“Then we make mention also of those who have already fallen asleep: first, the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, that through their prayers and supplications God would receive our petition; next, we make mention also of the holy fathers and bishops who have already fallen asleep, and, to put it simply, of all among us who have already fallen asleep, for we believe that it will be of very great benefit to the souls of those for whom the petition is carried up, while this holy and most solemn sacrifice is laid out.” (Catechetical Lectures 23:5:9, c 350 A.D.)
- St. Cyril of Jerusalem
For Reflection:
Do I pray for those who have gone before us on a regular basis - not just on this Feast of All Souls Day? Do I pray for those in most need of mercy and have nobody to pray for them? I must remember to pray these souls forward and in turn they will pray me forward.
Click Here For More Information
Preface Page x
He delivered these conferences with the express purpose of combating "the fatal error and great plague of our century," which he described as "the absence of the sense of the supernatural, and the profound neglect of the great truths of the future life."