The Souls in Purgatory

This month of November, we recall and pray for the souls in Purgatory. These are souls of people who have died and are not yet perfect for heaven; they may not yet have fully atoned for their sins. I am pretty sure we have someone we know there. Many Catholics write down the names of their loved ones or people they know who have passed away and give it to their parish priest to remember them during mass. There is also the nine day visit to the cemetery, starting on November the first and ending on the eight day of this month. The Catholic Church offers a special plenary indulgence for cemetery visits on those specific days under the usual requirements. Such visits only takes a few minutes, and such souls never forget the help given and almost sure to return the favor someday. The Bible tells us that "It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins." (2 Maccabees 12:46).

Prayer for the dead  is one of the greatest acts of charity we can do, to help those who are still in Purgatory, so that they can enter more quickly enter into the fullness of heaven. These souls cannot help themselves; however, we are in  a position to help them. The saints in heaven can also help them by their prayers. We can also offer sacrifices to assist them in either lessening their pains or shorten their stay. It is very possible that  by performing the requirements of the indulgence, you can obtain the entrance into Heaven of a soul who is currently suffering in Purgatory.

The main prayer for the souls of the dead:

Eternal Rest

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls and all of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.