While not a holy day of obligation, Pope Benedict reminded us: “Few things are as immediate, as human and as widespread—at all times and in all cultures—as prayer for one’s own departed dear ones…Praying for one’s departed loved ones is a far too immediate urge to be suppressed; it is a most beautiful manifestation of solidarity, love and assistance, reaching beyond the barrier of death. The happiness or unhappiness of a person dear to me, who has now crossed to the other shore, depends in part on whether I remember of forget him; he does not stop needing my love.”
Let us gather at Mass to commend to the Lord our departed loved ones.