Month in honor of the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
For those keeping track, this week presents some interesting features. First, today would have been the third day in the Octave of All Saints, but this was suppressed by Pius XII. in 1954. After that, these days that had been kept liturgically free by the Octave were then kept free for the offering of III. class Requiem Masses as suffrage for the souls. Finally, in the calendar of the Mass of Paul VI., today is celebrated the feast of Saint Martin de Porres.
Remember the Holy Souls!
The Lesson is taken from the Sermons of St. Venerable Bede, the Priest
Ex Sermone 18. de Sanctis.
Never shall there be discord anywhere there, but all things in harmony. For everywhere there, things are in such concord that all the Saints are at unity with each other in one peace and joy. Everywhere there, all things are tranquil and quiet. Perpetual is the splendour there; not like unto the sunlight which we know here, but a light which is the brighter, as it is the more blessed. For that city, as saith Scripture, needeth not the light of the sun, because the Lord Almighty doth enlighten it by the Lamb which is the Light thereof. There the Saints shall shine like as the brightness of the firmament, and they that have turned many to righteousness, as the stars, for ever and ever. And so there is no night there, no darkness, no gathering of clouds, no asperity of heat or cold. But such is the nature of things there as no eye hath seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, except of those only who have been found worthy to enjoy it, whose names are written in the book of life; and who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, and are before the throne of God, serving him day and night. There is no old age anywhere there, nor misery of old age, for all are come to perfect manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. But far above all these things is the fellowship there. That is, to enjoy the companionship of the heavenly citizens: to look upon the choirs of Angels and Archangels, of Thrones and Dominions, Principalities, Powers, and all the heavenly Virtues on high: and to behold the army of the Saints shining more gloriously than the stars; of the Patriarchs glowing with faith; of the Prophets rejoicing in hope; of the Apostles judging the world reformed into twelve tribes of the new Israel; of the Martyrs resplendent in their ruddy crowns of victory; and of the Virgins wearing garlands of the purest white.