Over the past month, we have collected the names of the departed loved ones from the Exodus men. Now, it is time to pray and fast.
From November 1st through 8th, you are invited to join us as we pray for the repose of the souls departed. During this time, the worldwide Exodus fraternity will pray to the Lord and ask for his mercy.
In addition to the normal content, the Exodus app will also include a brief reflection about death and the afterlife during these days. The reflection will be followed by our octave prayer and a list of about 300 names of men and women to pray for each day.
These days hold a special significance on the calendar. They used to be known as the Octave of All Saints. This practice was an official part of the Church’s liturgical life from the 1400s until the reform of the Church’s calendar in 1955. While it is no longer a part of the liturgical calendar, November 1st through 8th are still marked as the days when one can obtain an indulgence for a soul in purgatory. This indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment one deserves for one’s sins.
To gain an indulgence for the departed from November 1-8, you must go to Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, pray for the Pope’s intentions, devoutly visit a cemetery, and pray for the departed.
Christ has trampled down death by death and restored us to life. Filled with Christian hope, let us pray that he will grant rest to the souls of his faithfully departed servants. Pray that he will forgive the departed for every voluntary and involuntary act and omission in thought, word, and deed. Freed from every stain of sin, may the perpetual light shine upon them. Amen
Don’t miss out on our All Hallow’s Octave celebration in the Exodus App – download here!
Jacob Zepp is a graduate student at the Catholic University of America, where he is pursuing an M.A. in Liturgical Studies/Sacramental Theology. He graduated from Wyoming Catholic College, where he wrote his thesis on liturgical history and theology. Jacob has worked for Exodus since 2020. He and his wife, Anastasia, have one child.