All Souls' Day (Roman Catholic)

All Souls' Day is a Roman Catholic day commemorating the faithful departed or those baptized Christians believed to be in purgatory. It is celebrated on November 2 unless this date falls on a Sunday. When this happens, All Souls' Day is celebrated on November 3.

Odilo, abbot of Cluny, established All Souls' Day in the eleventh century. The day purposely follows All Saints' Day in order to shift the focus from those in heaven to those in purgatory.

On this day, three requiem masses are celebrated: one for the celebrant, one for the departed, and one for the pope.

The Church of England abolished All Souls' Day during the Reformation. However, the day has been reestablished in Anglo-Catholic churches.

View all: ethnic/religious events   |   national holidays   |   other events