NOVEMBER!!!
November in the Catholic Church is marked by a penitential nature, focusing on prayer, reflection, and remembrance. It marks the end of the liturgical year, and the Catholic Church uses this time to reflect on mortality, sin, and redemption. The month is bookended by two significant feasts: All Saints' Day (Nov 1) and All Souls' Day (Nov 2): These feasts honor the Saints and the Deceased, reminding us of our own mortality and the importance of living a virtuous life.
As it has been noted, November signals the nearing end of the Church's liturgical year, hence, it prompts reflection on past sins and preparation for the new year. This comes with a penitential tone as it prepares Catholics for Advent, a season of preparation for Christ's coming.
There are a lot of Penitential Practices one can engage in this month of November. These include:
1. Prayer for the Dead: Catholics pray for the souls in Purgatory, especially during Masses and visits to cemeteries.
2. Indulgences: The Church grants indulgences during November, encouraging Catholics to pray for the deceased and perform acts of charity.
3. Abstinence and Fasting: Some Catholics observe abstinence from meat or other luxuries on certain days, echoing the Lenten spirit.
4. Reflection and Examination of Conscience: Catholics are encouraged to reflect on their actions, thoughts, and intentions, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation.
As highlighted in the order, "A plenary indulgence, applicable only to the souls in Purgatory is granted to any of the faithful who:
1. On one of the days from 1 to 8 November visits devoutly a cemetery or who simply prays mentally for the Dead;
2. On All Souls Day (or else with the permission of the Ordinary, or the Sunday that precedes, or follows, or else on All Saints' Day) visits a Church or Chapel with devotion and there recite the Our Father and the Creed."
A partial indulgence, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, is granted to any of the faithful who:
1. Visits devoutly a cemetery or simply prays mentally for the Dead.
2. Recites devoutly Lauds or Vespers of the Office for the Dead, or the invocation Eternal rest grant... (Requiem aeternam dona...) (Cf. Enchiridion of Indulgences, edition of 1999, concession 29).
In the same vein some of the Liturgical Signs and symbols or analogies common in this month also help to advance and enhance this penitential tone. These include:
1. Purple Vestments: Priests wear purple vestments, symbolizing repentance and penance.
2. Reduced Music and Decorations: Liturgies become more subdued, focusing on simplicity and reverence.
3. Prayers for the Dead: Special prayers and collects are included in Masses and devotions.
4. There is the mention of the four last things: Death, Judgement, Heaven/Hell, Purgatory
November highlights the lives of Saints who exemplified penitence and redemption:
1. St. Martin of Tours (November 11): Patron Saint of soldiers and beggars.
2. St. Albert the Great (November 15): Doctor of the Church and Patron of Scientists.
3. St. Gertrude the Great (November 16): Mystic and nun who promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart.
By embracing November's penitential nature, Catholics prepare for the coming of Christ, seek forgiveness, and honor the deceased.
With all of these packed full signs, symbols, events and actions, our preparation for Christmas can begin on a very high note, thus making our Christmas celebrations a truly spirit filled one with Jesus welcomed fully and truly into our souls.
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