Wednesday, May 31, 2006

What the Saints Say About Purgatory


St. John Chrysostom - “Let us help and commemorate them. If Job’s sons were purified by their father’s sacrifice (Job 1:5), why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them” (Homilies on 1 Corinthians 41:5 [A.D. 392]).

“Weep for those who die in their wealth and who with all their wealth prepared no consolation for there own souls, who had the power to wash away their sins and did not will to do it. Let us weep for them, let us assist them in the extent of our ability, let us think of some assistance for them, small as it may be, yet let us somehow assist them. But how, and in what way? By praying for them and by entreating others to pray for them, by constantly giving alms to the poor on their behalf. Not in vain was it decreed by the apostles that in the awesome mysteries remembrance should be made of the departed. They knew that here there was much gain for them, much benefit, when the entire people stands with hands uplifted, a priestly assembly, and that awesome sacrificial Victim is laid out, how, when we are calling upon God, should we not succeed in their defense? But this is done for those who have departed in the faith, while even the catechumens are not reckoned as worthy of this consolation, but are deprived of every means of assistance except one. And what is that? We may give alms to the poor on their behalf” (Homilies on Philippians 3:9-10 [A.D. 402]}.

St. John Chrysostom also recommends to every Christian family that they have a box at some convenient place in their home and that they put into it pennies, which will be used to have masses said for the Poor Souls.

St. Augustine - “But by the prayers of the Holy Church, and by the salvific sacrifice, and by the alms which are given for their spirits, there is no doubt that the dead are aided, that the Lord might deal more mercifully with them than their sins would deserve. The whole Church observes this practice which was handed down by the Fathers: that it prays for those who have died in the communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, when they are commemorated in their own place in the sacrifice itself; and the sacrifice is offered also in memory of them, on their behalf. If, then, works of mercy are celebrated for the sake of those who are being remembered, who would hesitate to recommend them, on whose behalf prayers to God are not offered in vain? It is not at all to be doubted that such prayers are of profit to the dead; but for such of them as lived before their death in a way that makes it possible for these things to be useful to them after death”.

“Temporal punishments are suffered by some in this life only, by some after death, by some both here and hereafter, but all of them before that last and strictest judgment. But not all who suffer temporal punishments after death will come to eternal punishments, which are to follow after that judgment” (The City of God 21:13 [A.D. 419]}.

St. James the Apostle gives a method of avoiding or lessening our stay in Purgatory. He says: “He who saves a soul saves his own and satisfies for a multitude of sins.”

St. Margaret Mary – “If only you knew with what great longing these holy souls yearn for relief from their suffering. Ingratitude has never entered Heaven.”



St. John Vianney - "We must say many prayers for the souls of the faithful departed, for one must be so pure to enter heaven."

SAINT NICHOLAS OF TOLENTINO
Augustinian Friar Patron of the Souls in Purgatory


Nicholas Gurrutti was born in the village of Sant’ Angelo in Pontano, Italy, in 1245. His parents, middle aged and childless, made a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Nicholas of Bari, their special patron. Shortly thereafter a son was born to them whom they named Nicholas out of gratitude.

At an early age Nicholas was greatly moved by the preaching of an Augustinian, Fr. Reginaldo, prior of the monastery in Sant’ Angelo, and requested admission to the community. He was accepted and made his novitiate in 1261. Nicholas directed all his efforts to being a good religious and priest. Those who knew him saw him as a simple religious, full of charity for his brothers and for God’s people. He devoted himself to prayer and works of penance with such intensity that at times it was necessary for his superiors to impose limitations on him. At one point he had so weakened his body through fasting that he was encouraged to eat a piece of bread signed with the cross and soaked in water to regain his strength.

He was ordained a priest in 1271 and lived in several monasteries of the Order in the ministry of preaching. In 1275 he was sent to Tolentino and remained there for the rest of his life. Nicholas worked to fight the decline of morality and religion which came with the development of city life in the late 13th century. He ministered to the sick and poor and sought out those who became estranged from the Church.

His reputation as a saintly man and a worker of miracles led many people to the monastery of Tolentino. Many of the cures obtained through his prayers were received while he himself was ill.

Nicholas died in Tolentino on September 10, 1305. He was declared a saint and “Protector of the Universal Church” in 1446. In 1884 Nicholas was proclaimed by Pope Leo XIII “Patron of the Souls in Purgatory”.

Nicholas is buried in the basilica in Tolentino which bears his name. His feast is celebrated on September 10th.

The Story of St Lidwina and the Sins of Lust not Expiated

St Lidwina saw in Purgatory a soul that suffered also for mortal sins not sufficiently expiated on earth. The incident is thus related in the Life of the saint.

A man who had been for a long time a slave of the demon of impurity, finally had the happiness of being converted. He confessed his sins with great contrition, but, prevented by death, he had not time to atone by just penance for his numerous sins. Lidwina, who knew him well, prayed much for him.

Twelve years after his death she continued to pray, when, in one of herecstasies, being taken into Purgatory by her angel-guardian, she heard a mournful voice issuing from a deep pit.

"It is the soul of that man" said the angel, "for whom you have prayed with much fervour and constancy." She was astonished to see him so deep in Purgatory twelve years after his death. The angel, seeing her so greatly affected, asked if she was willing to suffer something for his deliverance. "With all my heart," replied the charitable maiden.

From that moment she suffered new pains and frightful torments, which appeared to surpass the strength of human endurance. Nevertheless, she bore them with courage, sustained by a charity stronger than death,until it pleased God to send her relief.

She then breathed as one restored to a new life, and, at the same time, she saw that soul for which she had suffered so much come forth from the abyss as white as snow and take its flight to Heaven.

Taken from: Purgatory Explained Authored by: Father F.X. Shouppe, S.J.

St. Lutgarda and the Preacher John de Lierre

Let us add here a consoling fact, which we find in the life of St. Lutgarda. A celebrated preacher, named John de Lierre, was a man of great piety and well known to our saint. He had made a contract with her, by which they mutually promised that the one who should die first, with the permission of God, should appear to the other.

John was the first to depart this life. Having undertaken a journey to Rome for the arrangement of certain affairs in the interest of the Religious, he met his death among the Alps. Faithful to his promise, he appeared to Lutgarda in the celebrated cloister of Aywieres.

On seeing him, the saint had not the slightest idea that he was dead, and invited him, according to the Rule, to enter the parlor that she might converse with him. "I am no more of this world," he replied, "and I am come here only in fulfillment of my promise."

At these words Lutgarda fell on her knees and remained for some time quite confounded. Then, raising her eyes to her blessed friend, "Why," said she, "are you clothed in such splendor? What does this triple robe signify with which I see you adorned?"

"The white garment," he replied, "signifies virginal purity, which I have always preserved; the red tunic implies the labors and sufferings which have prematurely exhausted my strength; and the blue mantle, which covers all, denotes the perfection of the spiritual life."

Having said these words, he suddenly left Lutgarda, who remained divided between regret for having lost so good a Father, and the joy she experienced on account of his happiness.

From: Purgatory Explained By: Father F.X. Schouppe, S.J.

The Story of St. Lutgarda and the Cistercian Abbot and Pope Innocent

In the Life of St. Lutgarda, written by her contemporary, Thomas de Cantempré, mention is made of a Religious who was otherwise fervent, but who for an excess of zeal was condemned to forty years of Purgatory.

This was an Abbot of the Cistercian Order, named Simon, who held St. Lutgarda in great veneration. The saint, on her part, willingly followed his advice, and in consequence a sort of spiritual friendship formed between them. But the Abbot was not as mild toward his subordinates as he was towards the saint.

Severe with himself, he was also severe in his administration, and carried his exactions in matters of discipline even to harshness, forgetting the lesson of the Divine Master, who teaches us to be meek and humble of heart.

Having died, and whilst St. Lutgarde was fervently praying and imposing penances upon herself for the repose of his soul, he appeared to her, and declared that he was condemned to forty years of Purgatory. Fortunately he had in Lutgarda a generous and powerful friend. She redoubled her prayers and austerities, and having received from God the assurance that the departed soul should soon be delivered, the charitable saint replied, "I will not cease to weep; I will not cease to importune your Mercy until I see
him freed from his pains."

Since I am mentioning St. Lutgarda, ought I to speak of the celebrated apparition of Pope Innocent. I acknowledge the perusal of this incident shocked me, and I would fain pass it over in silence.

I was reluctant to think that a Pope, and such a Pope, had been condemned to so long and terrible a Purgatory. We know that Innocent, who presided at the celebrated Council of Latern in 1215, was one of the greatest Pontiffs who ever filled the chair of St. Peter. His piety and zeal led him to accomplish great things for the Church of God and holy discipline.

How, then, admit that such a man was judged with so great severity at the Supreme Tribunal? How reconcile this revelation of St. Lutgarda with Divine Mercy? I wished, therefore, to treat it as an illusion, and sought for reasons in support of this idea. But I found, on the contrary, that the reality of this apparition is admitted by the gravest authors, and that it is not rejected by any single one. Moreover, the biographer, Thomas de Cantimpré, is very explicit, and at the same time very reserved. "Remark, reader," he writes at the end of his narrative, "that it was from the mouth of the pious Lutgarda herself that I heard of the faults revealed by the defunct, and which I omit here through respect for so great a Pope."

Aside from this, considering the event in itself, can we find any good reason, for calling it into question? Do we not know that God makes no exception of persons--that the Popes appear before His tribunal like the humblest of the faithful--that all the great and the lowly are equal before Him, and that each one
receives according to his works?

Do we not know that those who govern others have a great responsibility, and will have to render a severe account? "A most severe judgment shall be for them that bear rule." It is the Holy Ghost that declares it. (Wisdom vi.6)

Now, Innocent reigned for eighteen years, and during most turbulent times; and, add the Bollandists, is it not written that the judgments of God are inscrutbale, and often very different from the judgments of men? Judica tua abyssus multa. (Psalm xxxv.7)

The reality of this apparition cannot, then, be reasonably called into question. I see no reason for omitting it, since God does not reveal mysteries of this nature for any other purpose than that they should be made known for the edification of His Church.

Pope Innocent died July 16, 1216. The same day he appeared to St. Lutgarda in her monastery at Aywieres, in Brabant. Surprised to see a spectre enveloped in flames, she asked who he was and what he wanted.

"I am Pope Innocent," he replied. "Is it possible that you, our common Father, should be in such a state?" "It is but too true. I am expiating three faults which might have caused my eternal perdition. Thanks to the Blessed Virgin Mary, I have obtained pardon for them, but I have to make atonement. Alas!
It is terrible; and it will last for centuries if you do not come to my assistance. In the name of Mary, who has obtained for me the favor of appealing to you, help me."

With these words he disappeared. Lutgarda announced the Pope's death to her sisters, and together they betook themselves to prayer and penitential works in behalf of the august and venerated Pontiff, whose demise was communicated to them some weeks later from another source.

Taken from: Purgatory Explained Authored by: Father F.X. Schouppe, S.J.
Published by: www.TanBooks.com

St. Malachy and His Sister

St. Bernard highly praises St. Malachy for his devotion towards the souls in Purgatory. When he was a deacon, he loved to assist at the funerals of the poor, accompanying their remains to the cemetery with as much zeal as he ordinarily saw those unfortunate creatures neglected after their death. He had a sister, filled with the spirit of the world who thought her brother degraded himself and his family by associating with the poor. She understood neither Christian Charity nor the excellence of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. He told his sister that she had forgotten the teaching of Jesus and that she would one day repent of her thoughtless words.

His sister died while still young and went to render an account to the Sovereign Judge of the worldly life she had led. St. Malachy offered the Holy Sacrifice for her and prayed much for her. In time, having many others to pray for, he neglected his poor sister. She appeared to her brother during his sleep. He saw her standing in the middle of the area before the church, sad, clad in mourning, and entreating his compassion, complaining that for the last thirty days he had neglected her. He awoke suddenly and remembered in reality it was thirty days since he had celebrated Mass for his sister. On the following day he began anew to offer the Holy Sacrifice for her. Then she appeared to him at the door of the church, kneeling upon the threshold, and lamenting that she was not allowed to enter. He continued his suffrages. Some days later he saw her enter the church and advance as far as the middle of the aisle, without being able to approach the altar. He saw it was necessary to persevere, so he continued to offer the Holy Sacrifice for the repose of her soul. Finally, after a few days he saw her near the altar, clad in magnificent attire, radiant with joy, and free from suffering.

“By this we see,” adds St. Bernard, “how great is the efficacy of the Holy Sacrifice to remit sins, to combat the powers of darkness, and to open the gates of Heaven to those souls which have quitted this earth.”

The Story of St. Peter Claver & Two Women

St. Peter Claver, of the Company of Jesus, Apostle of the Negroes of Carthagena, knew of the Purgatory of two souls, who had led poor and humble lives upon earth; their sufferings were reduced to a few hours. We find the following account of it in the Life of this great servant of God.

He had persuaded a virtuous negress, named Angela, to take into her house another negress named Ursula, who had lost the use of her limbs and was covered with sores.

One day when he went to visit them, as he did from time to time, to hear their confessions and to carry them some little provisions, the charitable host told him with grief that Ursula was at the point of death."No, no," replied the Father, consoling her, "she has yet four days to live, and she will not die until Saturday."

When Saturday came, he said Mass for her intention, and went out to prepare her for death. After spending sometime in prayer, he said to the hostess with an air of confidence, "Be consoled, God loves Ursula; she will die to-day, but she will be only three hours in Purgatory. Let her remember me when she shall be with God, that she may pray for me, and for the one who until now had been a mother to her." She died at noon, and the fulfilment of one part of the prophecy gave great reason for belief in the accomplishment of the other.

Another day, having gone to hear the confession of a poor sick person whom he was accustomed to visit, he learned that she was dead. The parents were extremely afflicted, and he himself, who had not believed her to be so near her end, was inconsolable at the thought of not having been able to assist her in her last moments.

He knelt down to pray by the corpse, then suddenly rising, with a serene countenance he said, "Such a death is more worthy of our envy than our tears; this soul is condemned to Purgatory, but only for twenty-four hours. Let us endeavour to shorten this time by the fervour of our prayers."

Enough has been said on the duration of the pains. We see that they may be prolonged to an appalling degree; even the shortest, if we consider their severity, are long. Let us endeavour to shorten them for others and to mitigate them for ourselves, or better still to prevent them altogether.

Taken from: Purgatory Explained by: Father F.X. Schouppe, S.J.

Bl. Ana of the Angels--a lover of the Holy Souls

Bl. Ana of the Angels, was a Dominican cloistered nun of Peru. Like any Dominican nun worth her salt she lived to a good old age, dying at 90 years of age! Following is a brief account of her life:

Ana de Monteagudo y Ponce de Leon was born in the Peru in the city of Arequipa in 1602. At the age of fourteen Ana was withdrawn from school for a marriage arranged by her father but she resisted vehemently. Persecution by her father and family only served to intensify her decision to become a Dominican nun. St. Catherine of Siena appeared to her and showed her a white habit, saying: "Ana, my child, I have prepared this habit for you. Leave all to God. Nothing will be wanting to you."

Ana's fears vanished and she fled to the monastery of St. Catherine by night. Next morning her irate father rushed to the monastery and heaped verbal abuse on his daughter, humiliating her in front of the nuns and telling her he would never pay the dowry needed for her profession. She was disinherited and abandoned by her father. Eventually, her brother who was a priest, provided the dowry. Once professed in the monastery, Ana's nobility, courage, modesty, prayerfulness, and humility won the heart of the community. She was elected successively novice-mistress, sacristan, and prioress. At a hint of the bishop, she undertook a reform of the community whose worldliness and laxity had begun to cause gossip in the city. However the rigor of her reform aroused lively resentment and even threats of resistance and bodily harm. Heaven blessed the courage of Ana with remarkable charisma. She became universally admired among the people for prophecy, bilocation, supernatural discernment, visions, and miracles. Peruvians and foreigners sought her prayers and counsel.

King Phillip IV of Spain, a Dominican tertiary, appeared to Ana after his death in 1665 asking her intercession and revealed to her later that he entered heaven three days after his death thanks to her prayers. Ana's spiritual life was molded largely on that of St. Nicholas of Tolentino, Patron of Holy Souls. One day she beheld in a vision the Mother of God seated on a golden throne with St. Nicholas and a legion of angels beside her. St. Nicholas conducted her to Purgatory where she saw with horror a great throng of souls crowded together in the purifying flames. The saint said to her: "On earth I helped the Poor Souls; I now consign that noble office to you." The compassionate nun offered to take upon herself the sufferings of the most abandoned souls in Purgatory and God accepted the offer. Although she was by this time 80 years of age, she accepted the unusual apostolate and suffered ten years of moral and physical torments. She was a beautiful model of the purest chastity and of the communion of saints. Ana's decade of atonement, during which she lost her sight completely, was sweetened by periods of divine consolation. Angels came to relieve her suffering and souls from Purgatory appeared at her bedside to thank her for her prayers.

St. Bernard appeared with the Sacred Host for her communion and adoration. St. Nicholas showed her the thousands of souls which had entered heaven thanks to her charity.

Ana died on January 10, 1686 at the age of ninety and when her body was later exhumed it was found incorrupt and fragrant. Many miracles of healing occurred during and after her burial. Pope Paul VI declared her venerable in 1975 and Pope John Paul II beatified her in February of 1985.

The Cause of Suffering, Doctrines of Suarez & St. Catherine of Genoa

Why must souls thus suffer before being admitted to see the face of God? What is the matter, what is the subject of these expiations? What has the fire of Purgatory to purify, to consume in them? It is, say the doctors, the stains left by their sins.

The souls in Purgatory retain not the slightest stain of guilt; the venial guilt which they had at the moment of their death has disappeared in the order of pure charity, with which they are inflammed in the other life, but they still bear the debt of suffering which they had not discharged before death.

This debt proceeds from all the faults committed duing their life, especially from mortal sins remitted as to the guilt, but which they have neglected to expiate by worthy fruits of exterior penance.

Such is the common teaching of theologians, which Suarez sums up in his "Treatise on the Sacrament of Penance”. "We conclude then," he says, "that all venial sins with which a just man dies are remitted as to the guilt, at the moment when the soul is separated from the body, by virtue of an act of love of God, and the perfect contrition which it then excites over all its past faults. In fact, the soul at this moment knows its condition perfectly, and the sins of which it has been guilty before God; at the same time, it is mistress of its faculties, to be able to act.

On the other hand, on the part of God, the most efficacious helps are given to her, that she may act according to the measure of sanctifying grace which she possesses. It follows, then, that in this perfect disposition, the soul acts without the least hesitation. It turns directly towards its God, and finds itself freed from all its venial sins by an act of sovereign loathing of sin. This universal and efficacious act suffices for the remission of their guilt.

All stain of guilt has then disappeared; but the pain remains to be endured, in all its rigor and long duration, at least for those souls that are not assisted by the living. They cannot obtain the least relief for themselves, because the time of merit has passed; they can no longer merit, they can but suffer, and in that way pay to the terrible justice of God all that they owe, even to the last farthing. (Matt 5:26)

These debts of pain are the remains of sin, and a kind of stain, which intercepts the vision of God, and places an obstacle to the union of the soul with its last end. Since the souls in Purgatory are freed from the guilt of sin, writes St. Catherine of Genoa, there is no other barrier between them and their union with God save the remains of sin, from which they must be purified.

This hindrance which they feel within them causes them to suffer the torments of the damned, of which I have spoken elsewhere, and retards the moment when the instinct by which they are drawn towards God as to their Sovereign Beatitude will attain its full perfection. They see clearly how serious before God is even the slightest obstacle raised by the remains of sin, and that it is by necessity of justice that He delays the full gratification of their desire of everlasting bliss.

This sight enkindles within them a burning flame, like that of Hell, yet without the guilt of sin.

Taken from: Purgatory Explained Authored by: Father F.X. Schouppe, S.J.

ST. GERTRUDE AND THE POOR SOULS

St. Gertrude entertained a deep compassion for the souls in Purgatory. At Holy Communion she besought our loving Savior with tender, fervent petitions, to be merciful to these dear sufferers. Once Gertrude prayed with particular fervor for the faithful departed. On asking Our Lord how many souls His mercy would deliver, she received this reply: “My love urges Me to release the poor souls. If a beneficent king leaves his guilty friend in prison for justice’s sake, he awaits with longing for one of his nobles to plead for the prisoner and to offer something for his release. Then the king joyfully sets him free. Similarly, I accept with highest pleasure what is offered to Me for the poor souls, for I long inexpressibly to have near Me those for whom I paid so great a price. By the prayers of thy loving soul, I am induced to free a prisoner from purgatory as often as thou dost move thy tongue to utter a word of prayer!”

Our Savior also instructed Gertrude for whom she should pray most. On the day when the community commemorated in common the death of their parents, our saint saw the happy souls ascend from dense darkness like sparks from a flaming forge. She inquired if all these were relatives. Our Lord replied: “I am thy nearest relative, thy father and thy mother. Therefore, My special friends are thy nearest relatives, and these are among those whom I have liberated.”

(taken from St. Gertrude the Great by Tan Books and Publishers)

An Account of Purgatory -St Magdalen de Pazzi-

The following is an account of that of St. Magdalen de Pazzi, a Florentine Carmelite, as it is related in her Life by Father Cepare.

Some time before her death in 1607, the servant of God, Magdalen de Pazzi, being one evening with several other Religious in the garden of the convent, was ravished in ecstasy, and saw Purgatory open before her. At the same time, a voice invited her to visit all the prisons of Divine Justice, and to see how truly worthy of compassion are the souls detained there.

At this moment she was heard to say, "Yes, I will go." She consented to undertake this painful journey. In fact, she walked for two hours round the garden, which was very large, pausing from time to time. Each time she interrupted her walk, she contemplated attentively the sufferings which were shown to her. She was then seen to wring her hands in compassion, her face became pale, her body bent under the weight of suffering, in presence of the terrible spectacle with which she was confronted.

She began to cry aloud in lamentation, "Mercy, my God, mercy! Descend, O Precious Blood, and deliver these souls from their prison. Poor Souls! you suffer so cruelly, and yet you are content and cheerful. The dungeons of the martyrs in comparison with these were gardens of delight. Nevertheless there are others still deeper. How happy should I esteem myself were I not obliged to go down into them."

She did descend, however, for she was forced to continue her way. But when she had taken a few steps, she stopped terror-stricken, and, sighing deeply, she cried, "What! Religious also in this dismal abode! Good God! how they are tormented! Ah, Lord!" She does not explain the nature of their sufferings; but the horror which she manifested in contemplating them caused her to sigh at each step. She passed then into less gloomy places. They were the dungeons of simple souls, and of children in whom ignorance and lack of reason extenuated many faults. Their torments appeared to her much more endurable than those of the others. Nothing but ice and fire were there. She noticed that these souls had their guardian angels with them, who fortified them greatly by their presence; but she saw also demons whose dreadful forms increased their sufferings.

Advancing a few paces, she saw souls still more unfortunate, and she was heard to cry out, "Oh! how horrible is this place; it is full of hideous demons and incredible torments! Who, O my God, are the victims of these cruel tortures? Alas! they are being pierced by sharp swords, they are being cut into pieces." She was answered that they were the souls whose conduct had been tainted with hypocrisy.

Advancing a little, she saw a great multitude of souls which were bruised, as it were, and crushed under a press; and she understood that they were those souls which had been addicted to impatience and disobedience during life. While contemplating them, her looks, her sighs, her whole attitude was compassion and terror.

A moment later her agitation increased, and she uttered a dreadful cry. It was the dungeon of lies which now lay open before her. After having attentively considered it, she cried aloud, "Liars are confined in a place in the vicinity of Hell, and their sufferings are exceedingly great. Molten lead is poured into their mouths; I see them burn, and at the same time tremble with cold."

She then went to the prison of those souls which had sinned through weakness, and she was heard to exclaim, "Alas! I had thought to find you among those who have sinned through ignorance, but I am mistaken; you burn with an intenser fire."

Farther on, she perceived souls which had been too much attached to the goods of this world, and had sinned by avarice.

"What blindness," said she, "thus eagerly to seek a perishable fortune! Those whom formerly riches could not sufficiently satiate, are here gorged with torments. They are smelted like metal in the furnace."

From thence she passed into the place where those souls were imprisoned which had formerly been stained with impurity. She saw them in so filthy and pestilential a dungeon that the sight produced nausea. She turned away quickly from that loathsome spectacle. Seeing the ambitious and the proud, she said, "Behold those who wished to shine before men; now they are condemned to live in this frightful obscurity."

Then she was shown those souls which had been guilty of ingratitude towards God. They were prey to unutterable torments, and, as it were, drowned in a lake of molten lead, for having by their ingratitude dried up the source of piety.

Finally, in a last dungeon, she was shown souls that had not been given to any particular vice, but which, through the lack of proper vigilance over themselves, had committed all kinds of trivial faults. She remarked that these souls had share in the chastisements of all vices, in a moderate degree, because those faults committed only from time to time rendered them less guilty than those committed through habit.

After this last station the saint left the garden, begging God never again to make her witness of so heartrending a spectacle: she felt that she had not strength to endure it. Her ecstasy still continued, and, conversing with Jesus, she said to Him, "Tell me, Lord, what was your design in discovering to me those terrible prisons, of which I knew so little, and comprehended still less? Ah! I now see; you wished to give me the knowledge of your infinite sanctity, and to make me detest more and more the least stain of sin, which is so abominable in your eyes."

Taken from: Purgatory Explained
Compiled by: Father F.X. Schouppe, S.J.

The Story of St. Vincent Ferrer and his Sister

St. Vincent Ferrer, the celebrated wonder-worker of the Order of St. Dominic, who preached with so much eloquence the great truth of the Judgment of God, had a sister who remained unmoved either by the words or example of her saintly brother. She was full of the spirit of the world, intoxicated with it's pleasures, and walked with rapid strides towards her eternal ruin.

Meanwhile, the saint prayed for her conversion, and his prayer was finally answered. The unfortunate sinner fell mortally sick; and, at the moment of death, entering into herself, she made her confession with sincere repentance.

Some days after her death, whilst her brother was celebrating the Holy Sacrifice, she appeared to him in the midst of flames and a prey to the most intolerable torments. "Alas! my dear brother," said she, "I am condemned to undergo these torments until the day of the last judgment. Nevertheless, you can assist me. The efficacy of the Holy Sacrifice is so great: offer for me about thirty Masses, and I may hope the happiest result."

The saint hastened to accede to her request. He celebrated the thirty Masses, and on the thirtieth day his sister again appeared to him surrounded by angels and soaring to Heaven. Thanks to the virtue of the Divine Sacrifice, an expiation of several centuries was reduced to thirty days.

This example shows us at once the duration of the pains which a soul may incur, and the powerful effect of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, when God is pleased to apply it to a soul. But this application, like all other suffrages, does not always take place, at least not in the same plenitude.

Taken from: Purgatory Explained
Authored by: Father F.X. Schouppe, S.J.
Imprimatur: Herbertus Card.Vaughan Archiep. Westmonasterien

Let’s get their souls out as soon as possible.
The Story of Venerable Catherine Paluzzi and Sister Bernardine


Let us cite some other examples which will serve to convince us still more of the long duration of the sufferings of Purgatory. We shall see therein that Divine Justice is relatively severe towards souls called to perfection, and who have recieved much grace. Does not Jesus say in the Gospel, Unto whom much is given, of him much shall be required: and to whom they have committed much, of him they will demand more? (Luke 12:48)

We read in the Life of Venerable Catherine Paluzzi that a holy Religious, who died in her arms, was not admitted to eternal beatitude until after she had passed an entire year in Purgatory.

Catherine Paluzzi led a holy life in the diocese of Nepi, in Italy, where she founded a convent of Dominicans. There lived with her a Religious named Bernardine, who was far advanced in the ways of the spiritual life. These two saints emulated each other in fervour, and helped each other to progress more and more in the perfection to which God called them.

The biographer of Venerable Catherine compares them to two live coals that communicate heat to each other; and again, to two harps tuned to harmonise together in one perpetual hymn of love to the greater glory of God.

Bernardine died: a painful malady, which she bore with Christian patience, carried her to the grave. When about to expire, she told Catherine that she would not forget her before God, and, if God so permitted, she would return to converse with her on such spiritual matters as would contribute to her sanctification.

Catherine prayed much for the soul of her friend, and at the same time asked God to allow her to appear to her. An entire year elapsed and the deceased did not return. Finally, on the anniversary of the death of Bernardine, Catherine being in
prayer, saw a pit from which issued volumes of smoke and flames; then she perceived coming out of the pit a form surrounded by dark clouds.

By degrees these vapors were dispersed, and the apparition became radiant with an extraordinary brilliancy. In this glorious personage Catherine recognised Bernardine and ran towards her.

"Is that you, my dearest sister?" she said. "But whence do you come? What signifies this pit, this fiery smoke? Does your Purgatory end only today?"

"You are right," replied the soul; "for a year I have been detained in that place of expiation, and today, for the first time, shall I enter Heaven.

As regards yourself, persevere in your holy exercises: continue to be charitable and merciful, and you will obtain mercy."

Taken from: Purgatory Explained
Authored by: Father F.X. Schouppe, S.J.

TESTIMONIALS FROM PRAYER WARRIORS


Several of our Prayer Warriors have emailed us with experiences they have had regarding the Souls in Purgatory. We welcome any of your stories whether in dreams or reality. Just email them to us at holysouls@att.net Here are a few of the stories:

I wanted to tell you something that happened to me last night. While praying the Seven Sorrows Chaplet, I happened to become so relaxed and while still praying I began to witness something beautiful. I saw a woman (like looking at a movie) from behind her. She was with her little boy about 6 or 7 years old. She let him run up ahead of her in a playful manner and he was laughing. He turned around to look at his mother; he was so beautiful. My hand reached out in the same manner that our Lady’s had when she let his hand go, and I said Wow! I woke up with my hand outstretched and saying Wow! I realized that I was just looking at this and not a part of the image being shown to me. I just wanted to share this experience with you because it happened while I was praying the Seven Sorrows Chaplet. F.J.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Our Lord has given me a beautiful gift of love for the Holy Souls. They are the family that I cannot see. They do so many things for me such as: I haven’t used an alarm clock for years, they show me where lost things are, they remind me to do things, etc. etc. etc. I’m living this earth as a prayer to the Holy Souls. I made the “Heroic Act” many years ago. I renew it each day. K.G.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I want to share this with you, even though we only pray the Rosary of Our Lady of Sorrows once a month. I truly believe that I could feel something had happened because of it – I cannot explain exactly what had happened, but definitely something had happened. God willing we will pray the Rosary of Our Lady of Sorrows next month. A.K.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

May this day be the beginning of emptying Purgatory. In prayer this morning I saw the face of Padre Pio. I claimed it as a confirmation of this mission. T.T.


My little Story - Several people keep mentioning a book called "GET ME OUT OF HERE" by Nicky Eltz. I finally read it and it has changed my life. I promised the Holy Souls immediately that I would have Masses said for them and that I would say the Rosary every day for them. I immediately heard knocking when I made this promise. I say the rosary each night but when I forget and I'm ready to get into bed the knocking starts again. It's the Holy Souls reminding me of my promise and when I am finished saying the Rosary they knock a few times to say "THANK YOU MY FRIEND. By S.L.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Here is another experience with the Souls in Purgatory: I think I was dreaming, but even today I am not certain that I wasn't awakened by a group of young people "standing" around the foot of my bed in a foggy or light, smoky haze up to their knees or waists and dressed in regular clothes one would expect to see on youth. One of the two nearest the foot of the bed appeared to be the oldest of these children, pre-teens and teenagers. Many children and teens stood behind this older sandy-blonde-curly-headed boy in the "haze" in the distance (the depth of this distance didn't seem to matter to the walls of my tiny bedroom). A teenage boy was standing the closest at the foot of the bed with a paper on which was written a petition he was holding out towards me with both hands. I could not see what was written on the paper. The others were looking on without saying anything but their faces were clearly imploring me to grasp what he meant when he said in a soft but convincing voice, "Pray for us. You don't know how bad it is here." They stood there for a little while longer and the haze seemed to swirl slightly as if disturbed by movements and then they disappeared along with the haze.
I remember coming fully awake and shaken; filled with a sense of extreme urgency about what he had told me to do. From that day forward I have prayed for the children in the world and those who are sent to help them as well as the children in purgatory. I have no way of knowing if my prayers have made any difference, but over the years, I have been thankful for the international, federal and local government agencies and non-profits that have made some headway in the area of services or protections for children that hopefully will help protect our children from the evil influences of those who prey on children who don't have the guidance they need. I also try to recite the Eternal Father prayer often because of the promises made to one Saint that souls would be released from Purgatory upon the reciting of that prayer." J.E.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A.A.writes the following two incidents: One experience was the end of my bed linens, near my feet, being pulled very hard as I trailed off to sleep, not finishing whatever prayers I was saying on behalf of the Poor Souls. That has happened twice on different days. Another time was when I heard a very deep but muffled voice of a man saying “help me”. It woke me up immediately and I started praying again.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
M.D. has had some experiences: I was in a light sleep and am not sure if this was truly happening or it was my imagination. At the side of my bed was the Blessed Mother and someone, I think a man, whose face I could not see but he was all dressed in a very bright white. At the foot of my bed sat a man all in gray (clothes and face) and very sad. I decided first to say an eternal rest for the man at the foot of my bed but nothing happened. I said an eternal rest once again and he stood up and started to go back away from my bed towards the wall and I no longer saw him. I then proceeded to concentrate on the Blessed Mother and the man in white. I told the Blessed Mother that I would pray more for the Souls in Purgatory and have masses said for them. They both disappeared and I lay in my bed with such a feeling of peace and tranquility.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Contact Us

To contact us with inquiries, orders, suggestions or to enlist names for the Golden Book, please write to us at:
Friends of the Poor Souls
436 Vasey Oak Drive
Keller, TX 76248
or email:

Pious Prayers for the Poor Souls

PRAYER OF ST. GERTRUDE THE GREAT
ETERNAL FATHER, I offer Thee the most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, JESUS, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home, and within my family. Amen
OUR LORD told St. Gertrude that the above prayer would release 1000 souls from purgatory each time it is said. The prayer was extended to include living sinners as well.
PRAYERS FOR THE DEPARTED
O Christ, rest in the souls of your servants with the saints, where there is no sickness, nor sadness, nor sighing, but life without ending. Remember, O Lord, our friends and relatives who sleep in the hope of resurrection to eternal life, and all who have departed in faith. Forgive them their sins, voluntary and involuntary, which they have committed by deed, word, or intention. Place them in refreshing places, where all sickness, sadness and sighing have been driven away, and where the light of Your countenance shines and gladdens all Your saints forever. O God, you have authority over life and death. We pray to You for the eternal repose of Your servants. Heal the sorrow of those who are left to mourn. Grant unto us all that we may be in the company of Your Saints and elect in your everlasting kingdom. Amen.
Eternal God, our Father, grant to the faithful departed the remission of all their sins, that they may enter without delay into their reward. This we ask through the Risen Christ, your Son and
our Lord.
FOR DECEASED PRIESTS
O Lord, hear our prayers for all our deceased priests, who served Your people as preachers of the Word and dispensers of the Divine Mysteries. Pardon their sins and faults and lead them into the heavenly sanctuary to take part in the liturgy of Paradise. This we ask through your Son, Jesus Christ, Lord and Priest forever. Amen.
FOR DECEASED RELATIVES
Eternal God, Father of all souls, we implore your loving kindness for the dear ones for whose absence we grieve. Forgive them their sins and grant them a speedy and merciful deliverance from distress. May our hearts continue to be knit together in the love of Christ, and may we be reunited with them throughout the endless ages of ages.
FOR DECEASED FRIENDS
O God, you are the Author of all true and tender affections. We thank you for the friends you had given us. We implore you to bring them home to you in the celestial places of light and joy. May we live with the sure expectation of a joyous welcome from them when you shall call us to yourself. Take our friendships into Your keeping and grant that they may endure in life everlasting. Amen.
TO OUR LADY
Mother of Mercy, your power is so great that your divine Son will refuse you nothing. Implore Him, please, to release from the pains of Purgatory our parents, friends, and benefactors, that they may join the heavenly choirs in praising Him and in interceding for us.
DAILY PRAYER FOR NOVEMBER
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 the faithful departed.
Be not severe in your judgments, but let some drops of Your Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames and do You, O Merciful Savior, send y our Angels to conduct them to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen.
O GOD OF ALL CONSOLATION
O God of all consolation, author of the salvation of souls, have pity on those who suffer in Purgatory, and grant them, together with entire deliverance from their sufferings, the happiness You promised to Your servant, Abraham and his posterity.
Be moved, O Lord, by the consideration of the fidelity with which they served You during life, and forget the faults which through human frailty they have sometimes committed; take them from this place of punishment and darkness, and bring them to the place of peace and light.
Hear O Lord, my humble prayer, and grant this grace to those for whom I pray. Amen.
PRAYER FOR A HAPPY DEATH
Father, when You are ready to lead me through death to eternal life, be with me as You were with Your people of old. As the last breath of life pours from me, take away all fear and let me embrace You with joy. Give me the grace to die, as did St. Joseph, with Jesus and Mary at my side. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ALL SOULS
Almighty and Merciful God, Your Son Jesus loved us so much that He died and rose again to bring us new life. We pray for our brothers and sisters who have died. Grant them Your forgiveness and bring them to eternal life in the company of all Your saints. Amen.
Prayer for the Holy Souls
Immortal God, holy Lord, Father and Protector of all You have created, we raise our hearts to You today for those who have passed out of this mortal life. In Your loving mercy, Father, be pleased to receive them in Your heavenly company, and forgive the failings and faults they may have done from human frailty.
Your only Son, Christ, our Savior, suffered so cruelly that He might deliver them from the second death. By His merits may they share in the glory of His victory over sin and death. For all the faithful who have died we pray, but in particular for those dear to us, parents, relatives, and friends. Nor do we forget all who did good to us while on earth, who helped us by their prayers, sacrifices, and example. We pray also for any who may have done us harm, and stand in special need of Your forgiveness.
May the merits and prayers of our Virgin Mother, Mary, and those of all Your angels and saints, speak for us and assist them now. We ask this in Christ's name. Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE MOST FORGOTTEN SOUL
O Lord God Almighty, I beseech Thee by the Precious Body and Blood of Thy divine Son Jesus, which He Himself on the night before His Passion gave as meat and drink to His beloved Apostles and bequeathed to His Holy Church to be the perpetual Sacrifice and life-giving nourishment of His faithful people, deliver the souls in purgatory, but most of all, that soul which was most devoted to this Mystery of infinite love, in order that it may praise Thee therefore, together with Thy Divine Son and the Holy Spirit in Thy glory for ever. Amen.
PRAYER OF ST. ALPHONSUS
Jesus Christ, my God, I adore Thee and I thank Thee for the many favors Thou hast bestowed on me this day. I offer Thee my sleep and all the moments of this night, and I pray Thee to preserve me from sin. Therefore, I place myself in Thy most Sacred Side, and under the mantle of our Blessed Lady, my Mother. May the Holy Angels assist me and keep me in peace, and may Thy blessing be upon me. Amen
Prayer to Holy Souls in Purgatory
Oh holy souls in purgatory, you are the certain heirs of heaven. You are most dear to Jesus as the trophies of His Precious Blood and to Mary, mother of mercy. Obtain for me through your intercession the grace to lead a holy life, to die a happy death, and to attain to the blessedness of eternity in heaven. Dear suffering souls, who long to be delivered in order to praise and glorify God in heaven, by your unfailing pity help me in the needs which distress me at this time, particularly {mention your petition} so that I may obtain relief and assistance from God. In gratitude for your intercession I offer to God in your behalf the satisfactory merits of my prayer and work, my joys and sufferings of this day.
PRAYER WHILE VISITING A CEMETERY
Father, into your hands we commend our brothers and sisters who are buried in this cemetery. We are confident that with all who have died in Christ they will be raised to life on the last day and live with Christ forever.
We thank you for all the blessings you gave them in this life to show your fatherly care for all of us and the fellowship which is ours with the saints in Jesus Christ.
Lord, hear our prayer:
Welcome our brothers and sisters to paradise and help us to comfort each other with the assurance of our faith until we all meet in Christ to be with you and with our brothers and sisters forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
An indulgence, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, is granted to the faithful who devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed. The indulgence is plenary each day from the 1st to the 8th of November; on other days of the year it is partial.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
O Lord, we pray for all who die and are not mourned, but are ignored in death like a stone by the wayside.
We pray also for all who are lost in war and prison, for those who have committed suicide and those who are lonely in life and death, that God may hear them and keep them in His heart.
PRAYERS FOR THE DEPARTED
O Christ, rest in the souls of your servants with the saints, where there is no sickness, nor sadness, nor sighing, but life without ending.
Remember, O Lord, our friends and relatives who sleep in the hope of resurrection to eternal life, and all who have departed in faith. Forgive them their sins, voluntary and involuntary, which they have committed by deed, word, or intention. Place them in refreshing places, where all sickness, sadness and sighing have been driven away, and where the light of Your countenance shines and gladdens all Your saints forever.
O God, you have authority over life and death. We pray to You for the eternal repose of Your servants. Heal the sorrow of those who are left to mourn. Grant unto us all that we may be in the company of Your Saints and elect in your everlasting kingdom. Amen.
Eternal God, our Father, grant to the faithful departed the remission of all their sins, that they may enter without delay into their reward. This we ask through the Risen Christ, your Son and our Lord.
TO THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
O HOLY SOULS in Purgatory, who are the certain heirs of Heaven, souls most dear to Jesus as the trophies of His Precious Blood and to Mary, Mother of Mercy, obtain for me through your intercession the grace to lead a holy life, to die a happy death and to attain to the blessedness of eternity in Heaven.
Dear Suffering Souls, who languish in your prison of pain and long to be delivered in order to praise and glorify God in Heaven, by your unfailing pity help me at this time, particularly……..that I may obtain relief and assistance from God.
In gratitude for your intercession, I offer God on your behalf the satisfactory merits of all my works and sufferings of this day (week, month or whatever space of time you wish to designate).
Assist at Holy Mass and have a Mass offered for them, if possible. Offerings of the Precious Blood and the Way of the Cross are all powerful means of helping them and obtaining their help.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF SORROWS
I compassionate thee, O most sorrowful Mother! Thy heart was pierced with a sword of grief when Simeon foretold to thee in the Temple the ignominious death and the desolation of thy divine and most dear Son, which thou west destined one day to witness. By the great anguish of thy suffering heart, O gracious Queen of the universe, impress upon my mind, in life and in death, the sacred Passion of Jesus and shine own sorrows. Amen.
-Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Your departed servants the remission of all their sins that through our prayers they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired. Amen.
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED
Lord God, to your mercy we owe our forgiveness and salvation. Grant that your servant (name), who has departed from this life, may be admitted into everlasting happiness through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all your saints.
PRAYER FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
O 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 them.
Be not severe in Your judgments, but let some drops of Your Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames.
And, Merciful Savior, send Your angels to conduct them to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen.
RESURRECTION PRAYER
Most merciful Father, we commend our departed into your hands. We are filled with the sure hope that our departed will rise again on the Last Day with all who have died in Christ. We thank you for all the good things you have given during our departed’s earthly life.
O Father, in your great mercy, accept our prayer that the Gates of Paradise may be opened for your servant. In our turn, may we too be comforted by the words of faith until we greet Christ in glory and are united with you and our departed. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
ASPIRATIONS FOR THE HOLY SOULS
Dear Lord Jesus, grant them eternal rest.
We therefore beseech Thee, help the souls detained in the flames of Purgatory, whom Thou hast redeemed by Thy Precious Blood.
My God, we offer Thee for the souls in Purgatory all the acts of love with which the Sacred Heart of Jesus has glorified Thee when He was on earth.
Hail Mary, our Deliverer, pray for us and for the souls in Purgatory.
INVOCATIONS
After each invocation please add the ejaculation: My Jesus Mercy!
O Lord Jesus, by the precious Blood which Thou did shed in the Garden of Olives, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul that is most abandoned. Place it today in Heaven, that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother it may praise Thee forever. Amen.
O Lord Jesus, by the precious Blood Thou did shed during Thy scourging, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul that did most good during life. Place it today in Heaven, that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother it may praise Thee forever. Amen.
O Lord Jesus, by the precious Blood Thou did shed during Thy crowning with thorns, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul that was most devoted to the Blessed Virgin. Place it today in Heaven, that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother it may praise Thee forever. Amen.
O Lord Jesus, by the precious Blood which Thou did shed in the carrying of Thy Cross, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul that is suffering because of my bad example. Place it today in Heaven that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother it may praise Thee forever. Amen.
O Lord Jesus, by the merits of the chalice of Thy precious Blood which Thou did present to Thine Apostles at the last supper, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul that is most devoted to the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. Place it today in Heaven, that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother it may praise Thee forever. Amen.
O Lord Jesus, by the merits of the precious Blood which flowed from Thy sacred wounds, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the souls of those whose care Thou did confide to me on earth. Place them today in Heaven, that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother they may praise Thee forever. Amen.
O Lord Jesus, by the merits of the precious Blood which flowed from Thy Sacred Heart, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the souls that did most to propagate devotion to Thy Sacred Heart. Place them today in Heaven, that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother they may praise Thee forever. Amen.
O Lord Jesus, by the merits of Thy holy resignation on the cross, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul that has most to suffer through me. Place it today in Heaven that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother it may praise Thee forever. Amen.
O Lord Jesus, by the merits of the tears shed by the Blessed Virgin at the foot of Thy cross, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul that is dearest to Thee. Place it today in Heaven, that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother, it may praise Thee forever. Amen.
Let us Pray
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants departed, the remission of all their sins, that through pious supplications they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired, who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen. May they rest in peace. Amen.
To become a Prayer Warrior for the Holy Souls or to enlist names for the Golden Book, please print and fill out the following, and send to:

Mary Ann & Bob Luetkemeyer
Friends of the Poor Souls
436 Vasey Oak Drive
Keller, TX 76248

Please enroll me in the “Prayer Warriors” of the Cenacles for the Poor/Holy Souls
Name __________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________
City ___________________ State____________Zip Code_________ *Email__________________
Your support to continue this spiritual ministry would be greatly appreciated.
I also wish to inscribe the following names in the “GOLDEN BOOK” for the Poor Souls
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
Members receive a newsletter regarding the Poor/Holy Souls. Also planned is the distribution of prayer cards and additional materials on the Poor Souls. We also accept prayer petitions and have priests who are willing to do Mass intentions as well as the Gregorian Mass.


*Email preferred

Catechesis and Instruction on Purgatory

OUR CATECHESIS/INSTRUCTION ON PURGATORY

What is Purgatory?
Purgatory is a state of transition between earth and paradise. In this state are found those souls who, having died in a state of grace, are not yet worthy of being admitted to the contemplation of God, for nothing enters heaven which is not thoroughly purified of stain. Purgatory is a state of purification and of reparation.
The Church has defined only two things regarding Purgatory:
It’s existence, and the possibility of offering suffrages (Holy Masses, prayers, etc.) for the souls there.
These two simple sentences are heavily backed up by the constant doctrine of the church, especially by the Council of Trent, the Catechism of the Catholic Church #1030-1032, and Sacred Scripture (the Bible), Second Book of Macabies (12:43-45). More on this is found in the New Testament, especially in Matthew 12:32.
Why Pray for the Souls in Purgatory?
Our prayers for them can serve to understand God’s justice and mercy.
Our prayers help to have them make satisfaction for the things that displeased God and did not make up for while on earth.
It is a serious obligation to pray for the Souls in Purgatory. That is why we have “suffrages” for our relatives and friends through Masses, prayers and other works.
Our helping the Poor Souls in this manner guarantees our help when we need it in Purgatory (St. Augustine).

Novena

Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

This Novena, written by St. Alphonsus Liguori, has different prayers for each of the 9 days, followed by the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory which is at the bottom of the section.
First Day: Jesus, my Savior I have so often deserved to be cast into hell how great would be my suffering if I were now cast away and obliged to think that I myself had caused my damnation. I thank Thee for the patience with which Thou hast endured me. My God, I love Thee above all things and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee because Thou art infinite goodness. I will rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of perseverance. Have pity on me and at the same time on those blessed souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Second Day: Woe to me, unhappy being, so many years have I already spent on earth and have earned naught but hell! I give Thee thanks, O Lord, for granting me time even now to atone for my sins. My good God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. Send me Thy assistance, that I may apply the time yet remaining to me for Thy love and service; have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Third Day: My God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I love Thee above all things, and repent with my whole heart of my offenses against Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. And thou, Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Fourth Day: My God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I am sorry with my whole heart for having offended Thee. I promise to die rather than ever offend Thee more. Give me holy perseverance; have pity on me, and have pity on those holy souls that burn in the cleansing fire and love Thee with all their hearts. O Mary, Mother of God, assist them by thy powerful prayers.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Fifth Day: Woe to me, unhappy being, if Thou, O Lord, hadst cast me into hell; for from that dungeon of eternal pain there is no deliverance. I love Thee above all things, O infinite God and I am sincerely sorry for having offended Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Sixth Day: My Divine Redeemer, Thou didst die for me on the Cross, and hast so often united Thyself with me in Holy Communion, and I have repaid Thee only with ingratitude. Now, however, I love Thee above all things, O supreme God; and I am more grieved at my offences against Thee than at any other evil. I will rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Seventh Day: God, Father of Mercy, satisfy this their ardent desire! Send them Thy holy Angel to announce to them that Thou, their Father, are now reconciled with them through the suffering and death of Jesus, and that the moment of their deliverance has arrived.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Eighth Day: Oh my God! I also am one of these ungrateful beings, having received so much grace, and yet despised Thy love and deserved to be cast by Thee into hell. But Thy infinite goodness has spared me until now. Therefore, I now love Thee above all things, and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. I will rather die than ever offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.
Ninth Day: My God! How was it possible that I, for so many years, have borne tranquilly the separation from Thee and Thy holy grace! O infinite Goodness, how long-suffering hast Thou shown Thyself to me! Henceforth, I shall love Thee above all things. I am deeply sorry for having offended Thee; I promise rather to die than to again offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance, and do not permit that I should ever again fall into sin. Have compassion on the holy souls in Purgatory. I pray Thee, moderate their sufferings; shorten the time of their misery; call them soon unto Thee in heaven, that they may behold Thee face to face, and forever love Thee. Mary, Mother of Mercy, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession, and pray for us also who are still in danger of eternal damnation.
Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory below.

Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

O most sweet Jesus, through the bloody sweat which Thou didst suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane, have mercy on these Blessed Souls. Have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel scourging, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in carrying Thy cross to Calvary, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel Crucifixion, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most bitter agony on the Cross, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the immense pain which Thou didst suffer in breathing forth Thy Blessed Soul, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
(Recommend yourself to the Souls in Purgatory and mention your intentions here)
Blessed Souls, I have prayed for thee; I entreat thee, who are so dear to God, and who are secure of never losing Him, to pray for me a miserable sinner, who is in danger of being damned, and of losing God forever. Amen.

Friday, May 19, 2006

Way of the Cross - Benefits

SPIRITUAL BENEFITS OF THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Next to the Mass, the Way of the Cross is most
Beneficial for the Souls in Purgatory.

1. I'll grant every thing that's asked of Me with Faith, when making The Way of The Cross.

2. I promise Eternal Life to those who pray from time to time, The Way of the Cross.

3. I'll follow them everywhere in life and I'll help them, especially at the hour of death.

4. Even if they have more sins than blades of grass in the fields, and grains of sand in the sea, all of them will be erased by The Way of The Cross. (Note: This promise doesn't eliminate the obligation to confess all mortal sins, and this, before we can receive Holy Communion.)

5. Those who pray The Way of The Cross often, will have a special glory in Heaven.

6. I'll deliver them from Purgatory, indeed if they go there at all, the first Tuesday or Friday after their death.

7. I'll bless them at each Way of The Cross, and My blessing will follow them everywhere on earth and, after their death, in Heaven for all Eternity.

8. At the hour of death I won't permit the devil to tempt them; I'll lift all power fro him in order that they'll repose tranquilly in My Arms.

10. I'll fix My Eyes on those who pray The Way of The Cross often; My hands will always be open to protect them.

11. As I am nailed to the Cross, so also will I always be with those who honor Me in making the Way of The Cross frequently.

12. They'll never be able to separate themselves fro Me, for I'll give them the grace never again to commit a Mortal sin.

13. At the hour of death I'll console them with My Presence and we'll go together to Heaven. Death will be sweet to all those who have honored Me during their lives by praying The Way of The Cross.

Gregorian Mass


The Gregorian Mass

The Origin of the Gregorian Mass

These Masses are also called the Thirty Masses of St. Gregory, because the pious custom seems to trace its origin back to this great Pope. A Religious, named Justus, had received and kept for himself three gold pieces. This was a grievous fault against his vow of poverty. He was discovered and excommunicated. This penalty made him enter into himself, and some time afterwards he died in true sentiments of repentance. Nevertheless, St. Gregory, in order to inspire the brethren with a lively horror of the sin of avarice in a Religious, did not withdraw the sentence of excommunication. Justus was buried apart from the other monks, and the three pieces of money were thrown into the grave while the Religious repeated together the words of St. Peter to Simon the Magician, “Keep thy money to perish with thee.”

Some time afterwards, St. Gregory, judging that the scandal was sufficiently repaired, and moved with compassion for the soul of Justus, called the Procurator and said to him sorrowfully, “Ever since the moment of his death, our brother has been tortured in the flames of Purgatory. Through charity make an effort to deliver him. Go then and take care that from this time forward the Holy Sacrifice be offered for thirty days. Let not one morning pass without the Victim of Salvation being offered up for his release.”

The Procurator obeyed punctually. The thirty Masses were celebrated in the course of thirty days. When the thirtieth day arrived and the thirtieth Mass was ended, the deceased appeared to a brother saying, “Bless God, my dear brother, today I am delivered and admitted into the society of the saints.”

Since that time the pious custom of celebrating thirty Masses for the dead has been established.
There is perhaps no better way to let our loved ones - living and deceased - know that we are thinking of them than to celebrate the Eucharist in their name. The sacrifice of the Mass consists in the offering of the Body and Blood of Christ to God the Father. During the Consecration the Body and Blood of Christ become present on the Altar and available for us to offer them to God.

There are three different ways in which you can ensure that a loved one is remembered: Mass Offering, Spiritual Association Perpetual Membership and Gregorian Masses.

The Gregorian Mass is a series of thirty Masses offered up on thirty consecutive days for the repose of a particular person in purgatory. It is based on a tradition started by Pope St. Gregory the Great who saw the soul of one of his friends released from Purgatory after the 30th mass.

The Sacred Congregation of Indulgences has declared that "the offering of thirty Gregorian Masses has a special efficacy for obtaining from the Divine Goodness and Mercy the deliverance of a suffering soul, and is a pious and reasonable belief of the Faithful" (Rescript, 1884).

"And I promise you that whoever gives a cup of cold water to one of these lowly ones...will not want for his reward." (Mat 10:42)

If you are interested in having a set of Gregorian Masses said for a deceased loved one, please contact us for further information.

EMAIL: holysouls@att.net

Brown Scapular

YOUR BROWN SCAPULAR
OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL

IS A GIFT TO YOU FROM
YOUR HEAVENLY MOTHER.

It is an assurance of salvation.

“WHOSOEVER DIES CLOTHED IN THIS SCAPULAR SHALL NOT SUFFER ETERNAL FIRE.”
This is the Blessed Virgin Mary’s PROMISE, made July 16, 1251, to St. Simon Stock.

LOVE THE SCAPULAR WEAR IT ALWAYS.
VENERATE IT OFTEN.


True devotion to Mary consists in three things: VENERATION, CONFIDENCE, LOVE. Without saying to Mary that we venerate her, love her, and trust in her protection, we tell her these things every moment of the day by simply wearing the Scapular.

THE SCAPULAR then is a PRAYER.

Our Lord taught us to say the “Our Father.” Mary taught us the value of the Scapular. When we use it as a prayer, Our Lady draws us to the Sacred Heart of her Divine Son. It is well, therefore to HOLD THE SCAPULAR IN THE HAND while addressing Our Lady. A prayer uttered thus, while holding the mystical Scapular, is as perfect as a prayer can be. It is especially in TIME OF TEMPTATION that we need the powerful intercession of God’s Mother. The evil spirit is utterly powerless when a Scapular-wearer, besides his silent devotion, faces temptation calling upon Mary. “If thou had recommended thyself to me, thou wouldst not have run into such danger.” was Our Lady’s gentle reproach to Blessed Alan de la Roche.

St. Alphonsus says: “Just as men take pride in having others wear their livery, so the most holy Mary is pleased when her servants wear her Scapular as a mark that they have dedicated themselves to her service, and are members of the Family of the Mother of God.”

Pope Benedict XV granted an indulgence of 500 days
EACH TIME the Scapular is kissed.

PROFESS YOUR DEVOTION

To be eligible for THE SCAPULAR PROMISE, one must be enrolled in the Family of Carmel. This is a simple ceremony which takes only a moment and can be done by any Carmelite or duly authorized priest.

SIGN OF DEVOTION

It is the wish of our Holy Father, the Pope, that the SCAPULAR MEDAL should not be worn in place of the CLOTH SCAPULAR without sufficient reason. Mary cannot be pleased with anyone who substitutes the medal out of vanity or fear to make open profession of faith in her. Such persons run the risk of not receiving the PROMISE. The medal is not noted for the miraculous preservations attributed to the BROWN CLOTH SCAPULAR. Also, the Scapular ought not to be tucked or pinned; it must be worn around the neck, so that one piece of cloth hangs in the front, one in the back.

MARY’S GIFT OF THE SCAPULAR IS FOR ALL HER CHILDREN

MARY’S MOTHERHOOD is not limited to Catholics; it is extended to ALL MEN. Many miracles of conversion have been wrought in favor of non-Catholics who have practiced the Scapular devotion.

THE MORNING OFFERING

O my God, in union with the Immaculate Heart of Mary (here kiss your Scapular as a sign of your consecration; partial indulgence also), I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Jesus from all the altars throughout the world, joining with It the offering of my every thought, word and action of this day. O my Jesus, I desire today to gain every indulgence and merit I can and I offer them, together with myself, to Mary Immaculate, that she may best apply them in the interests of Thy most Sacred Heart. Precious Blood of Jesus, save us! Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us! Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

THE SABBATINE PRIVILEGE

The Sabbatine Privilege is Mary’s promise to release from purgatory soon after death all those who:
(1) Wear the Brown Scapular;
(2) Observe chastity according to their state in life; and
(3) Say the Little office of the Blessed Virgin Mary every day.

Enrollment in the Brown Scapular


Fr. Raphael, a Carmelite priest who is originally from India has been studying in Rome. During the summer he comes to Texas to help in our diocese. He so kindly agreed to come to our home to bless it and enroll our two grandchildren in the Brown Scapular as well as one of the Prayer Warriors, Debra Braymer. Fr. Raphael is one of the priests who is available to say the Gregorian Mass in Rome. We enjoyed an evening of good food and good conversation.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

May & June 2006

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Anointing of the Sick

The anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is most likely one of the last sacraments we will receive. A sacrament is an outward sign established by Jesus Christ to confer inward grace. In more basic terms, it is a rite that is performed to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Catholic Church teaches that the Sacred Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven Sacraments of the New Testament, that it was instituted by Christ and that it is "alluded to in Mark (Mk. 6:13) and recommended to the faithful by James the Apostle.
The anointing of the sick conveys several graces and imparts gifts of strengthening in the Holy Spirit against anxiety, discouragement, and temptation, and conveys peace and fortitude (CCC 1520). These graces flow from the atoning death of Jesus Christ, for "this was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, ‘He took our infirmities and bore our diseases’" (Matt. 8:17).
In his steadfast love for us, the Lord gives us the sacraments to comfort us in our final days and prepare us for the journey ahead. These include penance (or confession), anointing of the sick and Viaticum (which is meant to be the last reception of Communion for the journey from this life to eternity). How many may have only skimmed the upper reaches of Purgatory had they received the anointing of the sick when dying.
Does a person have to be dying to receive this sacrament? No. The Catechism says, "The anointing of the sick is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived" (CCC 1514). It can also be given just prior to a serious operation. The anointing can also be given repeatedly to someone if his/her condition becomes worse as well as for the elderly whose frailty becomes worse.
Therefore we have the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. It gives us graces as strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that are associated with disease, illness and dying. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It also creates a union with the Passion of Christ. Just as Christ suffered and was glorified, we also receive grace through suffering, a consequence of original sin, so that there is healing of the soul.
Like almost all sacraments bishops and priests are the ordinary ministers. The faithful are encouraged to call upon a priest to perform this sacrament when it is known that someone is sick and/or dying. The priest or bishop will pray in silence and then anoint the sick person with oil. The sacramental act begins with the priest administering a short rite of penance, signifying forgiveness and reconciliation. This is followed by a reading. Then, in silence, the priest lays his hands on the sick person, and anoints the forehead and palms with oil, saying:
‘Is anyone sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the Church; And let them pray over him, Anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord And the prayer of faith will save the sick man; And the Lord will raise him up; And if he has committed sins he will be forgiven’ (James 5:14-15)
Why it is important to call for a priest to administer the
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick to a loved one who is near death
1. The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick takes away all mortal and venial sins, even if the person is unconscious. To hear the person's last confession and to provide them with the Viaticum (Holy Eucharist), prepares them for their journey to Our Lord. In addition, the apostolic pardon takes away any temporal punishment (purgatory time) that remains for the soul.
Apostolic Pardon: (to be given by a priest only): " By the authority granted me by the Holy See, I hereby grant you full pardon and remission of all your sins: In the Name of the Father + and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
2. The devil at the time of death tempts the soul to despair by accusing it of its sins. Among other reasons, Our Lord instituted the Chaplet of Divine Mercy to drive him away at this time.
3. To restore the dying person to health. Although this is not a primary reason for the last sacrament, God sometimes allows a dying person to become fully recovered after receiving this sacrament, when the healing of the body is of spiritual benefit to the soul.
4. To save the soul of a person who is estranged from God by being in an unrepentant state of mortal sin. A dying person can become repentant as a result of prayers from his family, especially the recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
5. To give the dying person the courage and strength to withstand their sufferings, knowing that they are fully prepared to meet Our Divine Savior.
If a person is unconscious or even dead should you call the priest? Yes! The priest will administer a conditional anointing which will take away all mortal and venial sins, and if he gives the apostolic pardon, all purgatory time will be removed.
Theologians differ as to when exactly the soul departs. Many teach that the soul remains for several hours in the vicinity of its body and can be conditionally anointed and given the apostolic pardon during this time.
The proper time for receiving this holy anointing has certainly arrived when the believer begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age. The celebration of the Anointing of the Sick consists essentially in the anointing of the forehead and hands of the sick person (in the Roman Rite) or of other parts of the body (in the Eastern rite), the anointing being accompanied by the liturgical prayer of the celebrant asking for the special grace
of this sacrament. The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects:
the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church;
the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age;
the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Reconciliation;
the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of their soul; and the preparation of passing over to eternal life.
Through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick we are assured that God will raise us up, like Jesus, from our bed of pain and sickness and lead us to eternal life. Through it we are comforted when we feel most abandoned.
GLORIOUS CROSS
I adore You, O glorious Cross, which was adorned with the Heart and Body of my Savior Jesus Christ, stained and covered with blood. I adore You, O Holy Cross, out of love for Him, Jesus, who is my Savior and my God.
Pope Pius IX declared that reciting this prayer five times on Friday will free five souls from Purgatory and 33 souls by reciting it on Good Friday. This prayer should be recited before a crucifix with a contrite heart and praying a few minutes for the Pope.
News from the Central Office
Thank you for all the newspaper clippings from the Obituary page as well as lists of those who are deceased. We have enrolled all the names you sent in the Golden Book and a mass will be said every Friday throughout the year in the Missions for all those enrolled in the Golden Book.
We ask that you continue to pray “for all those enrolled in the Golden Book” and offer masses for your living and deceased friends and relatives whenever you are able.
As you have read from the message above, it is important to have the anointing of the sick for yourself as well as a dear friend or relative when necessary.. Advise your children or close relatives of your wishes when you are ill. Tell them of the importance of having a priest come to your bedside and anoint you. Also teach them the importance of having masses said for both the living and the dead. Your reward will be great in Heaven and the Souls you helped release from Purgatory will be there to welcome you and plead for you before our Lord and Judge.

Easter Blessings to all of you!
Friends of the Poor Souls
Dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows
[ View Guestbook ] [ Sign Guestbook ]
<< # St. Blog's Parish ? >>