Here's An All Souls Day Pilgrimage That You Can Make at Home
Earlier this month, we presented you with a unique opportunity: a DIY Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary pilgrimage that you can complete at home.
We received so much positive feedback that we want to try it again, only this time, with All Souls Day on November 2nd.
Just as Our Lady of the Rosary, we are offering two distinct types of pilgrimages: one for families and one for solo pilgrims/couples. We pray that this DIY All Souls Day pilgrimage will deepen your faith and make this most holy of days even more sacred.
Photo by Isai Matus: https://www.pexels.com/photo/candles-at-night-14288076/
The Pilgrimage Journey for Families
Note: Before you begin, prepare a prayer space with a Crucifix, candles (one for each family member, if possible), and photos of deceased loved ones (or write their names on slips of paper), Gather your rosaries and a Bible.
Departure – Offering the Day for the Souls in Purgatory
Location: Begin at the front door or family altar.
Prayer: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.”
Action: Light a candle for all the faithful departed.
Stop 1: Remembering Our Loved Ones
Scripture: Wisdom 3:1–6 (“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God…”)
Pray: 1 decade of the Rosary (Glorious Mysteries, 1st Mystery – The Resurrection)
Reflect: Share memories of family members or friends who have passed away.
Family Idea: Place their photos or names near the candle. Younger kids can draw a picture of heaven.
Stop 2: Praying for the Forgotten Souls
Scripture: 2 Maccabees 12:44–45 (praying for the dead)
Pray: 1 decade of the Rosary (Glorious Mysteries, 2nd Mystery – The Ascension)
Reflect: Not all souls have someone to pray for them. Today, your family can be their spiritual family.
Family Idea: Write “forgotten souls” on a paper and place it at the altar, offering prayers for them.
Stop 3: Trusting in Christ’s Mercy
Scripture: John 14:1–3 (“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places…”)
Pray: 1 decade of the Rosary (Glorious Mysteries, 3rd Mystery – The Descent of the Holy Spirit)
Reflect: Heaven is our true home. How can we prepare our hearts here on earth?
Family Idea: Each family member can share one way they want to grow closer to Jesus this week.
Stop 4: Hope in Eternal Life
Scripture: John 11:25–26 (“I am the resurrection and the life…”)
Pray: 1 decade of the Rosary (Glorious Mysteries, 4th Mystery – The Assumption)
Reflect: Death is not the end. Through Christ, we have eternal life.
Family Idea: Place a flower at the crucifix or holy image to symbolize hope in resurrection.
Pilgrimage Meal
Share a simple family meal in silence (bread, soup, or something humble).
Offer it for the souls in purgatory.
Closing Ritual
Pray the Eternal Rest Prayer three times:
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.Conclude with the Hail, Holy Queen.
Optional: If near a cemetery, end the pilgrimage by visiting graves and praying there.
Ideas for making your pilgrimage even more special
Candle Lighting Ceremony
Each family member lights a candle for someone they want to remember.
Dinner
Share a simple family meal in silence (bread, soup, or something humble), and offer it for the souls in purgatory.
Memory Sharing
Tell a favorite story of a loved one who has died.
Acts of Mercy
Donate food or clothing in memory of someone who has passed.
Final Blessing
“May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. And may we, too, live in hope of the resurrection to come. Amen.”
Photo by Barış Karagöz : https://www.pexels.com/photo/illuminated-religious-icon-in-ornate-setting-30122236/
The Pilgrimage Journey for Solo Pilgrims or Couples
Note: Before you begin, we recommend creating a simple prayer space with a crucifix, candle, and a picture or written names of deceased loved ones. Have your Bible and rosary at hand and consider setting aside 1–2 hours in the morning or evening for prayerful stillness.
Departure – Offering the Day for the Dead
Light a candle and pray:
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.”Intention: Offer your time of prayer today for the repose of souls in purgatory.
Stop 1: Remembering Loved Ones
Scripture: Wisdom 3:1–6
Prayer: 1 decade of the Rosary (Glorious Mysteries, 1st Mystery – The Resurrection)
Reflection: Recall loved ones who have passed. How did their lives bear witness to Christ?
Activity: Write their names in a journal or prayer book, or speak their names aloud in prayer.
Stop 2: Praying for the Forgotten Souls
Scripture: 2 Maccabees 12:44–45
Prayer: 1 decade of the Rosary (Glorious Mysteries, 2nd Mystery – The Ascension)
Reflection: Not all souls have someone to pray for them. How might your intercession be a great act of mercy today?
Activity: Offer a prayer specifically for “the most forgotten soul in purgatory.”
Stop 3: Trusting in Christ’s Mercy
Scripture: John 14:1–3
Prayer: 1 decade of the Rosary (Glorious Mysteries, 3rd Mystery – The Descent of the Holy Spirit)
Reflection: What are the areas of your life where you most need to trust God’s mercy?
Activity: Journal about one burden you wish to entrust to Christ’s Sacred Heart.
Stop 4: Hope in Eternal Life
Scripture: John 11:25–26
Prayer: 1 decade of the Rosary (Glorious Mysteries, 4th Mystery – The Assumption)
Reflection: Christ’s promise of eternal life transforms grief into hope. How do you live each day in light of eternity?
Activity: Place a flower near your crucifix or image of Our Lady as a symbol of your hope in the Resurrection.
Closing Ritual
Pray the Eternal Rest Prayer three times.
Conclude with the Hail, Holy Queen.
Optional: If you are able, visit a cemetery to pray for the dead (which also grants a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions).
Ideas for making your pilgrimage even more special
Singles/Young Adults
Offer a Rosary walk around your neighborhood, praying for those who have died in your community.
Retirees
Write down stories or memories of departed loved ones as a way of honoring their lives and passing down their witness of faith.
Couples
Light a candle together for each family you represent and pray for the repose of your ancestors.
Final Blessing
“May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”