate Undas, we are not only visiting the dead — we are visiting hope itself.
We are proclaiming that love is stronger than death, and that through the mercy of Christ and the intercession of Mama Mary, every soul is destined for light.
