Reasons Why Catholics Pray for the Souls in Purgatory

Jesus says in Jn 6:39: "It is the will of Him Who sent Me that I should lose nothing of what He has given Me; rather, that I should raise it up on the last day." 

When we pray for the dead, we...

1. Obey the Lord and His Church

2. Love our neighbor

3. Express our unity with the other members of God's family

4. Through God's grace, help purify people in purgatory

5. Help those in purgatory to go to heaven

6. Face death and thereby become more aware of the vanity of life

7. Express and strengthen our faith in the power of prayer

8. Receive the benefit of the prayers of those in purgatory (CCC 958)

9. Rejoice, for all those in purgatory have given their lives to Jesus and will go to heaven.

10. Purify ourselves so that we will go directly to heaven and skip purgatory, or lessen our time in purgatory

11. Share in the pouring out of God's mercy, and...

12. Enter more deeply into the mystery of God's love and His plan of salvation.

By praying for the dead, we act "in a very excellent and noble way" (2 Mc 12:43), for it is "a holy and pious thought" to pray for the dead. (2 Mc 12:45).

Here are some prayers to help you pray for the Holy Souls:

Prayer of St. Alphonsus for the Holy Souls for ALL November, "Prayer to our Suffering Savior"

St. Gertrude's Prayer -  by Jesus to St. Gertrude to release "1000" souls from purgatory. 

20 Decades of the Holy Rosary for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗼'𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲

𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗼'𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 

 Here are five habits St. Padre Pio believed all Catholics should practice, based on advice he gave to his spiritual children.I. Weekly Confession“Confession is the soul’s bath. You must go at least once a week. I do not want souls to stay away from confession more than a week. Even a clean and unoccupied room gathers dust; return after a week and you will see that it needs dusting again!”II. Daily Communion“It is quite true, we are not worthy of such a gift. However, to approach the Blessed Sacrament in a state of mortal sin is one thing, and to be unworthy is quite another. All of us are unworthy, but it is He who invites us. It is He who desires it. Let us humble ourselves and receive Him with a heart contrite and full of love.”III. Examination of Conscience Every EveningSomeone once told Padre Pio that he thought a nightly examination of conscience was pointless because he knew what was sin as it was committed. To this, Padre Pio replied, “That is true enough. But every experienced merchant in this world not only keeps track throughout the day of whether he has lost or gained on each sale. In the evening, he does the bookkeeping for the day to determine what he should do on the morrow. It follows that it is indispensable to make a rigorous examination of conscience, brief but lucid, every night.”IV. Daily Spiritual Reading“The harm that comes to souls from the lack of reading holy books makes me shudder…. What power spiritual reading has to lead to a change of course, and to make even worldly people enter into the way of perfection.”V. Mental Prayer Twice Daily“If you do not succeed in meditating well, do not give up doing your duty. If the distractions are numerous, do not be discouraged; do the meditation of patience, and you will still profit. Decide upon the length of your meditation, and do not leave your place before finishing, even if you have to be crucified. Why do you worry so much because you do not know how to meditate as you would like? Meditation is a means to attaining God, but it is not a goal in itself. Meditation aims at the love of God and neighbor. Love God with all your soul without reserve, and love your neighbor as yourself, and you will have accomplished half of your meditation.”

Act of consecration to our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

✝️O virgin mother of God, Mary immaculate, 

we dedicate and consecrate ourselves to you under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

May this medal be for each one of us a sure sign of your affection for us and a constant reminder of our duties towards you. Ever while wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection and preserved in the grace of your son.

O most powerful Virgin, mother of our savior, keep us close to you every moment of our lives. Obtain for us, your children, the grace of a happy death; so that, in union with you, we may enjoy the bliss of heaven forever.

Amen.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you. (3 times)

✝️O DEAR SANTO NIÑO, 

Holy Child Jesus, I have recourse to You through Your Holy Mother; I implore You to assist me in this necessity, for I firmly believe that Your Divinity can assist me. I confidently hope to obtain Your holy grace. I love You with my whole heart and my whole soul. I am heartily sorry for my sins, and entreat You, O good Jesus, to give me strength to overcome them. I am firmly resolved never to offend You again and to suffer everything rather than displease You. Henceforth, I wish to serve You faithfully. For love of You, O divine Child, I will love my neighbor as myself. O Jesus, omnipotent Child, I entreat You again to come to my assistance in this necessity, if it pleases Your merciful Heart. Grant me the grace of possessing You eternally with Mary and Joseph and of adoring You with Your Holy Angels and Saints. Amen.

HOLY CHILD JESUS, I put all my hope and trust in You!

MARY IN THIS TIME OF GRACE

✝️When afraid at the state of the world, remember Momma Mary is still coming every day to save us!! 

This is a TIME of GRACE! 

And Mary is victorious!

Remember when we stay in Mary’s heart, evil cannot touch us. 

She is the one who crushes the serpent's head - with her heel! And the late chief exorcist of Rome, Fr. Gabriel Amorth, called Medjugorje the heel of Mary! 

 

"Modern times are dominated by Satan and will be more so in the future. The conflict with hell cannot be engaged by men, even the most clever. 

The Immaculata alone has from God the promise of victory over Satan.

However, assumed into Heaven, the Mother of God now requires our cooperation.

She seeks souls who will consecrate themselves entirely to her, who will become in her hands effective instruments for the defeat of Satan and the spreading of God's kingdom upon earth."

 ~ St. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE

Catholic Prayers: PRAYER FOR RELEASE FROM ANCESTRAL AND GENERATIONAL...

Catholic Prayers: PRAYER FOR RELEASE FROM ANCESTRAL AND GENERATIONAL...: ✝️Prayer for Release from Ancestral and Generational Curses🙏 Eternal Father You are the only immortal God, God Who is Love, Mer...

Catholic Prayers: CATHOLIC DELIVERANCE PRAYERS

Catholic Prayers: CATHOLIC DELIVERANCE PRAYERS: ✝️ CATHOLIC DELIVERANCE PRAYERS  Sharing as anyone who needs it may benefit from it ANIMA CHRISTI Soul of Christ, sanctify me; B...

ORIGIN OF THE ROSARY

✝️ ORIGIN OF THE ROSARY:

"Since the Holy Rosary is composed, principally and in substance, of the Prayer of Christ and the Angelic Salutation, that is, the Our Father and the Hail Mary, it was without doubt the first prayer and the first devotion of the faithful and has been in use all through the centuries, from the time of the Apostles and disciples down to the present.

But it was only in the year 1214, however, that Holy Mother Church received the Rosary in its present form and according to the method we use today. It was given to the Church by Saint Dominic who had received it from the Blessed Virgin as a powerful means of converting the Albigensians and other sinners.

I will tell you the story of how he received it, which is found in the very well-known book "De Dignitate Psalterii" by Blessed Alan de la Roche. Saint Dominic, seeing that the gravity of people's sins was hindering the conversion of the Albigensians, withdrew into a forest near Toulouse where he prayed unceasingly for three days and three nights. During this time he did nothing but weep and do harsh penances in order to appease the anger of Almighty God. He used his discipline so much that his body was lacerated, and finally he fell into a coma.

At this point Our Lady appeared to him, accompanied by three Angels, and she said:

"Dear Dominic, do you know which weapon the Blessed Trinity wants to use to reform the world?"

"Oh, my Lady," answered Saint Dominic, "you know far better than I do because next to your Son Jesus Christ you have always been the chief instrument of our salvation."

Then Our Lady replied: "I want you to know that, in this kind of warfare, the battering ram has always been the Angelic Psalter which is the foundation stone of the New Testament. Therefore if you want to reach these hardened souls and win them over to God, preach my Psalter."

So he arose, comforted, and burning with zeal for the conversion of the people in that district he made straight for the Cathedral. At once unseen Angels rang the bells to gather the people together and Saint Dominic began to preach.

At the very beginning of his sermon an appalling storm broke out, the earth shook, the sun was darkened, and there was so much thunder and lightning that all were very much afraid. Even greater was their fear when looking at a picture of Our Lady exposed in a prominent place they saw her raise her arms to Heaven three times to call down God's vengeance upon them if they failed to be converted, to amend their lives, and seek the protection of the Holy Mother of God.

God wished, by means of these supernatural phenomena, to spread the new devotion of the Holy Rosary and to make it more widely known.

At last, at the prayer of Saint Dominic, the storm came to an end, and he went on preaching. So fervently and compellingly did he explain the importance and value of the Holy Rosary that almost all the people of Toulouse embraced it and renounced their false beliefs. In a very short time a great improvement was seen in the town; people began leading Christian lives and gave up their former bad habits."

The Nativity of the Blessed Vrigin Mary - September 8 #feastday #nativ...

Today, we celebrate a special moment in the life of the Church – the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This joyous event marks the beginning of God’s great plan for the salvation of humanity. Join us as we reflect on the significance of Mary’s birth, her role in God's divine plan, and how her life inspires us all. Let's take a moment to honor the Mother of our Savior.

TRIDUUM OF SACRED HEARTS

TRIDUUM OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS 

FIRST FRIDAY:

1. The first Friday of each month was designated by Jesus himself as consecrated to honoring his Sacred Heart, to increase our love for Him in Holy Communion by receiving Our Lord Jesus Christ on first Friday and to make reparation for past and present offenses against His love. Those that keep the first Friday devotion receive 12 promises. 

FIRST SATURDAY:

2. “See, my daughter, My Heart surrounded with thorns with which ingrates pierce me at every moment with blasphemies and ingratitude. You, at least, make sure to console me and announce that all those who for five months, on the first Saturdays, go to confession, receive Communion, say five decades of the Rosary and keep me company for 15 minutes meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, with the purpose of making reparation to Me, I promise to assist them at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for the salvation of their souls." ~ Our of Lady of Fatima to Sister Lucia

FIRST WEDNESDAY:

3. Wednesdays are dedicated to Saint Joseph, but especially the first Wednesday of the month where you can offer your Holy Communion to his Most Chaste Heart that he would continue to intercede and protect you and your family.

CATHOLIC UNDERSTANDING OF DEMONS

✝️CATHOLIC DEMONOLOGY : 

Understanding the Reality of Evil and Spiritual Warfare

Demonology, the study of demons or evil spirits, explores the nature, origin, and influence of these beings within theological frameworks. 

In Catholic theology, demonology is essential to understanding the spiritual battle between good and evil, the reality of temptation, and the need for God's grace and protection.

By exploring the doctrine of demons, Catholics gain insight into the spiritual realm, the reality of evil, and the importance of spiritual vigilance and reliance on God's power to resist and overcome evil.

THE CATHOLIC UNDERSTANDING OF DEMONS

In Catholic theology, demons are fallen angels who rebelled against God. 

Their existence is acknowledged as part of the broader Christian narrative of salvation, which includes the reality of spiritual warfare. 

Demons are not merely symbolic of human evil but are considered real, personal beings who oppose God's will and seek to lead humans away from divine truth.

The Catholic Church teaches that while demons possess greater knowledge and power than humans, they are ultimately inferior to God and can be overcome by His grace and power. 

This understanding emphasizes the need for spiritual discernment, prayer, and the sacraments to protect against demonic influences.

1. THE NATURE AND ORIGIN OF DEMONS

Explanation:

Catholic theology holds that demons are angels who, through an act of free will, chose to rebel against God and were consequently cast out of heaven. 

This rebellion, led by Lucifer (often referred to as Satan), marks the origin of evil spirits. 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states, "The devil and the other demons were indeed created naturally good by God, but they became evil by their own doing" (CCC 391).

Demons are thus fallen angels who possess intelligence and power, but their knowledge is not omniscient, and their power is limited by God's sovereign will. 

Their primary purpose is to disrupt God's plan by tempting humans to sin and turning them away from God.

Example:

The biblical account of the Fall of Lucifer and the rebellion of angels is vividly depicted in Revelation 12:7-9: "Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. 

And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 

And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him."

2. THE INFLUENCE AND ACTIVITY OF DEMONS

Explanation:

Demons seek to exert influence over the world by tempting individuals to sin, sowing discord, and promoting falsehoods that lead people away from God's truth. 

Their activity is most evident in temptation, possession, and deception.

While demons have limited power to affect the material world directly, their primary focus is on the spiritual realm, influencing human thoughts and actions. 

However, their ability to possess or oppress individuals is constrained by God's permission, emphasizing the necessity of divine protection and grace.

Catholic teaching distinguishes between different levels of demonic influence:

- TEMPTATION:

A common form of demonic influence, where demons suggest thoughts or desires that lead a person toward sin.

- OPPRESSION:

More intense than temptation, oppression involves external attacks such as physical ailments or psychological disturbances.

- POSSESSION:

The rarest and most severe form of demonic influence, where a demon takes control of a person's body, often resulting in dramatic manifestations such as altered voice, superhuman strength, or knowledge of hidden things.

Example:

The story of Jesus casting out demons in the Gospels illustrates the power of Christ over evil spirits. In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus encounters a man possessed by a legion of demons. 

The demons recognize Jesus' divine authority, and with His command, they are cast out into a herd of pigs, demonstrating Christ's supreme power over demonic forces.

3. THE NATURE OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Explanation:

Catholicism teaches that every Christian is engaged in a spiritual battle against demonic forces. 

This spiritual warfare requires vigilance, prayer, and the use of sacramental grace. 

The Church provides tools such as the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, as well as sacramentals like holy water, crucifixes, and prayers of deliverance, to protect against demonic influence.

Saint Paul speaks about this spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:12: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." 

This passage highlights the reality of the Christian's struggle against demonic forces and the necessity of spiritual armour provided by God.

Example:

The practice of exorcism in the Catholic Church serves as a powerful example of spiritual warfare. 

Exorcism is a sacramental rite performed by a priest to expel demons from a person who is possessed. 

The Church distinguishes between solemn exorcisms (performed under strict Church authority) and minor exorcisms (prayers used to combat demonic influence). 

The movie "The Exorcist" popularised the solemn rite of exorcism, although it is important to note that real-life exorcisms are performed with great care and discernment under the Church's guidelines.

4. THE LIMITATIONS AND DEFEAT OF DEMONS

Explanation:

Catholic doctrine emphasizes that demons, despite their power and malice, are ultimately limited by God's sovereignty. 

Demons can only operate within the bounds that God permits, and they cannot force a person to sin against their will. 

Human free will remains intact, and individuals are always responsible for their moral choices.

The ultimate defeat of demons is assured through Christ's death and resurrection, which broke the power of sin and death. 

The final victory over Satan and his demons will be realised at the end of time when Christ returns in glory to judge the living and the dead.

Example:

In the temptation of Christ in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), Jesus demonstrates His authority over Satan. 

Despite Satan's attempts to tempt Him, Jesus remains steadfast, using Scripture to counter the devil's lies. 

This encounter underscores the power of God's Word and the example of Christ as the ultimate authority over demonic forces.

5. PROTECTION AGAINST DEMONIC INFLUENCE

Explanation:

Catholics are encouraged to seek protection against demonic influence through a life of holiness, regular reception of the sacraments, prayer, and the intercession of the saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

The Church teaches that by remaining in a state of grace, Christians are shielded from demonic influence.

Prayers such as the St. Michael Prayer and the Rosary are traditional means of seeking protection and strength in spiritual warfare. 

The sacrament of Reconciliation is also vital for maintaining spiritual vigilance, as it provides cleansing from sin and restores the individual to a state of grace.

Example:

The St. Michael Prayer, composed by Pope Leo XIII, is a powerful invocation for protection against the forces of evil: 

"St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defence against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen."

BIBLICAL REFERENCES SUPPORTING CATHOLIC DEMONOLOGY

1. THE EXISTENCE AND FALL OF DEMONS:  

Revelation 12:7-9 - "And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven."

2. THE NATURE OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE:  

Ephesians 6:12 - "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

3. JESUS' AUTHORITY OVER DEMONS:  

Mark 5:1-20 - Jesus casts out a legion of demons from a possessed man, showing His power over evil spirits.

4. THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD AND PRAYER:  

James 4:7 - "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE OF DEMONOLOGY

In a world where secularism and materialism often deny the existence of spiritual realities, demonology provides a framework for understanding the pervasive influence of evil. 

Recognising the reality of demons and their desire to lead humanity away from God underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance and the need for divine protection.

Understanding demonology also encourages Catholics to take spiritual warfare seriously, maintaining a strong relationship with God through prayer, the sacraments, and a life of virtue. 

In a culture that often glorifies self-reliance and dismisses the supernatural, demonology reminds believers of their dependence on God's grace and the importance of community, accountability, and sacramental life.

Ultimately, demonology calls Catholics to a deeper awareness of the spiritual realm, a stronger reliance on God's protection, and a more fervent commitment to living a life that glorifies God and resists the snares of the evil one.

PRAYER TO SAINT GABRIEL THE ARCHANGEL THE MESSENGER OF GOD

𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭. 𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥

St. Gabriel the Archangel, I venerate you as the “Angel of the Incarnation,” because God has specially appointed you to bear the messages concerning the God-Man to Daniel, Zechariah, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Give me a very tender and devoted love for the Incarnate Word and his Blessed Mother more like your own. 

I venerate you also as the “strength from God,” because you are the giver of God’s strength, consoler and comforter chosen to strengthen God’s faithful and to teach them important truths. I ask for the grace of a special power of the will to strive for holiness of life. 

Steady my resolutions, renew my courage, comfort and console me in the problems, trials, and sufferings of daily living, as you consoled our Savior in His agony and Mary in her sorrows and Joseph in his trials. I put my confidence in you. 

St. Gabriel, I ask you especially for this favor:

(Mention your petition now)

Through your earnest love for the Son of God-Made-Man and for His blessed Mother, I beg of you, intercede for me that my request may be granted, if it be God’s holy Will. 

Pray for us, St. Gabriel the Archangel, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen