Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Beloved Children of God:

In a letter addressing the faithful for All Souls Day, Bishop John Noonan of the Diocese of Orlando reflected on the significance of commemorating all the faithful departed. He highlighted that the Scripture readings for this day emphasize God's enduring love and mercy, describing how believers are called to trust in God and live through Him.

Bishop Noonan wrote, "The Scripture readings for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, commonly known as All Souls Day, are rich in imagery professing God’s love for us. The Scripture describe God’s everlasting faith in each one of us and while we receive salvation, we are compelled to trust in God and to live through, with and in God. The us when we abide with God in love. We are given grace and mercy, and His care of each one is everlasting."

He noted that observing All Souls Day immediately after All Saints’ Day serves as a reminder of the value of life and community within faith. “It is fitting that we commemorate all the faithful departed the day after the Solemnity of All Saints. By their example, we come to understand the gift of life given through God and the sacred treasure of each person. Through the stories we carry in our heart, we pray, we receive Jesus the Eucharist, we bear God’s love openly, and we become a part of salvation history. We live all our days to imbue each person we encounter with the holiness which comes from faith-filled living,” he stated.

The bishop emphasized that God's love transcends time: "God’s love does not begin or end with any person for God’s love is everlasting. Jesus Christ is yesterday, today and forever as Jesus tells us that He is present to do the Father’s will. He leads us to understand that docility to the Father involves suffering and glory. Jesus is accepted and rejected, often by the same people at different times. The saints and the faithful departed lead us as Jesus does. They show us the trappings of human treasure and the blessedness of God’s love. They break open the beatitudes so that we know how to live faithfully."

He encouraged reflection on those considered holy: “Ponder the people in your life who you consider holy, the people who you wish to emulate, who you ‘want to be like.’ My guess is that their example is similar to those in my own life... They smile at people as they walk by... They treasure life, from conception to natural death... When they walk into the room, God enters with them.”

Bishop Noonan also referenced Pope Leo XIV: “Pope Leo XIV said, ‘God forgives, lifts up, and restores trust,’ and so we are also called to do.” He continued quoting Pope Leo XIV: “‘This is the heart of the mission of Church: not to administer power over others but to communicate joy…’ After His Resurrection… Peace be with you.’ Pope Leo XIV reminds us… ‘He asks us likewise be witnesses of His peace.’”

The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968. It currently includes 79 parishes across Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia Counties under Bishop John Noonan's leadership.

Bishop Noonan concluded his message by urging everyone: “May we live all our days abiding in God with love.”