“Today we observe the great day of prayer for all the faithful
departed, called All Soul’s Day. Indeed, the whole month of
November is set aside for prayer for the souls in Purgatory.

The existence of Purgatory, and that the souls there can be helped
with our prayers, is an article of the Catholic Faith, and it is the
common teaching of the Church that most of us will have at least
some time in Purgatory before we enter Heaven. The Bible teaches
us: “It is a holy and pious thought to pray for the dead!” Let us be
faithful in rendering this final act of charity to the faithful
departed, especially those among our family and friends.

Indulgenced Acts for the Poor Souls:

A partial indulgence can be obtained by devoutly visiting a cemetery, and praying for the
departed, even if the prayer is only mental.

One can gain a plenary indulgence visiting a cemetery each day between November 1
and November 8. These indulgences are applicable only to the
Souls in Purgatory.

A plenary indulgence, again applicable only the Souls in Purgatory,
is also granted when the faithful piously visit a church or a public
chapel on November 2. In visiting the church or oratory, it is
required, that one Our Father and the Creed be recited.
A partial indulgence, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, can
be obtained when the Eternal Rest (Requiem aeternam) is prayed.
This can be prayed all year, but especially during the month of
November:

Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine
upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the
mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”