HIS HOLINESS, Pope Benedict XVI, presided at holy mass in St. Peter’s Basilica last November 4, 2006 for the repose of the souls of the Cardinals and Bishops who died this year.

 His homily gives one an insight of the pope’s high level of appreciation of what the Solemnity of All Saints (November 1) and the Commemoration of All Souls (November 2) is all about.

He says that celebrating these two events "have helped us to meditate on the final destination of our earthly pilgrimage."

He confirms the belief that one has to be in an unsullied state, to be allowed the privilege of the Beatific Vision. He further asserts the need for the faithful to offer masses and offer prayers for the dead.

The Pope says: "In order that the white garment received in Baptism may be purified of every speck and every stain, the community of believers offers the Eucharistic Sacrifice and other prayers of suffrage for those whom death has called to pass from time to eternity."

He further encourages his flock to pray for the dead by stating, that "praying for the dead is a noble practice that implies belief on the resurrection of the dead, in accordance with what has been revealed to us by Sacred Scripture and, on a complete way, by the Gospel."

Coming from no less than the Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, the PRAYER WARRIORS OF THE HOLY SOULS find those words truly inspiring and encouraging in its mission to pray for the dear departed.

Source: L’Osservatore Romano No. 45, 8 November 2006