All Souls Novena – 9 Days of Prayer

Nine-day novena for the souls in Purgatory — traditionally prayed October 24 through November 1

The All Souls Novena prays for the faithful departed, traditionally from October 24 to November 1 so that it leads into All Souls Day on November 2. It reflects the Catholic belief that prayer helps those who are being purified after death. It is a loving way to remember your parents, friends and unknown souls. Many families also visit graves during this time. You do not need to know how to describe purgatory to pray well; a simple request for mercy and rest is enough. The nine days also invite you to forgive the dead and to prepare your own heart. Keep a candle lit as you pray, and name your dead aloud.

All Souls Day (November 2) · November 29 daysfeast

A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (November 2) and finish on its eve. You can pray this novena at any time of year.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play

All Souls Novena – prayer for all nine days

Intention: For All the Faithful Departed, Especially Those Most Forgotten

Eternal Father, we offer You the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins and for those of the poor souls in Purgatory.

Eternal God, God of the living and the dead, I come before You on behalf of those who can no longer pray for themselves — the souls in Purgatory who wait for the fullness of Your presence.

I pray especially for those who have no one left to pray for them: the long-forgotten, the abandoned, those whose names no living person can recall. And I pray for those dear to me who have gone before me in faith — that they may quickly be purified and enter at last into Your eternal joy.

(Pause here to name those you are praying for)

Through the merits of Your Son Jesus Christ, whose Precious Blood was poured out for the forgiveness of sins — grant mercy to all the faithful departed. May they rest in peace. May they see Your face. May they rejoice forever in the light You have prepared for them.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...

Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.

Traditional Catholic Prayer · Prayed October 24 – November 1. All Souls Day is November 2.

More novenas

Frequently asked questions

When should I start the All Souls Novena?

Begin on October 24, so the ninth day is November 1, the eve of All Souls Day on November 2. You may also pray it at other times for someone who has died.

How do I pray the All Souls Novena?

Pray the daily prayer once a day and name the person you want to remember.

Who is the All Souls Novena for?

It is for the bereaved and for anyone who wants to pray for the dead.

Pray this novena with daily reminders in the Sacred Novenas app

Open in the app App Store Google Play