12,000 Catholics Gather in Dhaka to Pray for the Departed on All Souls’ Day

Around 12,000 Catholics gathered at Holy Rosary Church, popularly known as Tejgaon Church, in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, on November 2 to commemorate All Souls’ Day, offering prayers for deceased family members and reflecting on the Christian hope of eternal life.

Three Holy Masses were celebrated at the church during the day, according to Tejgaon Parish, drawing thousands of faithful who came to remember their departed loved ones and pray for the souls of the dead.

Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze, OMI, of Dhaka presided over the principal Mass and urged Catholics to pray for the dead, forgive others, and live with hope in Christ.

In his homily, the archbishop explained the Catholic belief in Purgatory and the importance of prayers for those undergoing purification before entering heaven.

“We believe in Purgatory. We can assist those who are in Purgatory by praying that God may forgive their sins,” he said.

He reminded the congregation that death is not the end but a passage to eternal life through Jesus Christ.

“Death is not a wall; it is a door. Through His own death, Jesus opened this door, and we must follow in His footsteps,” he said.

Encouraging the faithful to become people of hope and love, Archbishop D’Cruze said that belief in Jesus should shape how Christians treat one another.

“For those who believe in Jesus, there is no true death. We are a people of hope. We should live our lives in such a way that we become people of love. If we harbor anger toward anyone, or if someone has wronged us, we must choose to forgive,” he said.

“Our lives may be short, but the fruits of our actions endure. By doing good for others, the path to heaven becomes easier,” he added.

Quoting St. John Paul II, the archbishop said, “There are two ways to reach heaven: through faith in Jesus and through love for one’s neighbor.”

He also encouraged Catholics to dedicate November to praying for the departed, attending Holy Mass, and praying the Rosary.

Among those attending was dancer Jhoton Silvester Serao, who offered prayers for his deceased parents and two brothers.

“My mother, father, and two brothers have passed away. Today, I prayed with deep devotion, asking God to forgive their sins and grant them a place in heaven,” he told RVA News.

He said the archbishop’s homily, particularly his appeal for forgiveness, had also inspired him.

“I was also inspired by Archbishop Bejoy’s homily, especially his call to forgive others so that we, too, may receive forgiveness for our sins,” he added.

Ruby Rosario, a homemaker, said she prayed for her deceased relatives and reflected on the significance of remembering the dead.

“I have prayed for the souls of my relatives who are in Purgatory,” she said.

She added that visiting a cemetery reminded her of human mortality and the need to prepare for life after death.

“It encourages reflection on the afterlife and helps