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All Souls Day completes the triduum of Hallowtide, which began with the Vigil of All Saints, or All Hallows Eve, and continued with the feast of All Saints. On this day the Church traditionally dresses her ministers in black, the color of mourning, and focuses her attention on praying for the relief of the souls in Purgatory. Indulgences, which can be offered for the poor souls, are available throughout the Octave of All Saints for those who visit cemeteries and pray for the dead interred therein. Many countries have customs related to this opportunity, sometimes beginning on All Hallows Eve. The practice of commemorating all the faithful departed was present in parts of Christendom, on a variety of days throughout the year, but it was St. Odilo of Cluny who established the practice on November 2nd, and this observance quickly spread throughout other monasteries. Dioceses then adopted the commemoration, and in the fourteenth century it was extended to the entire Church. Long before it was common for priests to celebrate more than one Mass each day, All Souls Day was granted the privilege of allowing priests to celebrate three Masses for the dead, rather than one. When November 2nd falls on a Sunday, All Souls Day is transferred to November 3rd.
THE Commemoration of all the faithful departed.
The same day, the birthday [into heaven] of St. Victorinus, bishop of Poitiers, who, after writing many works, as is attested by St. Jerome, was crowned with martyrdom in the persecution of Diocletian.
At Trieste, blessed Justus, who consummated his martyrdom in the same persecution, under the governor Manatius.
At Sebaste, the Saints Carterius, Styriacus, Tobias, Eudoxius, Agapius, and their companions, martyrs, under the emperor Licinius.
In Persia, the holy martyrs Acindynus, Pegasius, Aphtonius, Elpidephorus and Anempodistus, with their numerous companions.
In Africa, the birthday [into heaven] of the holy martyrs Publius, Victor, Hermes, and Papias.
At Tarsus, in Cilicia, in the reign of Julian the Apostate, St. Eustochium, virgin and martyr, who breathed her last in prayer in the midst of severe torments.
At Laodicea, in Syria, St. Theodotus, a bishop, powerful in words, and adorned with good works and virtues.
At Vienne, St. George, bishop.
In the monastery of St. Maurice, in Switzerland, St. Ambrose, abbot.
At Cyrus, in Syria, St. Marcian, confessor.
℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
℟. Thanks be to God.