Spiritual benefits for the month of November

This is the second time, during this time of the pandemic when many of us, the faithful of Christ, feel uneasy and “lacking” in not being able to visit the graves of our loved ones on the first days of November. Before the pandemic, when we were free to gather in big numbers, it was so possible that a plenary indulgence may be gained for souls in purgatory to one of the days from November 1 to 8 if one visits devoutly a cemetery or who simply pray mentally for the dead.

But thanks to the Church’s generosity for this has been extended and confirmed for the second time within this pandemic that the whole month of November can be a month for this so called indulgences in this time of health protocols and prohibitions of big gatherings. With this, we all can be at peace with ourselves in offering our prayers for our beloved departed throughout this whole month.

The decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary declares: “From the renewed generosity of the Church, the faithful will certainly draw pious intentions and spiritual vigour to guide their lives according to the Gospel law, in filial communion and devotion to the Supreme Pontiff, the visible foundation and Pastor of the Catholic Church.”

And so we pray for our beloved dead: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them.”