Hymns for All Souls Day (Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed - 2 November)

A selection of free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free) hymns and songs, based on themes from the Roman Catholic lectionary for the All Souls Day - formally known as the Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed - usually celebrated on 2 November, covering readings for all three years of the liturgical cycle.

"Free-to-use" means the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing - sometimes in a limited setting.  Many of these hymns are old / traditional - but where possible a variety of styles and genres are included.  A small selection of hymns that are still copyright may also be included, if they are particularly relevant.


Other hymn suggestions are welcome: please leave a comment below.

Readings

First:  Isaiah 25: 6-9 - On this mountain ... he will destroy death forever. ... This is our God in whom we hoped for salvation.

Psalm: 26 -  The Lord is my light and my help / I am sure I shall see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living.

Second: Romans 5:5-11 - Hope is not deceptive - Christ died for us while we were still sinners - we are filled with joyful trust in God.

Gospel:
Year A - Matthew 11:25-30 - Come to me all who labour and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.
Year B - Mark 15:33-39: 161-6  - The crucifixion - in truth this man was a son of God - the empty tomb.
Year C - Luke 7: 11-17 - Raising the widow's son from the dead.

Themes

Remembering and praying for everyone who has died.

Purgatory.  Resurrection,

Free-use hymns

All Ye who Seek a Comfort Sure

Alleluia Sing to Jesus

Blest are the Poor in Heart

Christ Enthroned in Highest Heaven

Come Unto me Ye Weary

Dona Nobis Pacem

Help Lord the Souls that Thou Hast Made

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

I Know that my Redeemer Lives

Jerusalem, My Happy Home

Jesus my Lord my God my All

Jesus, Son of Mary - Palmer

Lead Kindly Light

Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Let Saints on Earth in Concert Sing

My Shepherd will Supply my Need

O God our Help in Ages Past

O Lord you Died that all Might Live - change singular (eg our friend) to plural (eg our friends)

Pray for the Dead - Mueller (ref)

Shall we Gather at the River

The King of Love my Shepherd Is

The Strife is O'er, the Battle Won

There's a Wideness in God's Mercy

Turn to Jesus Mother, Turn - Faber

Unto Him for Whom this Day - Henry (ref)

What Wondrous Love is This

We Walk by Faith

Ye Souls of the Faithful Who Sleep in the Lord

Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones

Hymns which may still be copyright

Come to Me all Who Labour

Grant Them Eternal Rest O Lord - Alstott

Lord of the Living - Kaan

Merciful Savior Hear our Humble Prayer

On that Day

Remember Those, O Lord

Restless is the Heart - Farrell (ref)

There is a Place - Lawton

See also ...

• Hymns about angels

• Church service planning template
• Music selection worksheet