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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 2, 2019 3:22:43 GMT
FIRST DAY
PRAYERS FOR THE HOLY SOULS
One of the most consoling doctrines of the Catholic Church is that of the Communion of Saints. All men - the saints in Heaven, we upon earth, the souls in Purgatory - are members of one great family. By this " bond of perfection" which unites the Suffering and Triumphant Church with the Militant Church upon earth, incorporating them into one body, mutual charity becomes an obligation. This reciprocal love, being the duty of all men, renders it imperative that all should pray for one another, for in this general prayer, offered mutually, Christian charity is most beautifully and eloquently expressed. From this general obligation we derive the special duty to pray for the suffering souls in Purgatory, who are unable in their extreme distress to do aught for their own relief. It has always been the belief of holy Church, that the faithful, united in the Communion of Saints, can mutually assist each other. As the saints in Heaven pray for us, so must we also offer our petitions for the suffering souls in Purgatory, that God in His goodness and mercy, may mitigate ans shorten their punishment, and hasten their entrance into Heaven. It is the doctrine of the Church that the faithful upon earth are really able to relieve the temporal punishment of the holy souls in Purgatory. "In this," says the Roman Catechism, "the supreme mercy and goodness of God deserve our grateful acknowledgment and praise, that He has granted to our frailty the privilege that one may satisfy for another."
Prayer: O Lord, Jesus Christ, Thou Who has said, "Where there are two or three gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them," (Matth. xviii. 20) look mercifully upon Thy holy Church, who implores Thy clemency in behalf of her suffering members. End their intense pain, and open unto them the portals of the heavenly Jerusalem, that they may praise and bless Thee forever and ever. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for those who, during the course of their earthly lives, did most to relieve the souls in Purgatory.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (300 days' indulgence each time. Say three times.) (No. 536)
Practice: Attend the public devotion for the suffering souls.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy! *(300 days' indulgence every time for the souls in Purgatory.) (No. 55)
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 3, 2019 2:55:26 GMT
SECOND DAY COMMEMORATION OF "ALL SOULS"
The commemoration of "All Souls" was instituted by the Church as a day of special prayer for all the faithful departed who are as yet deprived of the blissful contemplation of God, and the possession of Heaven. These holy souls endure most agonizing torments, and count the lingering moments of time, while awaiting release from prison, or, at least some relief in their intense pain. They have special confidence in their friends and relatives upon earth, hoping to be lovingly cherished in their memory, and aided by their fervent prayers. with holy Job they cry out: "Have pity on me, have pity on me, at least you, my friends, because the hand of the Lord hath touched me." (Job ixi. 21.) The anniversary of All Souls should serve to revive and confirm our devotion in behalf of the suffering souls in Purgatory, and induce us to make ample amends for our neglect of this duty during the year. "A gift hath grace in the sight of all the living, and restrain not grace from the dead." (Eccl. vii. 37.)
Prayer: O God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants pardon of all their sins, that by pious supplications they may graciously obtain the remission they have always desired. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three Times)
Practice: Examine how often, and in what matter you have practiced prayer for the souls in Purgatory during the year.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 4, 2019 3:14:12 GMT
THIRD DAY THE DOCTRINE OF PURGATORY
The destiny awaiting us at death is not the same for all men: "He will render to every man according to his works." (Matth. xvi. 27.) Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory are the three places into which the souls of the departed are received. Heaven is the happy destination of perfectly pure and holy souls only; Hell the final doom of the reprobate; Purgatory, temporarily for the just, who are not as yet entirely purified. There God completes the punishment due to their faults, which were not sufficiently atoned for on earth; there He submits these holy souls to the last purgation, to cleanse them from the least stain, and, by fire, to bring them to that degree of perfected purity, which is necessary for them before being admitted to eternal bliss. Hence there are two classes of souls in Purgatory: 1. Those who depart this life, stained by venial sins and imperfections. 2. Those who have repented sincerely of their mortal sins and confessed them, if possible, without having done sufficient penance for them. Judging from our lives, experience teaches us that most men deserve Purgatory for both causes.
Prayer: Graciously hear, O God, the fervent prayers we offer Thee for the suffering souls in Purgatory, who, not having satisfied Thy divine justice, confide in Thine infinite mercy and our intercessions. Extend unto them Thy consolations, and redeem them, through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who suffer in Purgatory for little faults.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Be conscientious and faithful in the performance of little duties, and offer the inconvenience for the suffering souls.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 9, 2019 2:49:48 GMT
FOURTH DAY
EXPIATION FOR VENIAL SINS AND IMPERFECTIONS
The judgments of God are very different from the judgments of men. "For: "My thoughts are not your thoughts; nor your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are My ways exalted above your ways." (Is. iv. 8-9.) Though the judgments of God are severe, they are ever just. "Unto whomsoever much is given, of him much shall be required." (Luke xii. 48.) And St. Gregory the Great says: "Where grace has been augmented, there also the account has been increased." From those souls, upon whom God has bestowed great and special graces, He demands a more faithful cooperation, and the least infidelity to such grace is punished with extreme severity; the purgation or cleansing of these favored souls must be perfect in proportion to the high degree of glory to which they are to be exalted. In reference to prayer for the suffering souls, who are in Purgatory for venial sins and imperfections, we must observe that, though their time of suffering is comparatively short, and their punishment less vigorous, their pain and agony is more intense, owing to their yearning desire of perfect union with God. They are in utmost need of our fervent prayers, and will show their gratitude by their petitions for us before the throne of God, according to the speedy assistance we have given them during our earthly lives.
Prayer: Inflame us, O Lord, the fire of Thy Divine love, that all inordinate desires may be consumed here upon earth, thus rendering our prayers for the suffering souls in Purgatory more acceptable to Thee and beneficial to them . Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Mortify your prevailing weakness or inclination.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 10, 2019 2:57:56 GMT
FIFTH DAY THE SUFFERINGS OF PURGATORY
The sufferings of Purgatory are twofold: the pain of loss, and the torture of the senses; both in proportion to temporal punishment unremitted. Having committed sin, the soul has turned away from God, thus increasing the pain of loss, or, according to our ideas, God departs from that soul and deprives her of His beatific vision. By sin, the soul has been attached to creatures, making improper use of them, displeasing to God, hence the severe punishment, consisting in the pain of the senses. God permits that those who have abandoned their Creator, and bestowed their affections upon creatures, are chastised by the same, for we read in the Book of Wisdom: "By what things a man sinned, by the same also is he tormented." (Wis. xi. 17.) God has not revealed, nor has the Church ever taught in what manner or to what extent the souls in Purgatory suffer, but it is the opinion of the holy Fathers and Doctors of the Church that, what St. Paul writes to the Corinthians, (I, iii. 15) "But he himself shall be saved: yet so as by fire," must be taken in a literal sense, which is accepted also by St. Thomas Aquinas.
Prayer: O Lord, by Thine infinite love and clemency, graciously grant to the suffering souls in Purgatory remittance of their punishment. Receive them into Thy eternal glory, that blessed by Thy beatific vision, they may praise and adore Thee for ever and ever. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who have suffered for the longest in Purgatory.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen.
(Three times)
Practice: Do not let human respect prevent you from performing a duty. Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 10, 2019 20:15:03 GMT
SIXTH DAY THE PAIN OF LOSS
The spiritual suffering, or the pain of loss, is the greatest pain of Purgatory, according to the Fathers of the Church. No one can comprehend the great suffering of a soul departed, which, in all its ardent desire for the highest and only good, sees itself ever repulsed as an object of God's avenging justice. St. Alphonsus writes: "Far greater than the pain of sense in Purgatory is that pain which the holy souls must endure in being deprived of the vision of God. Because these souls are inflamed, not only with a natural, but with a supernatural love of God, they are so vehemently attracted to the union with their highest good, that, in being repulsed through their own fault, they experience so violent a pain as would kill them instantly if death were possible to them." Therefore, says St. Chrysostom, "this pain of being deprived of God is a far greater pain for them than the pain of the senses. The fire of hell increased a thousand times would not cause them such great suffering as does this pain of the loss of God."
Prayer: O God, Father of mercies, grant the ardent desire of the souls in Purgatory who yearn to behold Thee. Send down to them Thy holy angel with the joyful tidings that the moment of their redemption has come, that their exile is ended, and bless them by the perfect union with Thee forever. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls who are punished for their forgetfulness of the holy Presence of God during their lives.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Try to remember at all times the holy Presence of God.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 11, 2019 2:22:55 GMT
SEVENTH DAY PAIN OF SORROW FOR SIN
The soul departed, before the judgment-seat of God, is enlightened with a perfect knowledge of the purity and sanctity of her Divine Judge, clearly perceiving the stains with which she is sullied, and her extreme unworthiness of union with God. The thought: I have offended God, Who is everlasting beauty and perfection; I am not yet worthy to appear before the face of the Lord, Who is infinitely holy, not worthy to take possession of my dwelling-place in Heaven, - is the greatest sorrow of the suffering soul. Much more clearly than during their earthly lives do these holy souls comprehend the perfections of God, and love Him above all things; therefore the thought of having offended Him is a piercing sorrow which surpasses all their other sufferings. St. Ambrose tells us, there is no greater agony than remorse of conscience caused by sin. There are examples on record, of men who died from the effects of this vehement sorrow. Yet, how much more intense must be the contrition of the suffering souls, who fully understand the great malice of sin! We know by our own experience that the depth of sorrow for having offended a person is equal to the love we bear him. The holy souls in Purgatory, being inflamed with a perfect love of God, their perfect contrition for sin is their greatest sorrow.
Prayer: O God, Father of grace and mercy! graciously regard the deep sorrow of the suffering souls in Purgatory. Deign to accept their love, and grant them remission of their punishment, that, united with Thee, they may praise Thy goodness forever. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls who, while on earth, loved God most ardently.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Try to make an act of perfect contrition for your sins.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 12, 2019 2:56:51 GMT
EIGHTH DAY PAIN OF HELPLESSNESS AND DESOLATION
The souls in Purgatory have entered into the realm of Divine Justice.The penance and satisfaction due for their faults must be made, either by the pains of Purgatory itself, or by the suffrages of the faithful, consisting in prayer, good works, and the spiritual treasure of indulgences bestowed upon them; for the suffering souls can no longer merit, and are entirely unable to assist themselves. A sick man and a beggar have a tongue to ask for help, and the very sight of their misery will move others to compassion. The suffering souls, however, have no resource but that of patience, resignation, and hope. To all their moans there is but one answer, "the night hath come, in which no man can work." Hence in their extreme desolation and distress, they incessantly cry out to us for relief and assistance; but since they cannot do this in a manner perceptible to us, holy Church does it for them, by instituting many touching devotions in their behalf. Can we, then, be cold and heartless towards these souls? - "A hard heart will fare evil at the last." Be not then indifferent to your own interests.
Prayer: Have mercy, O Lord, upon the suffering souls in Purgatory, in their helplessness and desolation. Comfort them by the prayers and petitions of the angels and the just in Heaven and upon earth; shorten the time of their suffering, and reward them with joys eternal. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the most forsaken and helpless souls.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Deny yourself a little comfort, or some special consolation, and offer it for the most forsaken souls in Purgatory.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 12, 2019 17:20:49 GMT
NINTH DAY PAIN OF FIRE IN PURGATORY
The Church has given no decision regarding the word "fire" in relation to Purgatory; but according to Theologians and Doctors of the Church, we are to understand a material fire. Concerning this, Bishop Colmar of Mayence, a great friend of the holy souls, writes: "Besides being deprived of the vision of God, the souls in Purgatory must also endure the tortures of a fire, the effects of which are so much more painful, as it is an instrument in the avenging hand of God; a fire, as St. Augustine says, in comparison to which our material fire is as nothing; a fire that entirely penetrates the soul, in whatever manner this may be accomplished. How, and to what extent this is done, we know not, but may draw our conclusion from similar instances. - "In like manner," says St. Gregory the Great, "as the fallen angels, although pure spirits, are tormented by the material fire of hell, so may a similar fire torture the souls of the departed in Purgatory." The justice of God can punish a spirit by means of a material substance, as well as He can, in His omnipotence, give life to a body by the agency of a spirit. According to the holy Fathers, the fire of purgatory does not differ from the fire of hell, excepting in point of duration. "It is the same fire, " says St. Thomas, "that torments the reprobate in hell, and the just in Purgatory. The least pain in Purgatory," he adds, "surpasses the greatest sufferings of this life." Nothing but eternal duration makes the fire of hell more terrible than that of Purgatory.
Prayer: Refresh, O Lord, the suffering souls in Purgatory, with the dew of Thy grace, that their pains may be relieved, and, in Thy mercy, hasten the moment of their deliverance, that they may meet Thee in Heaven, where no fire but that of Thy holy love shall consume them. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for all the souls in Purgatory, particularly for those who are forgotten by their relatives.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen.
(Three times)
Practice: Endeavor to spread the devotion for the holy souls in Purgatory as much as possible.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 14, 2019 3:41:00 GMT
TENTH DAY THE DURATION OF PURGATORY
Concerning the duration of Purgatory, the Church simply tells us that it is not a place of eternal pain, but will end at the last judgment; neither are we informed of the length of time required for the purification of a soul. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, the soul, to be reunited to her Creator in Heaven, must be in the state of primitive innocence which adorned her when she proceeded from His hand. The image of God must be entirely restored within her, commensurate to the degree of glory awaiting her in Heaven. From this it is evident that the suffering souls cannot enter Heaven until perfectly cleansed, either by their pains or by the suffrages of the faithful. With the royal Prophet they cry out in plaintive voice: "As the hart panteth after the fountains of water, so my soul panteth after Thee, O God! When shall I come and appear before the face of God?" (Ps. xli. 2-3.) They suffer until entirely purified, until the last farthing of their debt is discharged. Increased and intensified pain will probably supply the want of time for the souls who shall not have rendered full satisfaction by the last day of universal judgment.
Prayer: O God, the Dispenser of pardon, and Friend of human salvation, we implore Thee, by the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all Thy saints, grant to the souls of our brethren, relatives, benefactors, and all the faithful departed, the joys of eternal bliss. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls who are most desirous of obtaining help from you. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Mortify your curiosity.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 15, 2019 4:23:14 GMT
ELEVENTH DAY OUR DUTY TO RELIEVE THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
In bestowing charity upon any person, we are usually guided by the degree of his poverty; but, who is in such great need as he who possesses absolutely nothing, owes a heavy debt, is unable to labor or gain any merit, or even to beg, and must nevertheless suffer the most excruciating torments until the last farthing has been paid? There is a universal law to assist the needy, which extends even to strangers; but here the obligation is greatest, because among these souls in Purgatory, are such as were intimately connected with us, who suffer, perhaps, for having loved us excessively. Among the sufferers are our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, relatives, and friends. How exceedingly painful for them to be forgotten and deserted even by those whose happiness they promoted during their sojourn upon earth; to see the possessions left to their children foolishly squandered, they themselves not receiving the benefit of the least farthing thereof! What proofs of extreme coldness and ingratitude! Were any of these persons afflicted with the least pain upon earth, we would do all in our power to relieve them, but, as it is, we are devoid of all sympathy, and leave them in their terrible suffering and anguish.
Prayer: Have mercy, O Lord, upon the suffering souls in purgatory, and mitigate the severity of Thy judgment, that they, who, during their earthly lives believed in Thee, hoped in Thee, and loved Thee, may receive the crown of justice in Heaven. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who are suffering for their negligence in praying for the souls in Purgatory.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Suffer patiently the disagreeable occurrences in you intercourse with others.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 16, 2019 4:19:24 GMT
TWELFTH DAY GRAND DISPLAY IS OF NO VALUE TO THE HOLY SOULS
In regard to pompous displays for the departed, St. Augustine says: "Costly funerals and expensive displays may afford the living some consolation, but are of no benefit to the departed." He adds, however, "Let care be bestowed upon funerals and the erection of monuments; for Holy Writ reckons these among good works. Let all perform these last services for their departed, and thereby relieve their own sorrow; but let them show greater zeal, care, and generosity in succoring the souls of the departed by Masses, prayers, and alms, and thus give evidence not only of a temporal, but also a spiritual love for those who are departed in body only, but not in spirit. According to a rule of the Church, flowers should be used at funerals of children only; circumstances may at times justify a deviation from this rule, but, at all events, it is unpardonable if the expense connected with this display deprives the soul departed of any spiritual assistance."
Prayer: We beseech Thee, O Lord, by Thy infinite mercy, do not despise our prayers in behalf of the souls in Purgatory, but grant them the peace and consolation we desire for them. Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who were remembered by a pompous funeral only, and have no relief in their pain. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Accompany the funeral of a poor person, at the first opportunity.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 17, 2019 18:16:54 GMT
THIRTEENTH DAY THE SPECIAL DUTY OF EVERY ONE TO AID THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
Besides the general duty imposed upon us by the divine law of charity, there is a special obligation incumbent upon every one to assist particular souls. This duty devolves upon us in consequence of the personal relations with such souls during their earthly career; for, whatever be the condition of man in life, he will have among the souls, departed, who may be suffering in Purgatory, some to whom he is indebted for particular favors and benefits. But what could more forcibly elicit our charity and gratitude than to behold our loved ones and our benefactors in extreme distress, while we have the means of alleviating their suffering! That person does not possess a spark of Christian charity, who, from neglect or indolence, suffers the souls of his friends to be tormented in the flames of Purgatory.
Prayer: Revive, O Lord, within the hearts of Thy faithful, an active commiseration for the brethren gone before us, that they may not, by our indifference or neglect, suffer without relief and assistance. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who are neglected by their relatives and friends.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Bestow alms for the relief of the suffering souls.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 17, 2019 18:29:11 GMT
FOURTEENTH DAY SPECIAL DUTY OF CHILDREN TOWARDS THEIR DECEASED PARENTS
"Honor thy father, and forget not the groanings of thy mother. Remember that thou hadst not been born but through them, and make a return to them: as they have done for thee." (Eccl. vii. 29-30.) Next to God, our parents are our greatest benefactors, entitled to most tender love and gratitude, which is the sacred duty of every child. This duty does not end with this life; it is extended even to eternity. Should our departed parents find no relief in their pains? Must they cry out in bitter anguish: "I have reared sons and daughters, but they have forgotten me?" If we compassionate the misery of strangers, if we do not heartlessly send a beggar from our doors, oh, let us remember how near and dear father and mother are to us, and how greatly we are indebted to them. After their death we owe them prayers, alms, good works, and Masses. They cry out to us for mercy. Would it not be the highest degree of ingratitude were we to forget those who bestowed their best love and care upon us in life? The commandment of God, "Honor thy father and thy mother," is an obligation also towards our deceased parents.
Prayer: O God, Who hast commanded us to honor father and mother, look in loving kindness upon the souls of my father and mother, and forgive them their trespasses, and grant unto me the joy of being reunited to them in the glorious light of everlasting life. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of parents who have been forgotten by their children.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen.
(Three times)
Practice: Mortify yourself by an act of obedience.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 17, 2019 18:45:50 GMT
FIFTEENTH DAY WE SHOULD BE IN THE STATE OF GRACE WHEN GAINING INDULGENCES FOR THE POOR SOULS
Holy Church teaches us that the state of grace is necessary to perform works that are merit-bearing for ourselves, and many Saints and holy teachers of the science of God apply this same teaching to works and prayers which have indulgences attached to them and are to be applied to the Poor Souls. It is certain that if confession and Holy Communion are demanded for gaining the particular indulgence, the indulgence is not gained unless the person who performs these works is in God's favor at the time. A person who may be, unfortunately, in the state of mortal sin, can have Masses said for the faithful departed. He himself will acquire no merit thereby, but the suffering souls will derive the full benefit of the Holy Sacrifice. As we should always strive to be in the friendship and grace of God, if we have any doubt about our condition or are certain that we have lost God's favor then before trying to gain an indulgence let us confess our sins or at least strive to make an act of perfect contrition. "He that abideth in Me," says Christ, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing." (John xv, 5) If, then we are incapable of gaining merit for ourselves, how can we expect to benefit others? St. Francis Xavier says: "Before being intent upon delivering souls from Purgatory, take heed to redeem your own souls from hell;" and here we may add the word of the Lord spoken by His prophet: "Wash yourselves, be clean, take away the evil of your devices from My eyes: cease to do perversely." (Isaias i. 16.)
Prayer: Grant us the grace, O Lord! to avoid sin at all times, and confirm us in Thy charity, that, by Thy bounty, our supplications for the suffering souls may be acceptable to Thee, and beneficial to them. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who were careful never to lose the grace of God.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen.
(Three times)
Practice: Make an act of perfect contrition.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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