The month of November draws its distinctive spiritual character from the two days with which it begins: the solemnity of All Saints and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. From noon on November 1o From November 1 through the entire day of November 2, we can obtain a plenary indulgence for the dead if, after going to confession and receiving Communion, we visit a church or an oratory for their benefit and, during the visit, recite the Creed and the Our Father and pray for the Pope’s intentions.
The same indulgence may be applied to a deceased person once a day, including by visiting a cemetery from November 1 to 8 and, during the visit, praying, even silently, for the dead.
On November 5, we remember Venerable Giorgio La Pira, the “holy mayor.” May his motto, “Spes contra spem” (To hope against all hope, cf. Rom 4:18), become our motto too during the troubled times we are living through. On November 16, we celebrate a saintly doctor, Saint Giuseppe Moscati, who, while treating bodies, also lovingly cared for souls at the same time. On November 26, we celebrate Blessed Giacomo Alberione, founder of the Pauline Family. He was a great man of action, but he was even greater from a spiritual perspective. Before every important decision, he spent the night in adoration. It is beautiful to rediscover his legacy.
On November 27, we celebrate the Blessed Virgin of the Miraculous Medal. Among the great apostles of the Miraculous Medal, we remember Saint Maximilian Kolbe and Saint Teresa of Calcutta. On November 28, we celebrate Saint James of the Marches, famous for the preaching, miracles, and healings he performed by invoking the Name of Jesus and continues to perform today for many people who turn to God through his intercession.
