The Archdiocese of Miami recently celebrated All Souls Day on Tuesday with two separate masses, which allowed more parishioners to attend, depending on where they live. 

One mass was at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Doral, celebrated by Archbishop Thomas Wenski. The other was at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church in North Lauderdale, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Enrique Delgado. Both were held at 10 a.m.

“Today, we offer our prayers in a special way for our loved ones and all who have died in the hope of the resurrection. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them,” the tweet from the Archdiocese of Miami said.

Although the final destination of a man or woman of God is heaven, the Catholic doctrine of purgatory teaches that all those who die in a state of friendship with God, though ultimately heading to heaven, could go first to purgatory to be separated from any sins that they are still attached to at the time of their deaths.

In 2 Maccabees Chapter 12 verses 44-45 strong biblical proof is offered for purgatory. 

“For had he not expected the fallen to rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead, where if he had in view the splendid recompense reserved for those who make a pious end, the thought was holy and devout," it reads.  "Hence he had this expiatory sacrifice offered for the dead, so that they might be released from their sin.” 

According to Britannica, “Roman Catholic doctrine holds that the prayers of the faithful on Earth will help cleanse these souls in order to fit them for the vision of God in heaven, and the day is dedicated to prayer and remembrance. Requiem masses are commonly held, and many people visit and sometimes decorate the graves of loved ones.”