The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living.
Marcus Tullius Cicero
Commemoratio Omnium Fidelium Defunctorum
Defuncts’ Day
Day of Remembrance
Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
All Souls’ Day
Feast of All Souls
Day of the Dead
The Day of Many Names (which are all the same thing)
Cookie Monster Day
During the day people customarily remember the dead by praying and giving alms, usually in the form of food.
I’ll pour milk upon your tombstone
leave soul-cakes in your place
As the time draws near
Cookie Monster’s heart begins to race
Across Europe, families leave soul-cakes (cookies) at the table in the place of the departed.
In Brittany, on All Saints Night, people pour libations of milk into the hollow of loved ones' tombstones.
One mass is for the faithful departed souls.
One mass is for the intentions of the priest.
One mass is for the intentions of the Holy Father.
(One mass impacts your bowel after the feast)
Christians visit the graves of their loved ones and attend Mass. Both of which are plenary indulgences done on behalf of the souls suffering in purgatory.
zappai: asking the church about purgatory bills
do you give receipts
stating the account balance
of suffering souls?
A plenary indulgence is able to remove temporal punishment and merit forgiveness for sins.
“I’d like some indulgences.”
“For whom?”
“Me.”
“Unfortunately, that’s not possible, but if you have any departed loved ones..”
“Oh, okay, yeah, yeah. I get it. Dead relatives. So is there like, a Costco, theme park bulk buy deal or something? Like two adults and three kids for a discount price?”
“Well, we don’t technically sell indulgences anymore. However, if you’d like to make a contribution…”
The church outlawed the sale of indulgences in 1567 — but charitable contributions, combined with other acts, can help you earn one.
I race to the store
A closed sign
Hangs on the door
My worst fear
Sorry mother
I’ll get your reprieve
Next year
I don’t consider
This to be my own fail
I blame the church
And their one week indulgence sale.
Plenary indulgences are only granted from November 1 to 8.
hay(na)ku: even after you’ve paid your dues
purged
soul purified
await God’s forgiveness
Scripture regarding All Souls Day:
Maccabees 12:42
The Twisting Tail 
That opening quote is so true! 👌🏼
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Yeh, I could never understand the purpose or merit of indulgences when it comes to forgiveness of sins! I mean if you didn’t live a good life while you were on this earth then what makes a family member think they can buy you forgiveness or redemption?! It smacks of greed; entitlement and has nothing to do with Christianity whatsoever. Really well put together piece Mouse!! 🤔🤔👌👌👏👏
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I think Martin Luther had a hand in eliminating the sale of indulgences… now it is only by acts of prayer and piety that the souls of the departed receive blessings (and theoretically have a shortened stay in purgatory)! I was however very amused at the Cookie Monster reference!
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I forgot to attend Mass on All Saints Day. I hope reading your post makes up for it.
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Marcus Bakerus mi Amigo ! Hoc Est Corpus Tantus Tolores. Deo Volente. Novus Ordo Seclorum
Veni, Vedi, Vicci WOW MURDOCH ! I NEVER KNEW YOU SPOKE FINNISH AND LATIN !
YOU ARE FULL OF SUPRISES MY FRIEND ! I FORGOT ALL SAINTS DAY ALSO. I TRY TO REMEMBER TO BLESS THE SAINTS. HOWEVER, I THINK IT MORE LOGICAL THAT THE SAINTS SHOULD BLESS US. AFTER ALL, THEY ARE THE SAINTS. MY SAINT IS SAINT MICHAEL. SEPT. 29th
I WAS BORN ON SEPT. 25th. SAINT MICHAEL IS THE KICK-ASS SAINT. The AVENGER .
I heard a rumor he is coming soon. But don’t tell anyone ! It is a sacred secret !
Always your friend Murdoch !
Marc David
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I had no idea about this practice. What an odd myth for the church to perpetuate.
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Martin Luther blessed us with opening a door into reforming the church.
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