All Souls’ Day and the Legend of St. Odilo
All Souls’ Day 2025
Also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, All Souls’ Day is an occasion to honor and pray for our departed loved ones. The Lord calls us to heed the needs of both the living and the dead, and our prayers are an impactful way to do so.
Did You Know? The Legend of Saint Odilo, Abbot of Cluny
Odilo of Cluny, 5th Benedictine Abbot of Cluny, is credited with the designation of All Souls’ Day on November 2nd. The Abbey of Cluny was a notable monastery in medieval France. Dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, the abbey gained significant influence in the Middle Ages and is widely regarded as the leader of Western monasticism, or monkhood.
Saint Odilo encouraged several reforms and policy changes during his time as holy abbot. He established All Souls’ Day in the 11th century, designating that it be observed annually on November 2nd. Odilo instructed that this commemoration of the departed souls be observed with prayer and sacrifices. This practice later became popular in Western Christianity and other Christian sects around the world.
In the Roman Catholic Church, All Souls’ Day is referred to as “The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed.” Others refer to it as the “Feast of All Souls.”
Attend an All Souls’ Day Prayer Service on November 2, 2025
Join us on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 3 PM for our All Souls’ Day Prayer Services. We will have a service at each of our Diocesan cemeteries throughout the Pittsburgh area.
Prayer for the Eternal Rest
Eternal rest grant upon them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
A Prayer for the Forgotten Dead
From catholic.org
O merciful God, take pity on the souls who have no particular friends and intercessors to recommend them to you, who either through negligence of those who are alive or through length of time, are forgotten by all. Spare them, O Lord, and remember your own when others forget to appeal to your mercy. Let not the souls you have created be parted from you, their Creator. Amen.