November 2026 - Month of the Holy Souls

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November is a special time of prayer and remembrance for those who have died and are being purified before entering heaven. November is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, also called the faithful departed.

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What is Purgatory?

The Church teaches that some people die in God's friendship and are saved, but still need purification from the effects of sin before they can enter Heaven. This state of purification is called Purgatory. The souls there are assured of heaven but are being made perfectly holy.

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Why does the Church dedicate November to them?

November begins with:

• All Saints' Day (November 1), celebrating those already in Heaven.

• All Souls' Day (November 2), dedicated to praying for all the faithful departed.
   

This remembrance is extended throughout the month, encouraging us to assist the Holy Souls through prayer and sacrifice.

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How can we help the Holy Souls?​

​Because of the Communion of Saints, we can help the souls in Purgatory by:

• Offering prayers for them.

• Having Masses celebrated for them.

• Praying the Rosary.

• Performing acts of charity and penance.

• Gaining indulgences and applying them to the departed.

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Why is this devotion important:

​This month reminds us that:

• Life on earth is temporary.

• Death is not the end.

• We remain united with our deceased loved ones through Christ.

• Love continues beyond the grave through prayer.
   

Many keep a list of deceased family members during November and pray for them each day. 

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A Spiritual Reflection

The Month of the Holy Souls is not meant to make us fearful of death. Rather, it is a month of hope, mercy, and love. It reminds us that God desires all souls to be with Him, and that our prayers can be a real act of charity toward those who have gone before us.

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In November, you can also choose to visit cemeteries, offer Masses for loved ones, and reflect on the promise of the resurrection and eternal live with Christ. 

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Lets remember Memento Mori

Remember that you must die" or "Remember your mortality."

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This is not meant to be gloomy or frightening. Rather, it is an invitation to live wisely, keep eternity in mind, and place God at the center of your life.

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What does it mean spiritually?

Memento mori reminds us:

• Life on earth is temporary.

• Our time is a gift from God.

• We should be prepared to meet the Lord at any moment.

• Earthly possessions, status, and achievements will pass away.

• What lasts forever is our relationship with God and the love we have shown others.
   

Why is it especially relevant in November?

The focus on the faithful departed during November naturally leads us to reflect on our own mortality. As we pray for the dead, we are reminded:
 

"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)
 

The purpose is not to dwell on death, but to live more intentionally and faithfully today.

How did the saints practice it?

Many saints kept reminders of death:
 

• Some kept a skull on their desk as a symbol of mortality.

• Others visited cemeteries regularly.

• They frequently reflected on Heaven and eternal life.
   

This helped them keep life's priorities in proper order.

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Prayer

Dear God,
 

As I remember that my life on earth is brief, help me to live each day with wisdom, gratitude, and love.
Teach me to seek what is eternal and not become attached to the things that pass away.

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During this month dedicated to the Holy Souls, I lift up to You all the faithful departed, especially those who
have no one to pray for them. Through Your infinite mercy, may they be purified and welcomed into the
joy of Your heavenly kingdom.

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Lord Jesus, remind me that death is not the end, but the doorway to eternal life with You. May the memory
of my own mortality inspire me to live faithfully, repent sincerely, forgive generously, and grow daily
in friendship with You.

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Grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.

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And when my earthly journey is complete, may I be found ready to enter Your presence with hope,
confidence, and love.

Amen.

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The above prayer teaches us to remember death, pray for the departed, live for eternity, and deepen our friendship with Jesus while there is still time.

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​With much love and gratitude. May God grant us the wisdom to remember our mortality, the grace to live each day for His glory, and the hope of one day joining all His saints in Heaven.

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Sylvie Brûlé

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​​Other favorite prayer

Also, I always like to include this beautiful prayer from Mother Olga during Lent 2026, Hallow’s Pray40:
The Return challenge. It included Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart as one of its spiritual guides, alongside 
Jeff Cavins, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jonathan Roumie, and others.

"Empty me. Fill me. Use me."

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Website: www.hallow.com

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Chosen website: Home | The Chosen
Come and See Foundation website: About Us | Meet the Team

Note: Sylvie is not affiliated with, supported by, or endorsed by any of the websites mentioned above.
However, they are sites that Sylvie holds in high regard and considers an important part of her personal journey.