MANILA, Oct. 29, 2009— As the country prepares to celebrate All Saints’ and All Souls’ days on Sunday and Monday, respectively, Msgr. Joselito Asis said it is everyone’s responsibility to pray for our departed.

Msgr. Asis, the CBCP’s assistant secretary general, said that the church’s catechism clearly explains the faithful’s responsibility to take part in praying for the eternal repose of the souls of the dearly departed.

He explained the role of the “church militant” that is to actively pray for the “church suffering.”

“As members of the ‘communion of saints,’ being part of the ‘church militant,’ everyone is expected to pray for those in the ‘church suffering’ for them to become members of the ‘church triumphant,” Msgr. Asis explained.

He said lighting candles alone will not do any good if unaccompanied by prayers. He also urged the Catholics to attend Masses and include intentions for the eternal repose of the dearly departed.

“These prayers will at least reduce the time of suffering in purgatory,” the priest added.

The CBCP official said those fervently praying for the dead would also receive indulgence. (Melo M. Acuna)