From the earliest days of the Church, prayers have been offered for the souls of the faithful departed that they may now find themselves in the presence of God and rejoice in the eternal joy which has been promised to the righteous by Jesus Christ. Since the Eleventh Century, the Church has set aside a day in its liturgical calendar to pray for these souls. This day is November 2nd, the Feast of All Souls.
During the month of November, at each Mass that we celebrate, the Jesuits will remember all your friends and family members who have died. It is our Christian prayer that they are now enjoying the fullness of Christ's words: "You, who are blessed by my Father, come. Come and receive the Kingdom which has been prepared for you even since the creation of the world."
We invite you to send us the names of your beloved departed. We will place these names near the altar in our school chapel as a reminder for us to pray for those who are dear to you. As this is our expression of gratitude to you for your support and kindness to us, we ask that you do not include an offering with your intentions. You may mail in your intentions, drop them off at the school, email me at predmoresj@yahoo.com.
May God continue to abundantly bless you. May God's peace and grace illuminate the hearts of all those who abide in God's glory.
John Predmore, S.J., is a USA East Province Jesuit and was the pastor of Jordan's English language parish. He teaches art and directs BC High's adult spiritual formation programs. Formerly a retreat director in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Ignatian Spirituality is given through guided meditations, weekend-, 8-day, and 30-day Retreats based on The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatian Spirituality serves the contemporary world as people strive to develop a friendship with God.
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