“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead … “ (Wisdom 3:1-2)

Can you recall hearing these words at a funeral Mass? The consoling passage often concludes in verse 9 with words of great hope: “… grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect.”

While we have hope in God’s grace and mercy, we nevertheless grieve the loss of those close to us. Death can also leave us regretful for missed opportunities to love — the good we may have failed to say or do.

But because our loved ones are very much alive in spirit, it is never too late to express our affection and even hasten their entrance into God’s heavenly kingdom.

Yes, even now, your prayers on behalf of deceased family and friends benefit them, for prayer is a sign of faith, and faith has saving power.

Death does not have the last word.

On November 2, Catholics around the world celebrate All Souls Day, a feast that invites you to intercede for those who have passed from this life, but may not yet know the joy of living fully in the presence of God.

God transcends time, place, even death. What does this mean? It means that the prayers you offer today can be spiritually “applied toward” helping a loved one at the moment of death. What a powerful gift this is!  

Please join with thousands of AMM members who are turning in faith to Jesus through Mary on All Souls Day.

At the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville, we would be honored to remember your deceased loved ones in Mass on All Souls Day and throughout the month of November.

Simply share your “Remembrance List.“ The names you share will rest near the foot of Mary’s Shrine Altar during our All Souls Day Liturgy. We’ll remember them throughout November and during the anniversary month of their passing.

You may also burn a Votive Light for your departed loved ones. This, too, signifies your faith in Christ as the light of life.

We welcome any other special intentions you’d like remembered in daily Mass and prayer throughout the month of November.

We will use your All Souls Day offering to assist in our work of drawing others closer to Jesus through devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Your gift will also support Vincentian vocations and ministries.

Let us continue to intercede for the souls of the departed in union with the communion of saints, and for the glory of God’s kingdom to come! 

May Our Blessed Mother watch over you, comfort you, and guide you each day. I thank you sincerely for your generous care of Our Lady’s Association.

In the love of Jesus and Mary,

Fr. Kevin McCracken, C.M.
Spiritual Director 

 ​P.S.   May God’s grace and mercy be with those who have gone before us. I will watch for the names of your deceased loved ones. We are honored to remember them in Mass and prayer on All Souls Day and throughout the month of November.