A depiction of the Holy Family, featuring Mary smiling while holding the infant Jesus, with Joseph looking on lovingly. Soft light illuminates the scene, highlighting their expressions.

To gather round the Bethlehem grotto contemplating there the Holy Family, enables us to appreciate the gift of family intimacy in a special way, and spurs us to offer human warmth and concrete solidarity in those unfortunately numerous situations which, for various reasons, lack peace, harmony, in a word, lack “family”.

— Pope St. John Paul II

Painting titled 'The Trinity with Souls in Purgatory' by Corrado Giaquinto, created around 1740, depicting a religious scene involving the Trinity and souls in purgatory.

Text displays the word 'Welcome!' in a stylized font.

Welcome to Those Who Mourn, an online magazine for grieving Catholics.

Grieving takes time, and there are many different kinds of losses to grieve as we journey through this Vale of Tears.

We hope this resource allows you to slow down from the busyness of everyday life and carve out some time to process your pain. Soak in the goodness, truth, and beauty that our faith has to offer, and find therein a balm for your soul.

A 19th-century painting titled 'Modlitwa (Prayer)' by Stanisław Dębicki, depicting a somber figure in prayer, reflecting on suffering and devotion.

A Method of Conversing Continually and Lovingly With God

A woman in historical attire kneels at a table, praying with her hands clasped. The scene is dimly lit, with a background featuring a window and a vase of flowers.

by St. Alphonsus de Liguori

An image featuring a religious quote by St Alphonsus Liguori, emphasizing themes of love, prayer, and devotion.

Artistic text banner saying 'From the Editor' in elegant script font

Statue of a crowned child figure dressed in ornate garments, holding a globe in one hand and raising the other hand in a gesture.

Finding Peace in a Turbulent World

Eileen Tully shares what helps her to trust in Jesus in the midst of troubled times.

Artwork depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus with a rosary, painted by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, circa 1670s.

A heart shape drawn on a foggy window with raindrops, creating a romantic and moody atmosphere.

Navigating Valentine’s Day When You’re Grieving

Nichole Haugen shares practical ways to navigate this season of love when your heart is broken.

Silhouette of two balloons, one red and one black, against a softly lit curtain with sunlight streaming in.

The First Birthday We Carry in our Hearts

Allison Brown shares the pain of missing her twins on what should be a joyful day.

A decorative banner with the text 'Prayers & Hymns' in an elegant font.

The month of February is devoted to the Holy Family and is the start of the Lenten season. This month’s hymn and prayer help us to meditate on the theme of sacrifice as we reflect on family life and God’s mercy.

A scene depicting Joseph, Mary, and the child Jesus in a workshop. Joseph is working on a woodworking project, while Mary sits contemplatively. Jesus is pointing towards a tool, suggesting involvement in the craft.

Daily Prayer Before a Picture of the Holy Family

A reminder of the holiness of home life

A religious artwork depicting the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross, with Mary and another figure standing on either side, against a landscape background.

God of Mercy and Compassion

A penitential hymn for Lent

Quote from St Alphonsus Liguori reflecting on love and prayer.

Image of a quote from St. Alphonsus Liguori about seeking divine grace.

Painting of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child with a rosary, created by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo in the 1670s.

An open Bible on a wooden surface, with pages turning, focusing on the Book of Psalms.

Verses for the Brokenhearted

Catherine Rider shares Psalms that brought comfort to her heart in grief.

A painting titled 'The Trinity with Souls in Purgatory' by Corrado Giaquinto, created around 1740, depicting a scene with divine figures and souls in a purgatorial context.

Explore previous reader questions below, and if you have a question for a priest about the Church’s teaching on grief or death, you can submit it here.

Dear Father, how can we help the souls in Purgatory?

Dear Father, does grieving imply a lack of faith?

Dear Father, What is Extreme Unction?

Dear Father: What is redemptive suffering?

The Trinity with Souls in Purgatory, a painting by Corrado Giaquinto, created around 1740.

An illustration featuring the text of Romans 8:37-39, surrounded by a decorative border on a red background.

Coming up this month inside the Online Community:

A painting titled 'Modlitwa (Prayer)' by Stanisław Dębicki from 1887, depicting a somber religious scene.

A serene winter landscape featuring snow-covered paths and trees with bare branches, illuminated by soft sunlight. A woman dressed in historical clothing stands on the path, surrounded by a tranquil and picturesque setting. — **Why January is so Hard: Grief After the Holidays**

A person holding an open book, likely a Bible, with text visible, surrounded by blurred flowers in the background. — **Living With Grief**

A person sitting in front of a computer with their head in their hands, expressing frustration or stress. — **Forgotten Fathers of Child Loss**

A cozy interior scene featuring a green armchair draped with a textured blanket, a small wooden table with a glass bottle, and a sunlit window showcasing greenery outside. — **Go Home, My Love**

A somber painting depicting two women in dark clothing, one seated and comforting the other who has her head down on a table, with a window showing a coastal scene in the background. — **Take All the Time You Need**

A dramatic painting depicting the Last Judgment, featuring Christ seated in the center, surrounded by angels and saints, with people ascending and descending in the clouds, illustrating the themes of salvation and judgment. — **Dies Irae**

A person in prayer before a beautifully ornate monstrance, illuminated by soft light, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere. — **Adoro Te Devote**

A historical painting depicting the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, surrounded by three figures: a bearded man with a golden crown, an elderly man with a white beard, and a young man presenting gifts. — **Brightest and Best**

A painting depicting the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus, surrounded by angels and representatives of various figures in prayer. The scene conveys a sense of reverence and holiness, set against a colorful sky. — **O Queen of the Holy Rosary**

Those Who Mourn is a labor of love for grieving Catholics, but there are costs associated with maintaining and running it. If you find this resource to be helpful, would you please consider supporting it financially?

Our hope for 2026 includes increasing advertising for greater reach, and a printed quarterly subscription that could also be distributed to parishes for their bereaved parishioners. Please consider supporting us in any amount to help us make these hopes a reality.

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