On All Souls Day, the Church asks us to face death with clear eyes and confident faith. This reflection on the first Mass for the faithful departed explores the powerful readings from First Corinthians and the Gospel of John, where Saint Paul proclaims Christ as the firstfruits of the resurrection and Jesus promises that the dead will hear his voice and rise. Drawing from the wisdom of Saints Augustine, Catherine of Genoa, John Vianney, and Monica, we examine the beautiful and challenging doctrine of purgatory—that final purification needed before entering heaven—and discover why our prayers, Masses, and sacrifices can truly help the holy souls. The reflection reminds us that death hasn't broken the bonds connecting us to those who've gone before us, that the Church in heaven, on earth, and in purgatory remains one mystical body. We explore what it means to live in the light of eternity, knowing that one day we too will need the prayers we now offer for others. This is a call to remember, to pray, and to live with the reality that death is not the end but a doorway, and that love continues beyond the grave.

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