time you will become an interior soul and reap rich blessings.
We should make it our practice to offer each day some special prayer or work for the holy souls suffering in purgatory. We should never miss saying a De Profundis for them, or, at least, the indulgenced Versicles and Responses:
V. Requiem aeternam
dona eis, Domine.
R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis.
V. Requiescant in pace.
R. Amen.
V. Eternal rest give unto
them, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
We should say as many indulgenced prayers for them as
we can, and frequently offer the holy Sacrifice of the Mass
or a holy communion for them.
The Poor Souls in Purgatory
The holy souls suffering in the prison of purgatory are incapable of helping themselves.
Out of the depths of torturing flame they call to us Miseremini!" "Have pity on us !"
We have it in our power to help these suffering friends of God. We can do so by prayer, almsdeeds, works of mercy, holy communion, the Holy Mass, and indulgences, and to do so is certainly an act of charity. Understanding this full well, the saints, without exception, have been most earnest and constant in their efforts to help them. Some of them have made this devotion one of the strong characteristics of their sanctity, and we venture to say that no truly devout or sincere Catholic neglects this spiritual work of mercy.
Even the very poor, in Ireland, for instance, and also in this country, make many sacrifices in order to secure for their departed relatives and others the special benefits of the Holy Mass. May the same enlightened piety ever remain firmly rooted in the hearts of our people, and may the day never come when they will cease to follow beyond
