May the memory of the deceased monks, nuns, sisters, and oblates be eternal.
Historically [supposing that your view of history goes
back before 1900], today is the traditional date for the liturgical memorial of
All Benedictine Souls. You are not going to find many American Benedictine
monasteries observing this commemoration. Sad, I think. They will offer the argument that the
Church's November 2nd commemoration of All Souls (and for that matter, All
Saints) to include the monks and nuns of the Order.
As a monk noted,
monasteries who hold this idea are employing "the same argument that was used
at the time of the Reformation to eliminate the Commemoration of the Faithful
Departed, since we are all 'saints.' Whatever the theological merits of this
position, even the Episcopal Church has recognized its psychological deficit and has
restored All Souls on November 2."
Old fashioned or not, there is a good value
in retaining the observances of All Saints and All Souls of Monks and Nuns.
Informed opinion indicates that when monasteries remember the nuns and monks
who have gone before us in faith and perseverance, remembers not only persons
but also puts eschatological hope that eternal life is possible and indeed
ought to be sought.
We pray for graces of light, peace and mercy for our departed monks and nuns, sisters and
oblates ask for their prayers for us.
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