Praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

Praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

As the month of November approaches, the Church invites us to spend this month praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is evident that the natural world is entering its yearly cycle of death and rest. Leaves have fallen, the grass is brown, flowers have withered, many animals sleep in the safety of the earth. Signs of death abound and remind us that we too one day will pass away.

It is fitting that November is the time we pray for our beloved dead. We do so because we believe that our love for them did not end when they departed from this earthly realm, but that our love reaches out to them into eternity, most especially if their souls are in Purgatory, undergoing that necessary purification to be ready to see God face to face in heaven. Every prayer we offer for them is a gift of our love for them.

Our Church has long called praying for the dead a spiritual work of mercy because we know the Holy Souls in Purgatory suffer in their longing to be with God and find respite and encouragement in our prayers that assist them in their travail.

Please take time this month to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. This can be done by visiting cemeteries to obtain indulgences for them or taking time in adoration or at home to pause, be still and remember those who have gone before us by offering a few prayers for them.