The Catholic Church traditionally dedicates each month of the year to special devotions, helping faithful Catholics focus on specific mysteries of faith, saints, or aspects of Jesus and Mary's lives to deepen their spiritual life throughout the liturgical year.

November: Dedicated to the Poor Souls

We are in a unique position in that our merits here on earth can assist the holy souls if we intentionally offer to God our prayers, good works, sacrifices, and especially the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for their relief.

November is a month rich in liturgical celebrations. Some of the notable feast days in November include:

November 1– All Saints Day, is a Solemnity that honors all the saints both known and unknown who have attained heaven. It is a Holy day of (happy) obligation.

November 2 – All Souls Day, is the reason for devoting the month of November to praying for the souls in Purgatory—the Church Suffering.

November 9 – The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

November 10 – Saint Leo the Great

November 11  – Saint Martin of Tours

November 12  – Saint Josaphat

November 16 – St Gertrude the Great, honors the Benedictine nun devoted to the souls in Purgatory. St. Gertrude’s prayer for the Holy Souls was given to her by Jesus with a promise to release 1000 poor souls each time it is devoutly recited.

November 16 - St Margaret of Scotland

November 17 - Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

November 18 – The Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul

November 21 – The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

November 22 - The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, is celebrated on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, just prior to the season of Advent, honoring Jesus Christ as the King of all creation and the universe.

Pope's Monthly Prayer Intentions for November - For the proper use of wealth

Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service, the common good and solidarity of those who have less.