Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

In November, Catholics traditionally focus on praying for the deceased. This practice is part of their faith, though it occurs year-round during every Mass. A common question arises about whether the dead communicate with the living through signs, such as seeing a cardinal bird.

Catholic teachings emphasize that attempting to contact the dead directly through means like Ouija boards or séances is against the First Commandment and considered a mortal sin. Such activities may attract malevolent entities rather than deceased loved ones. Instead, Catholics are encouraged to pray and communicate with the dead through God.

The idea of communication from the deceased often involves saints or figures like the Blessed Mother appearing to deepen faith in Jesus. Examples include apparitions like Our Lady of Guadalupe. These instances serve spiritual purposes rather than personal reassurance.

Some people believe that cardinals signify a deceased loved one's presence due to their association with Church officials called cardinals, known for their red attire resembling a miter. However, this belief is not officially recognized by the Church as representing souls of the dead.

Father Mike Schmitz suggests that if seeing a cardinal prompts prayer for someone's soul, it can be positive. Yet relying on such signs as tests of faith contradicts Catholic teachings, which maintain that believers are connected to those who have passed away through the Communion of Saints without needing tangible signs.