The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls) – November 2, 2025
One of our most underused liturgical treasures is the Litany of Saints. Most of us pray it only at the Easter Vigil, unless there are no baptisms and the font is not to be blessed. We get a shortened form of it at infant baptisms. If you’re lucky enough to participate in an ordination, consecration to religious life, blessing of an abbot or abbess, or dedication of a church or altar, you get another opportunity to pray it.
However, there are many times in the liturgical year when we can pray the Litany of Saints. For example, it is recommended as the entrance song for the First Sunday of Lent. And it would be appropriate for the Solemnity of All Saints as a processional during the Mass.
With All Souls falling this year on a Sunday, you might imagine some creative ways to incorporate a sung litany of names of the parish’s deceased that parallels the Litany of Saints used the day before.
With All Souls falling this year on a Sunday, you might imagine some creative ways to incorporate a sung litany of names of the parish’s deceased that parallels the Litany of Saints used the day before. Skilled cantors could adapt a simple chanted tone for each name while the assembly responds with a familiar acclamation or psalm response.
Look to the Order of Christian Funerals for sung response ideas, especially Part III, which contains antiphons and psalms, or utilize other short refrains, such as those from Taizé or familiar settings of “Kyrie eleison” or “Lord, have mercy.”
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