Course 4, Chapter 52: Christianity visible. — All-Souls

1. What feast do we celebrate the day after All- Saints?

The commemoration of all the dead, or All-Souls. By uniting these two feasts the church wishes to remind us that we are all brethren.

2. Has the church always prayed for the dead?

She has always prayed for the dead, offering up the holy sacrifice the day of their death and on the anniversary; she prays for them at every mass, and has instituted a particular feast for the relief of all the dead.

3. Is this feast of ancient date?

It is of the 1 Oth century; it originated in Franche Comte; and St. Odilon, abbot of Cluny, made it obligatory for all the monasteries of his order, whence it prevails throughout the church.

4. What motives have we to pray for the dead?

We have four powerful motives to pray for the dead: the glory of God, chanty, justice and our own interest.

5. What do you remark on the burial service of the dead?

410 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

A. 1st, that in it the church gives us an exalted idea of a Christian; 2d, she consoles us therein, by the hope of the resurrection which she loudly proclaims in her sorrowful chants.

6. What signifies the cross planted at the head of the grave?

It, signifies that there reposes the body of a Christian, who lived in hope, and who confidently expects the day of general resurrection.