The Souls in Purgatory are powerless to help themselves. They cannot do penance, nor offer satisfaction, nor gain indulgences, nor receive the Sacraments. They cannot pray for themselves. We, who are still on earth, can share with them the Graces which God so generously and abundantly gives us.
In consideration of our future prayers, God deigns to grant to a dying sinner good dispositions which secure him the salvation of his soul.
Pieve di San Cassiano di Controni - Purgatorio Death separates us; it breaks the earthly tie which binds this one to the other, but it cannot break the spiritual tie which unites one soul to another – one heart to another.
The souls of the Just do not leave us; if we desire it they still remain with us, affording us and indescribable but very effective solace. Let us recall them frequently by our prayers, by our aspirations, and by our good works which will help them and will help us to gain Heaven.
Is not the memory of the dead sweet to the heart, and is it not truly consoling to gather about us in thought the family dispersed by death?
Coming off of the month of the Holy Angels, Mother Church closes our mediation on the deathless angelic spirits by turning our minds to our own mortal nature. November is particularly devoted to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. The beautiful chants and prayers traditionally associated with the Mass for the Dead remind us forcefully of the reality of purgatory, and through them plead with the Father that the Holy Souls may soon see His Face. In the far-famed Dies Irae, we give the Church our voice in the liturgy to beg Our Lord’s mercy upon the Holy Souls in Purgatory; but perhaps even more so upon us, who are not assured of our salvation as they are.
First Day During this month are foremost thought is to recall to mind our beloved dead. We shall think of you, pray with you, labor with you, and shall give to the poor for the repose of your soul, that portion of the fruits of our daily labors which was formally yours.
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