Archbishop Nelson Perez, of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, posted a tweet in honor of All Souls Day, which was celebrated on Nov. 2. This year, the Archdiocese celebrated a Latin Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

The celebration of All Souls Day is a Catholic tradition in which those who have died and are awaiting entrance into heaven are prayed for by those still on earth. 

“On All Souls Day, in a special way, we prayerfully remember all the souls of the faithful departed.  Over the last 18 months we’ve faced a global pandemic, violence on our streets, and natural disasters resulting in the tragic loss of so many lives. May all the souls of the faithful departed rest in the peace of the Lord!”  Archbishop Perez tweeted. 

While the final destination of a man or woman of God is heaven, the Catholic doctrine of purgatory teaches that all those who die in a state of friendship with God, though ultimately heading to heaven, may go first to purgatory to be separated from any sins that they are still attached to at the time of their deaths.

 2 Maccabees chapter 12 verses 44-45 is strong biblical proof for purgatory: “For had he not expected the fallen to rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead, where if he had in view the splendid recompense reserved for those who make a pious end, the thought was holy and devout. Hence, he had this expiatory sacrifice offered for the dead, so that they might be released from their sin.” 

The Latin Mass for All Souls Day was celebrated on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. and was sung. The Latin Mass is less common in the modern day since the initiation of the Novus Ordo following Vatican II, but is still used by some parishes.