Catholics have traditionally dedicated November to prayer for the souls in Purgatory, especially on All Souls’ Day. To encourage efficacious prayer for the departed, the Church grants a plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions, to Catholics who visit a cemetery from November 1-8 and pray for the dead. The indulgence can be gained once each day during that period; outside these dates, a partial indulgence is available.

For the past three years, I have urged the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to ask the Holy See to extend this plenary indulgence to November 11, either as a single day or by including it in the existing period. My reason: November 11 is Veterans Day, a day honoring those who have fallen in service to the United States. I propose that the indulgence be specifically dedicated to the repose of the souls of military personnel who gave their “last full measure of devotion.” (I’d also suggest pastors set the tradition of reserving one Mass annually on November 11 for the faithful departed military of that parish.)

The date itself carries profound symbolism. November 11 was originally Armistice Day, marking the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, when the “Great War” (World War I) ended. The horrors of that War left such a scar on the Western mind that the date of its end was irrevocably connected to the honor of those who gave their lives in battle. Honoring the dead on this day links civic gratitude with spiritual efficacy, reminding us that Catholic prayer carries eternal benefit beyond what flowers or ceremonies can achieve.

My inspiration comes from two sources: Catholic teaching and a story about St. Padre Pio. As Catholics, we affirm the communion of saints and the efficacy of prayers for the dead — principles often downplayed or denied by non-Catholics. Padre Pio reportedly experienced the joy of souls released from Purgatory after Mass. One evening at his monastery, the friars heard cheering outside after the gates were locked. When they looked, no one was present. Padre Pio explained that these were soldiers, freed from Purgatory through his Mass, finally marching to the fulness of the Beatific Vision. Accounts like this remind us that our prayers and indulgences can profoundly aid the souls of the faithful departed.

Warfare is harsh, suffering immense, and temptations great. Yet nothing less than holiness enters God’s presence. Should we not, then, offer our suffrages and indulgences to those who gave their lives for country and conscience, hastening their way to the Beatific Vision?

Three years ago I proposed this idea to Archbishop Timothy Broglio, USCCB President, and to Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, given the presence of Arlington National Cemetery in his diocese. I also suggested coordination with bishops in Canada, England and Wales, and Scotland, since all observe November 11 as a day of remembrance, though involving other episcopal conferences was considered complicated. To date, the proposal has not been adopted. The USCCB will have a new President elected at its Plenary Assembly November 10-13, but Archbishop Broglio remains head of the Military Ordinariate.

I invite readers to participate by reaching out to the bishops or at least printing and sending this essay with their name and address to:

Archbishop Timothy Broglio
USCCB
3211 Fourth St NE
Washington, DC 20017

Bishop Michael Burbidge
Diocesan Center
200 North Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22203

and your local bishop.

Veterans Day provides a unique opportunity to unite our civic gratitude with spiritual action. By extending indulgences to include at least November 11, we can offer the Church’s powerful prayers for those who gave everything for their country, ensuring that the memory of their sacrifice is honored both in heaven and on earth.