Robert Richardson's near constant use of his 'halo' lighting

As everyone familiar with DP Richardson's work will attest, the guy is obviously very fond of lighting actors in such a a way as to make them appear enveloped in halos, with the lighting radiating brilliantly from their faces, the tops and backs of their heads, or their hands.

On this movie, Richardson uses it--and how!--in almost every single scene.

Does anyone think that he and Scorsese did this on purpose, perhaps to visually emphasize the theme of dead souls ascending to heaven?