“If it were but known how great is the power of the good souls in Purgatory with the Heart of God, and if we knew all the graces we can obtain through their intercession, they would not be so much forgotten. We must, therefore, pray much for them, that they may pray much for us.” – St. John Vianney
The knowledge that the souls of the just will reach their heavenly reward gives Catholics hope and strength to carry on through the trials of every day. But even the souls of the just must sometimes spend time in purification, in Purgatory, where they shed their last imperfections before they come face to face with God Himself.
The Holy Souls in Purgatory cannot intercede for themselves – as such, they beg us here on earth to pray and sacrifice for them, so that their time in Purgatory is shortened. As St. Pio of Pietrelcina once said, “We must empty Purgatory with our prayers.” Yes, he was convinced that it can be done… and we should be, too!
During the month of November, we encourage you to submit the names of your loved ones to be mentioned during the commemoratio pro defunctoris (the commemoration of faithful departed) at Mass during November. And the students will be offering their prayers and sacrifices as well for these Holy Souls!
Of course, no donation is necessary for this act of charity. The duty of prayer cannot be measured by earthly things.
So I urge you to submit the names of your loved ones. And we will pray!
In the Holy Family,
Laura Graves
Principal, Holy Family Academy
A plenary indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who,
To gain a Plenary Indulgence (only one per day), the faithful must be in the state of grace and the following conditions must accompany the prescribed act: