These souls are those who have passed away but must atone for their venial sins. Purgatory is a place of cleansing of the soul. When the cleansing is completed the soul is free of sin and may enter Heaven.
It is said that a moment in Purgatory has more suffering than a lifetime on earth. This is because souls in Purgatory sense the presence of God but because they can not be with God they suffer in the greatest of longings.
The Holy Souls of Purgatory can not be freed from their sins and lifted into Heaven without the intervention of faithful souls on earth who pray for them. Praying for the dearly departed (especially those who we know) is a traditional duty highly recommended by the Church. Our prayer and sacrifices for Holy Purgatory Souls is an act of charity which gains indulgence.
Several books have expressed evidence that those on earth who pray for souls in Purgatory, do not go without reward. When souls are cleansed of sin and enter Heaven the souls pray before the throne of God for all the earthly souls who prayed for them.
It is sad that of all the devotions offered by the faithful of the Church it seems the practice of praying for Purgatory souls as fallen by the wayside. Our Lady of Medjugorje on July 21, 1982 spoke these words in a message to the world,
Concerning Purgatory; “There are many souls in Purgatory. There are also persons who have been consecrated to God – some priests, some Religious. Pray for their intentions, at least the Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be seven times each, and the Creed. I recommend it to you. There is a large number of souls who have been in Purgatory for a long time because no one prays for them.”
This message clearly shows us the devotions of prayers and sacrifices for Purgatory Souls have fallen away. As a result of Catholics who no longer pray for Purgatory souls Our Lady of Medjugorje tells us, “There are many souls in Purgatory.. no one prays for them.” Again I would mention not only are their many souls in Purgatory but one moment in Purgatory is more painful than a lifetime on earth. For a moment just try to imagine the Holy Souls suffering! Holy Souls in Purgatory are in agony beyond a level unknown to earthly souls, prompting this message from Our Lady.
Plenary Indulgence
On All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2) a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls, is granted to those who visit any parish church or public oratory and there recite one Our Father and one Credo.
On all the days from November I though November 8 inclusive, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls, is granted to those who visit a cemetery and pray even if only mentally for the departed.
Conditions for both indulgences:
1. Only one plenary indulgence can be granted per day.
2. It is necessary to be in the state of grace, at least by completion of the work.
3. Freedom from attachment to sin, even venial sin, is necessary; otherwise the indulgence is only partial. (By this is meant attachment to a particular sin, not sin in general.)
4. Holy Communion must be received each time the indulgence is sought.
5. Prayers must he recited for the intentions of the Holy Father on each day the indulgence is sought. (No particular prayers are prescribed. One Our Father and one Hail Mary suffice, or other suitable prayers.
6. A sacramental concession must he made within a week of completion of the prescribed work. (One confession made during the week, made with the intention of gaining all the indulgences, suffices.)
Psalm 129 : De Profundis
Out of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord! Lord, hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shall mark iniquities, Lord, who shall stand it?
For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness, and by reason of Thy law,
I have waited for Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night let Israel hope in the Lord;
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him plentiful redemption.
And he shall redeem Israel, from all his iniquities.
Prayer for the Deceased by Saint Nicholas
Lord, God of holiness and light.?You do not allow any shadow of darkness or evil in your sight, and so in your mercy you grant to those who have left this world burdened with sin, a time of purification, applying to them the spiritual treasurers of your holy Church. Hear my prayer and through the merits of Christ, the Blessed Virgin, the saints, and all your faithful people? bring to an end this time of waiting? OR our beloved dead, especially _____.
In your providence you have chosen Saint Nicholas as a special intercessor on behalf of the departed. Hear also his fervent prayer for those whom I recommend to you through his intercession. Amen.
Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, pray for us.
