All Souls' Day is time for prayer, remembrance of those who have passed

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All Souls' Day is an important occasion for Catholics. 

On this day, common practices include visiting the final resting place of loved ones, practicing prayer and engaging in remembrance of those who have passed.

The occasion is marked around the world, with different countries participating in a variety of celebrations.

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Below is an overview of All Souls' Day — and how it is celebrated around the world.

Visiting cemeteries and praying for the dead is one way to commemorate All Souls' Day. (iStock)

1. What is All Souls' Day?
2. What is the difference between All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day?
3. Where did All Souls' Day originate?
4. What can we do on All Souls' Day?

1. What is All Souls' Day?

Each year, Nov. 2 marks All Souls' Day in the Catholic Church, dedicated to remembering those who have died.

All Souls' Day is the "one day every year when Catholics everywhere remember their past," the Rev. Thomas Petri, president of the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., told Fox News Digital.

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"They remember the faithful who have preceded them," he continued, "their loved ones who have gone before them. And, in an act of filial love and piety, we pray for the deceased with the hope they will rest eternally with God in glory."

The liturgy "proposes various Masses on this day, all of which are geared toward highlighting the Paschal Mystery, Jesus’ victory over sin and death." (AP)

The Rev. Edward Looney, a priest in the diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin, echoed Petri's comments. 

"All Souls' Day is a day when we pray for the dead. Our prayers and sacrifices aid souls in purgatory in the process of purification," he said.

When a person dies, their soul either goes to heaven, hell or purgatory, according to website Catholic Online.

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"The intermediate option is purgatory, which is thought to be where most people, free of mortal sin, but still in a state of lesser (venial) sin, must go," the site notes.

Catholics believe that praying for the dead who are in purgatory helps them become spiritually prepared to enter heaven, the same source says.

"Saints and mystics have seen purgatory … we should not stop praying for our dead." (iStock)

"Purgatory is necessary so that souls can be cleansed and perfected before they enter into heaven. There is scriptural basis for this belief. The primary reference is in 2 Maccabees, 12:26 and 12:32," according to Catholic Online.

Looney noted that "saints and mystics have seen purgatory" and that "we should not stop praying for our dead."

"Even if it’s been years because our prayers add to their accidental glory — according to St. Thomas Aquinas — which means they can better intercede for us," he added.

2. What is the difference between All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day?

All Souls' Day comes one day after All Saints' Day, which commemorates all saints, known and unknown.

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All Saints' Day is observed each year on Nov. 1 and is considered a holy day of obligation, when Catholics are encouraged to attend Mass. All Souls' Day is not considered a holy day of obligation, but some still choose to attend services on the day.

The Day of the Dead is a holiday that originated in Mexico. (Future Publishing via Getty Images)

3. Where did All Souls' Day originate?

The practice of Christian prayer for their dead dates back to at least the second century, according to the Vatican's website, although the customs have changed over time.

Initially, one would specifically pray for the dead on the third day after the person's burial, then on the anniversary of that individual's death.

Initially, one would specifically pray for the dead on the third day after the person's burial, then on the anniversary of that individual's death.

"Remembering the dead on [Nov. 2] became official in the year 998 when Abbot Odilo of Cluny (994-1048) made it obligatory in all the monasteries subject to him," per the Vatican website.

4. What can we do on All Souls' Day?

"In the early 20th century, Pope Benedict XV granted permission allowing all priests to celebrate three Masses on All Souls' Day," the Vatican website says. Typically, priests celebrate one Mass a day.

Many choose to leave flowers at the burial sites of their loved ones for All Souls' Day. (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"The liturgy proposes various Masses on this day, all of which are geared toward highlighting the Paschal Mystery, Jesus’ victory over sin and death," the same source indicates. 

Since this is a day heavily focused on family, many choose to go to cemeteries and visit the final resting place of their deceased loved ones. You can also spend time going through an old photo album filled with memories. Some choose to host a meal where everyone spends time sharing memories of those who have passed.

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All Souls' Day is observed around the world, with different celebrations marking the day.

The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, originated in Mexico. It is believed that during this time, spirits of the dead are able to reunite with their families on Earth for 24 hours. The souls of children are the first to pass through, and adults follow on Nov. 2. 

The occasion is celebrated in Mexico with music, dancing and lots of food. A popular tradition is to create an ofrenda in their home that is covered in things like candles, food and photos of their loved ones who have passed.