Mumbai, Nov 02: Christians consider ‘All souls day’ as a holy day and they pray for eternal peace to their departed family members. The Catholic churches, Orthodox churches and other Christian groups are observing this day.  The departed souls are not free from sin. They will be purified by offering prayers. And this is the main reason for the celebration of “All souls day”. In western countries Nov 2 is observed as all souls day and the previous day is celebrated as all saints day.

Indian Christians too celebrated all saints day on Nov 1 and all souls day on Nov 2. Both days were celebrated at the Holy Family Church, Chakala, Andheri (E) by offering holy mass on both the days. Rev Fr Cyril Dsouza SVD conducted the holy mass in Konkani under the leadership of Chief parish Priest Rev Fr Jerald Rodrigues. Afterwards Fr Mouris, Fr James, Fr John, Brothet Tomy went near the tombs of the departed ones and offered prayers.

As per the Anglican group, if all souls day lies on Sunday that will be celebrated on the next day i e Nov 3. Mass prayer will be offered in the morning and in the evening for all departed souls.

All souls day is celebrated on Nov 2 in western countries. Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates such days throughout the year on Saturdays. However, there is no rule, or agreement that celebration of all souls day is mandatory. 

Anglican Church is considered as the largest protestant church celebrating this holy day. Most of the protestant churches are not ready to agree the theological background of this day and they do not observe this day as holy. The belief behind this celebration is that purification is necessary for the souls before they enter into heaven. But religious people say there is no proof for this.

Some strongly believe that “Souls are purified by prayers. The departed souls are purified by the prayers offered on this earth and then enter into heaven”. Christians in North America, Latin America, western regions visit the tombs of the departed ones and offer prayers. Some keep fasting. Anglican churches and Old Catholic churches observe this day with great devotion.

In Catholic countries people go to the tombs of their family members and offer prayers as a family. They decorate the tombs with flowers, burn candles (some keep the food which they liked most, drinks etc) and celebrate this day with great faith.