Combination of All Saints/All Souls Mass

[H_Opey]

I am asking this for someone else.

Is there anything wrong with combining the two Masses? Instead of homily having people come forward and light candles for their loved ones that have died?
I have my gut feelings, but was asked to post it.
Thanks.

 

[1ke]

These are two distinct feasts-- related but not interchangeable. They should not be combined.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I am asking this for someone else.

Is there anything wrong with combining the two Masses? Instead of homily having people come forward and light candles for their loved ones that have died?
I have my gut feelings, but was asked to post it.
Thanks.

I believe because it is a Holy Day of Obligation a homily is required. No you cannot combine the two celebrations. They are two distinctly separate liturgical days.

 

[benedictgal]

It also shows a very poor understanding of the significance of these two feasts. The Solemnity of All Saints reminds us of the Church Triumphant, those saints, known and unknown, who have suffered through tribulations and are now rejoicing in the heavenly Jerusalem. That is why we have the reading from Revelation.

The Feast of All Souls reminds us of the Church Suffering, those who are still in Purgatory, awaiting release. It is a good and holy thing to pray for the souls of the deceased, as indicated in the second book of Maccabbees (sorry for the spelling). All too often, our funeral liturgies turn into “celebrations of the life of” the deceaed and can take on some weird canonization. We forget that we are all sinners. Praying for our deceased relatives and friends strengthens the bonds we have with them.