By Fr. Gerald E. Murray, First Things - Praying for all the dead on November 2 is a communal act of supernatural charity by the Church Militant for the Church Suffering, praying in union with the Church Triumphant for all those being made ready for heaven. The ancient practice of using black vestments teaches us that death is sorrowful, and that mourning is not a mistaken emotional indulgence, but rather a deeply human expression of love for those who have gone before us.