As Dominicans, we have a special love for those who have gone before us. Prayers for the dead are a frequent element of Dominican life. Each day, before we enter the refectory for dinner and supper we pray together the psalm De Profundis offered for deceased sisters, for deceased parents of the sisters, and deceased benefactors of the Order. This psalm, Psalm 130, conveys the anguish of one who from his very depths is crying out to God. He stands as one who has turned to God as His hope and salvation, begging God to incline his ears, to be attentive to his plea. In the second half of the psalm there is a shift from the individual person to the community. The psalmist unites himself with the entire community of Israel. In the same way, as we pray for our beloved dead, we stand as a community, hopeful of God’s steadfast love.

The month of November brings an opportunity for a special focus on the holy souls. During the month, the community prays together the 20 mysteries of the Rosary and observes the Commemoration of the Deceased Brothers and Sisters of the Order on November 8th. Other prayers for the deceased include the weekly Libera Procession as well as prayers for the deceased or dying at Compline each evening, and the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary two days each week.