The month of November is always marked as a month to remember those who have died and are with God now. The month begins with two special celebrations: All Saints’ Day [The Solemnity of All Saints] and All Souls’ Day [The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed], remembering those who have died who had a special impact in this world as well as those people who have shaped our lives.
Whenever we pray for someone who has died, it brings us closer to them and they become closer to God in heaven. Saint Paul reminds us of our abiding Christian faith in the afterlife:- “We want you to be quite certain, brothers, about those who have died, to make sure that you do not grieve about them, like the other people who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that it will be the same for those who have died in Jesus: God will bring them with him” [1 Thessalonians 4:13-14].
I think there is something very important about remembering those who have gone before us and have touched our lives in a special way. I particularly remember my grandparents and those members of my family who have passed away. I feel blessed that my parents were brought up in the Catholic faith and both they and my grandparents passed on the gift of faith to me from an early age. I spent some privileged time with one of my grandmothers shortly before she died and I distinctly remember her asking me to pray for her after she passed from this world, and that request has always stayed with me.
I include all my dearly departed in a silent prayer in my heart during the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass. I consider it important to gather up the people who have influenced me, and to also pray for the living, especially my parents, who by their generosity, have helped me during both uplifting and despairing times in my life. As I remember – I believe in surrender – letting go of my past struggles and forgiving from my heart – as I ask God to forgive me for my many faults by striving to pray an honest ‘Our Father’ before I approach the table of the Lord.
I have been influenced by many people who have lived good and holy lives. They may not be canonised as saints but I have been moved by their profound witness of faithfully and humbly living the Christian life. I think of the simple example of a recently deceased elderly neighbour who taught me what it really means to be a Christian by her devoutness and humble work for the poor. I remember young people who have died through illness and tragedy at a young age and pray for those who mourn them.
Gifted young women such as Michaela McAreavey, Aishling Murphy and Ciara Mageean made such a positive difference in the world, through their warmth, courage, faith, and commitment to living life to the full. Although these have been deeply sad losses, the Christian values these women espoused live on through their legacies. So much good work was done by the Michaela Foundation through youth clubs, camps & initiatives for young people and the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund has likewise been supporting young people in the areas of traditional Irish culture, language and heritage.
Ciara Mageean’s running journey and recent journey with terminal illness touched the nation. She spoke so openly and honestly about her diagnosis and the importance of hope and never giving up: -“I think we all need that no matter what, we need to keep hope because if not, then it’s won already.” [Irish Examiner, 01 November 2026]
When a loved one has passed away the Church gathers with the family and friends at the funeral liturgy of the deceased to commend their soul to God’s tender mercy and compassion, and to seek strength in gathering as a Christian community to celebrate the Eucharist. I am always struck by the solemn ‘Final Commendation and Farewell’ when the coffin is sprinkled with holy water as a reminder of the life of God which began in baptism; and incensed as a sign of the dignity of the body of the deceased and of our hope through the power of the Holy Spirit that they will be raised to eternal life.
The invitation to prayer recited by the priest is very thought-provoking and expresses our hope in the glory of the resurrection:- “Before we go our separate ways, let us take leave of our brother/sister. May our farewell express our affection for him/her; may it ease our sadness and strengthen our hope. One day we shall joyfully greet him/her again when the love of Christ, which conquers all things, destroys even death itself.”
In November when we ponder and remember our dearly beloved departed, it also reminds me of the fragility of life. I am now approaching mid-life and I know that my body is beginning to slow down. Rather than get caught up on material things like my desired career goals not being met, I am trying to reflect on what really matters – and to consider how well am I living the Christian life – how much have I loved?
Looking back on my life so far, I humbly recognise my weaknesses, my faults, and my failings. Although I had a perfectionist tendency from an early age, I most certainly did not live a perfect life. Deciding to give a year of my life to God in Rome was the best decision I have made. It gave me time to truly take stock of my life in a community of young people – who loved me for who I am – and it gave me a better understanding of my Catholic faith and what it really means to be a Christian.
By. availing of the grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation I was able to let go of my many human struggles and experience the healing mercy and compassion of Christ who wants us to love others like he loves us. This is the real measure of living the Christian life. The exhortation of Jesus is unequivocal:- “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” [John 13:34-35].
One of the great mystics in Catholic tradition Saint John of the Cross puts it this way:- “In the evening of life…we shall be examined in love.” This is the ultimate consideration for Christians that will determine our eternal destiny – for the Christian life is a school of compassion and charity. But I never forget God’s unconditional love for humanity – God loved us first and I find it good to pause and ponder on this scripture, also preached by the apostle and evangelist John:-
Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us,by letting us be called God’s children; and that is what we are.
1 John 3:1
Because the world refused to acknowledge him, therefore it does not acknowledge us.
I know that life is short and at the end of my days on this earth, I want to be found worthy to meet again all those I remember this November, in the heart of God.
