LiturgyTools.net: Hymns for November - month of prayer for the Holy Souls

This is a selection of hymns that are appropriate for events during November which are dedicated to the Holy Souls.

The list is divided into two parts: free-use materials that can be freely used with no concerns about copyright (because they are in the public domain), and hymns that may still be copyright depending on the laws in your country.

About November, month of the Holy Souls

As well as All Souls Day which is always on the 2nd of November, the entire month of November is traditionally dedicated as a time of prayer for the Holy Souls. That is, people who have died and are on their way to heaven, but who have not yet attained the fullness of heavenly life. Roman Catholic teaching includes the idea that there are some people who need a further period of suffering and reparation from their sins, and that this time / state is called purgatory - and that this can be shortened by the prayers and good works of people who have not yet died.

The following hymns are suitable for use when praying for the Holy Souls - either people who are recently deceased, or those who died some time ago. They are not based on any particular set of scripture readings (unlikly the Hymns for All Souls day), but around the general ideas of purgatory, reparation, and eventually reaching the heavenly state.

Free-use hymns

Be Still my Soul

By All Your Saints Still Striving - Nelson

Come unto Me, Ye Weary - Dix

Eternal Rest Grant Them we Pray - Wood (choral setting)

Help Lord the Souls that Thou Hast Made - Newman

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

Jerusalem, My Happy Home

Jesus Name of Wondrous Love

Jesus Son of Mary Fount of Life Alone

Lead Kindly Light - Newman

O Lord You Died That All Might Live - Littledale

Send the Light - Gabriel

They Are Waiting For Our Petitions - SND

Ye Souls of the Faithful

Hymns which may still be copyright

Fly like a Bird - Canedo

I Know that My Redeemer Lives (and on that last day)

In Every Age - Whitaker

Holy God, Forget Thine Anger - Pluth

Merciful Saviour Hear our Humble Prayer - M Farrel

My Soul is Longing for your Peace - Deiss

Remember Those O Lord - Quinn

With the Lord - Joncas