: To offer intercession for those who died in God’s grace but still require cleansing from "lesser" or venial sins before entering the full presence of God in heaven.
: Catholic doctrine views the Church as a single family in three states: the Church Triumphant (saints in heaven), the Church Militant (believers on earth), and the Church Suffering (souls in purgatory). Historical Origins
The day is rooted in the belief that the prayers of the living can assist the souls of the deceased who are in a state of purification, often referred to as .
All Souls' Day: A Commemoration of the Faithful Departed All Souls' Day, observed annually on , is a significant Christian day of prayer and remembrance dedicated to the "faithful departed" . While it is most prominent in Roman Catholicism, it is also observed by Anglicans and some Lutheran denominations. Theological Significance
The practice of praying for the dead dates back to early Christianity and the Old Testament (2 Maccabees). All Souls' Day - Article - The Abbot's Circle
