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All Souls’ Day is a Christian observance that takes place every November, when we pause to remember those who have come before us and reflect on our own mortality. On Sunday, November 1 at 4 p.m., Victoria’s Christ Church Cathedral will hold a Solemn Eucharist for All Souls’ Day, which all are warmly welcome to join either in person or via the livestream. As part of this service, The Choirs of Christ Church Cathedral will sing Maurice Duruflé's Requiem; rooted in Duruflé’s own spirituality, this choral masterpiece is at once reflective, contemplative and hopeful. The choirs will be directed by Donald Hunt, with Mark McDonald as organist.  

As an act of remembrance, members of the public will be invited to say the names of their departed loved ones during the service as they drop pebbles into a vase of overflowing water. The displacement of water serves as a reminder that our loved ones remain joined to us through Christ's death and resurrection.  

For those who wish to undertake a personal act of devotion during this season of remembrance, there will be a Prayer Tree stationed inside the cathedral from October 30 to November 10. Visitors are invited to write the names of their departed loved ones on labels and hang the labels on the tree. The cathedral’s opening times can be found here.  

The Very Reverend Jonathan Thomas, Dean and Rector of Christ Church Cathedral, said: 

“All are welcome to come to Christ Church Cathedral this weekend and remember those who have died. You may wish to join the Solemn Eucharist for All Souls’ Day and find beauty and meaning in its music and texts, or you may wish to come and sit in quiet prayer and contemplation. May you find peace in this sacred space, and in the knowledge of God’s eternal love in life and in death.” 

Donald Hunt, Director of Music at Christ Church Cathedral, added:  

“Duruflé’s Requiem is an extraordinary piece of music and it is an honour to be offering it on All Souls’ Day this year. We hope it might bring comfort, hope and an opportunity to remember all those who have come before us.”  

The Solemn Eucharist for All Souls’ Day will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Christ Church Cathedral. As with all the cathedral’s services, it is free to attend and everyone is welcome.  

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ABOUT   

Christ Church Cathedral, located on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen peoples, is the episcopal seat of the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of British Columbia, which includes Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The cathedral has a large parish community and contributes to the cultural, social and spiritual life of Capital Regional District residents and visitors.  The Gothic cathedral, one of Canada’s largest churches, was designed in 1896. www.christchurchcathedral.bc.ca 

Contact: 

Ellie Fells, Director of Communications and Community Engagement 

efells@christchurchcathedral.bc.ca | 250-216-5587