On Saturday, Pope Francis marked All Souls' Day by holding a Mass at the Laurentino cemetery in Rome and visiting the "Garden of Angels," a section dedicated to the graves of unborn and miscarried children. Francis emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring all those who have passed, including the most vulnerable and innocent lives lost.
Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, is set to preside over the All Souls' Day Mass at the Laurentino Cemetery in Rome. The Mass is a tradition observed by Catholics on November 2 to pray for the departed souls in purgatory. This will be the second time Pope Francis leads the All Souls' Day Mass at the cemetery, which includes a special service for children and the unborn. Those interested can tune in to watch the Mass live at 5 pm (Manila time) on Saturday.
On All Souls' Day or the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, thousands of people flock to cemeteries to visit the graves of their loved ones and offer prayers. According to Fr. Ritche Salgado OCarm, this day is a chance for people to express their love and gratitude for those who have passed away. He emphasizes that All Souls' Day is not just about remembering the dead, but also praying for them and helping them enter into God's presence. The priest also quotes a verse from the book of Revelations, reminding believers that only those whose names are written in the "Lamb's book of life" can enter into the New Jerusalem. The ultimate prayer, according to Fr. Salgado, is for all souls to be reunited in God's heavenly banquet.