November inevitably helps focus our minds and prayers on our beloved departed. Those who have gone before us have left an indelible mark on our lives: for the vast majority happy and contented, for some of us perhaps not so good. Thinking of the Holy Souls reminds us of God’s generosity to us and also serves as a reminder that one day this will be our feast day too. In remembering the Holy Souls we commend them to the Lord and at the same time petition their continued prayers for ourselves and our loved ones. Even though they are dead, it is good to think of them as being still a part of our family or friends group, still part of our Parish Family, and that is why we pray, “Eternal Rest give unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them, may they rest in peace, Amen”