Prayers for the Faithful Departed

 It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, 

that they may be loosed from sins."--2 Machabees 12:46

The Holy Souls are those who have died in the state of grace but who are not yet free from all punishment due to their unforgiven venial sins and all other sins already forgiven for which satisfaction is still to be made. They are certain of entering Heaven, but first they must suffer in Purgatory. The Holy Souls cannot help themselves because for them the night has come, when no man can work (John 9:4). It is our great privilege that we can shorten their time of separation from God by our prayers, good works, and, especially, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

The doctrine of Purgatory gives to Catholics comfort and joy. They feel the black gulf of death is bridged across, and they are still knit together to those near and dear to them in the bonds of love and sympathy. The sting of death and the sharpness of its sorrow is mitigated by the thought that they are still bound to these departed by the golden chain of prayer.

The Council of Trent told us "That there is a Purgatory and that the souls there detained are assisted by the most acceptable sacrifice of the altar."

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Invocation for the Holy Souls

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

(Indulgence of 300 days, applicable only to the holy souls. (582)

For the Holy Souls in Purgatory

My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine agony in the Garden, in Thy scourging and crowning with thorns, in the way to Calvary, in Thy crucifixion and death, have mercy on the souls in purgatory, and especially on those that are most forsaken; do Thou deliver them from the dire torments they endure; call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in paradise.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Eternal rest, etc. (Indulgence of 500 days. (596))

A Prayer for Deceased Parents

O God, Who hast commanded us to honor our father and our mother, in Thy mercy have pity on the souls of my father and mother, and forgive them their trespasses, and make me to see them again in the joy of everlasting brightness. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen

(The Roman Missal)



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A Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory

O most gentle Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on the souls of Thy departed servants. Be not severe in Thy judgments, but let some drops of Thy Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames. And do Thou, O Merciful Saviour, send Thy holy angels to conduct them to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen

Indulgenced Ejaculations Specific 

to the Holy Souls in Purgatory