Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed and Choice of Mass Readings

Abstract

Prayers for the dead were widespread in the Church in the patristic period and were united with the Eucharist celebrated on particular days. At the end of 10^th century or at the beginning of the 11^th century, they began to celebrate the Divine Office and the Eucharist for All the Faithful Departed. First, it was in the Benedictine Abbey of Cluny—the celebration was established on November 2. Before the Council of Trent they could choose the readings of Mass from several that were proposed. In the Missal of Pius V, there were established readings. Since 1915, every priest may celebrate three Masses on this day. The Latin Lectionary promulgated after Vatican II proposes the choice of readings from more than forty of the Masses for the dead. The Lectionary in the Polish language has a stable nine readings for three Masses. In other countries, there are large differences in the choice of readings. The principal theme of the biblical texts is the Paschal mystery surrounding the death, resurrection and eternal life of Christ and all the faithful.