The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
The Church Suffering

One of the most beautiful aspects of our Catholic faith is the Communion of Saints. Whether it be the Church Militant still fighting the good fight here on earth, or the Church Suffering enduring their final time of purification in Purgatory, or the Church Triumphant rejoicing with our Lord in heaven, we are all united together in faith. We are one Church, united in the mysteries of the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord. 
What makes this reality so beautiful is our ability to pray for one another, no matter what state of life we find ourselves in. Those on earth can pray to lessen the time in purgatory of one of their brothers, and those in Purgatory can offer up their sufferings for those on earth. Those in Heaven can pray for both those on earth and those in Purgatory. It is an incredible circle of love and care that won’t end until Christ comes again. 
Today we celebrate the Church Suffering. It is a day to remember “those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith.” In other words, all of our departed brothers and sisters who have been baptised in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Since our souls must be completely cleansed before entering the heavenly banquet, many of us will be required to endure this time of purification. Others will be permitted to undergo great hardships here on earth and be cleansed through them, with the aid of the sacraments. 
Sometimes we may wonder why our aunt suffers from alzheimers, or why our grandfather must continue to live through the discomforts of old age. We may wonder why our nephew was allowed to get in that car accident or our own child had to endure the afteraffects of a burst appendix. But all of these trials, when lived with faith, can be opportunities for purification for ourselves and others. “Offer it up” is no longer a cliche, but rather a reminder to direct our minds and hearts to God during times of difficulty. 
Today, let us pray for all the souls in purgatory, that they may soon gaze upon the glorious face of our Saviour, and may they in turn pray for us, that we may one day join them in Heaven. 
Tami Urcia

Short Version

One of the most beautiful aspects of our Catholic faith is the Communion of Saints. Whether it be the Church Militant still fighting the good fight here on earth, or the Church Suffering enduring their final time of purification in Purgatory, or the Church Triumphant rejoicing with our Lord in heaven, we are all in it together. We are one Church, united in the mysteries of the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord. 
What makes this reality so beautiful is our ability to pray for one another, no matter what state of life we find ourselves in. It is an incredible circle of love and care that won’t end until Christ comes again. 
Today we celebrate the Church Suffering. It is a day to remember “those who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith.” Since our souls must be completely cleansed before entering the heavenly banquet, many of us will be required to endure this time of purification. Others will be permitted to undergo great hardships here on earth and be cleansed through them, with the aid of the sacraments. 
Sometimes we may wonder why our loved ones are permitted to suffer but all of our earthly trials, when lived with faith, can be opportunities for purification for ourselves and others. “Offer it up” is no longer a cliche, but rather a reminder to direct our minds and hearts to God during times of difficulty. 
Today, let us pray for all the souls in purgatory, that they may soon gaze upon the glorious face of our Saviour, and may they in turn pray for us, that we may one day join them in Heaven. 
Tami Urcia