Maine Parishes to Commemorate All Souls’ Day in Different Ways
PORTLAND---Several Maine parishes are planning special Masses and services in Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, better known as All Souls’ Day (Thursday, November 2). On that day, Catholics pray for the souls of those who have died and are still in purgatory, being prepared for eternal life in heaven.
A list of All Souls' Day Masses in Maine can be found here, but below are list of some of the special gatherings planned. Unless otherwise noted, the commemorations are on Thursday, November 2.
Portland
The Consoling Hearts Ministry invites you to an All-Souls' Day Mass in remembrance of our loved ones who passed away during the past year. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Robert Deeley at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on 307 Congress Street in Portland. During the Mass, the names of parishioners who have died within the past year will be read.
Millinocket
A candlelight ceremony and Mass of Remembrance will be held at 5 p.m. for all the deceased loved ones of Christ the Divine Mercy Parish who have died within the past year.
Old Town
The Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord will celebrate its annual Mass of Remembrance at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, at Holy Family Church, 429 Main Street in Old Town. During the Mass, candles will be lit as the names of the deceased are read aloud. On Saturday, November 4, a traditional Latin Requiem Mass will be celebrated for all the faithful departed at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church. The priests of the parish will also conduct prayer services at area cemeteries. Details are available below.
Oquossoc
A Mass for All Souls will be celebrated Saturday, November 4, at noon at St. Luke Church, 19 Lake Street in Rangeley. During the Mass, the names of parishioners who died within the past year will be read aloud. Prayers will also be offered for all deceased relatives and friends.
Rockland
Father Divine Fossoh will lead a Rosary with youth and their families on All Souls' Day, Thursday, November 2, at noon at Coughlin Cemetery in Rockland.
Saint Agatha
A special candlelight Mass for deceased loved ones will be held on Monday, November 6, at 6 p.m. at Saint Agatha Church, 379 Main Street in Saint Agatha. Prayers will also be offered for those who have had miscarriages or lost a child to addiction or suicide.
Yarmouth
On Saturday, November 10, 6:30 p.m. go 7:30 p.m., the Psalterium Institute Chamber Choir at Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main Street in Yarmouth, will sing the Votive Office of the Dead and choral preludes and postludes.
In the 11th century, St. Odilo, the abbot at the Benedictine Monastery in Cluny, France, encouraged all the monks to pray for the souls of those who had died, those waiting the joys of heaven. He instituted this commemoration on the day after All Saints’ Day, and soon other religious orders and churches began, on that same date, to annually remember all who had died. Catholics believe that by praying for them, we are inspired to lead purer lives. Praying for the dead is one of the spiritual works of mercy.
