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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 17, 2019 18:56:34 GMT
SIXTEENTH DAY THE EFFICACY OF PRAYER FOR THE SUFFERING SOULS
"It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins." (2 Mach. xii. 46) Prayer for the dead is holy because it is pleasing to God; wholesome, because, through the merciful goodness of God it accomplishes its sublime and charitable object. Nothing is so pleasing to God as the sacrifice of love and mercy, especially when offered for the suffering souls, whom He loves most tenderly, because they are holy and sure of Heaven. To relieve the suffering souls we can do scarcely anything more salutary than to gain indulgences applicable to them, offering to God the perfect satisfaction of Christ and the saints, and performing good works in their behalf, that they may be comforted or entirely delivered from the pains of Purgatory. A suffering soul may receive an entire or a temporary remission of her penalty, in accordance with the indulgence applied, being either plenary or partial.
Prayer: Open, O Lord! the rich treasures of Thy holy Church, in favor of the souls in Purgatory that they may receive full pardon, or, at least some relief in their pains; and grant us grace to deliver and to comfort a great number of suffering souls by prayer and good works. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls, who, during their earthly career, endeavored to gain many indulgences for the faithful departed.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Apply all the indulgences you can gain to the souls in Purgatory.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 17, 2019 19:13:29 GMT
SEVENTEENTH DAY THE MANNER IN WHICH THE CHURCH BESTOWS INDULGENCES UPON THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
The Church does no apply indulgences to the souls in Purgatory, as she does to the faithful upon earth, by the tribunal of penance and absolution, but confers them simply by pious supplications and sacrifices offered int their behalf; thus they are relieved indirectly. The Holy Church opens her rich treasures of merit and satisfaction in proportion to the suffrages of the faithful, offering expiation and fervent prayers to God for the relief of the suffering souls, according to the value of the indulgences gains in their behalf. God has reserved to Himself the right to accept entirely, or in part, the satisfaction offered for any soul in Purgatory. This acceptance depends upon His holy and adorable Will, and, perhaps, in great measure upon the care of the souls to render herself worthy of the Divine assistance during her earthly career. Besides, there may be some obligations neglected by the person who intends to gain the indulgence, owing to ignorance or forgetfulness on his part. Therefore, we have no assurance whatever that an indulgence given by us to the holy souls has had the desired effect. Considering this, we should prepare most carefully, and fulfill all obligations required for gaining an indulgence. However, let us place, with entire confidence, the application of indulgences to departed souls especially dear to us, into the tender hand of Divine mercy.
Prayer: Have mercy, O Lord, upon the suffering souls in Purgatory, mitigate the severity of Thy judgments; let the infinite merits of Thine only-begotten Son, and those of Thy saints, assist the holy souls, and deliver them from their sufferings. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who neglected to gain indulgences 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: Offer all indulgences you may gain to-day, for the souls in Purgatory.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 19, 2019 4:34:04 GMT
EIGHTEENTH DAY THE EFFICACY OF HOLY MASS FOR THE DEPARTED
The Sacrifice of the Mass is the great devotion of the Catholic Church, and, of all means to assist the souls in Purgatory, none is more valuable or meritorious; for there Jesus Christ offers Himself and His infinite merits to His Heavenly Father, by the hands of the Priest, in behalf of the suffering souls. The unbloody Sacrifice of the Mass does not essentially differ from the sacrifice of the cross, but only accidentally as to the mode of oblation, and no limit can be placed to the effect of this great sacrifice, which contains in itself all graces. From this inestimable efficacy, however, we may not infer that the offering of one Mass is sufficient to release the souls we love; for, though the Sacrifice on Calvary was infinite, we cannot conclude that the application of it, through the Mass, must also be in every Mass, upon us; His merits are applied according to His adorable Will, for the ways of God are often inscrutable. It is very salutary, therefore, to have the Holy Sacrifice offered frequently for the repose of a soul. Should the souls who are dear to us, for whom we intercede in this manner, be already in the enjoyment of eternal bliss, Divine wisdom and goodness will bestow the merit of the Masses offered on other suffering souls.
Prayer: O Lord, Jesus Christ: Who didst institute the unbloody Sacrifice of the Mass in commemoration of Thy Sacrifice upon the cross, we beseech Thee, bestow the merits of this Holy Sacrifice upon the souls in Purgatory, that they may soon be released from their pains. Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who were most zealous to assist at Mass.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Assist at Mass for the relief of the suffering souls.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 20, 2019 4:34:12 GMT
NINETEENTH DAY HOLY COMMUNION OF GREAT BENEFIT TO THE DEPARTED
The holy Doctor and Cardinal, St. Bonaventure, of the Order of St. Francis, who wrote much concerning the holy souls, urges especially frequent communion in their behalf. "Let the love and compassion for your neighbor," so he writes, "lead you to the holy table; for nothing is so well calculated to obtain eternal rest for the holy souls." This is confirmed by the following example: Louis Blosius related that a pious servant of God, in a vision, beheld a departed friend, wrapped in flames, and learned from him that he suffered terribly, because he had received our Lord in Holy Communion with but little preparation. "Therefore, " added this departed friend, "I beg of you, for the love we bore each other, to communicate for the benefit of my soul, but to do so with great preparation and fervor; I then hope certainly to be released from the terrible sufferings that I have indeed well deserved for my negligence towards the Blessed Sacrament." The friend at once complied with the request, and having receive Holy Communion with due preparation, he saw the same soul enveloped in light, winging its happy flight to Heaven, to behold face to face the King of eternal glory.
Prayer: O Lord, Jesus Christ, Who in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar hast given us thine own flesh and blood for the nourishment of our souls, and a pledge of our own future resurrection, grant us the grace always to receive worthily this Most Holy Mystery, that it may be to us and the souls in Purgatory a source of salvation. Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls who were negligent in their preparation for Holy Communion.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 22, 2019 4:44:14 GMT
TWENTIETH DAY LOVE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN TOWARDS THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
Since our Divine Redeemer has given us Mary as a mother, when, dying upon the cross, He spoke to His disciple, "Behold thy mother," the Blessed Virgin regards us all as her beloved children, but She harbors most tender feelings of maternal love towards the suffering souls in Purgatory. Let us then afford the Mother of love the satisfaction of giving abundant suffrages to the souls in Purgatory. Taking into consideration the great prerogatives of the Blessed Virgin, and the infinite love of the Holy Trinity towards Her, we cannot doubt that by Her merit and intercession every penitent suffering soul would be delivered, that Purgatory could be emptied at once, were such according to the inscrutable ways of God. But God has His own designs, founded on His infinite wisdom, justice, and mercy. The Blessed Virgin does not pray to have all the suffering souls delivered at once, for Her will is in perfect conformity to the Will of God, and She exercises her dominion over the souls in Purgatory in perfect union with this Divine Will. St. Bernadine of Siena applies to Mary the text of Holy Writ, "I have walked in the waves of the sea," (Eccl. xxiv. 8.) and adds, "She descends into that sea of fire, quenching the flames for the suffering souls." Denys the Carthusian attests that the souls in Purgatory experience the same joy and relief, at the mere mention of Her name, that consoling words bring to the bedridden sick.
Prayer: O most holy and glorious Virgin Mary, Blessed Mother of our Lord! We place our petitions for the suffering souls into Thy hands; cleanse them from all imperfections, and, by Thy intercession, obtain for them eternal rest. Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls who were most zealous in their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Say the Litany of the Blessed Virgin for the suffering souls.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 22, 2019 5:05:43 GMT
TWENTY-FIRST DAY EFFICACY OF THE ROSARY FOR THE SUFFERING SOULS
St. Dominic declares that the redemption of the holy souls from Purgatory is one of the principal effects of the Rosary. The Venerable Alanus writes that many of the brethren had appeared to them whilst reciting the Rosary, and had declared that next to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass there was no more powerful means than the Rosary to help the suffering souls. Also, that numerous souls were daily released thereby, who otherwise would have been obliged to remain there for years. St. Alphonsus Liguori therefore says: "If we wish to be of material assistance to the souls in Purgatory, we must always recommend them in our prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and especially offer the holy Rosary for them." Let us then frequently and with devotion recite the Rosary, which is so pleasing to our Blessed Mother, recommended most especially by the Holy Church, discloses to us a rich source of grace, and is so efficacious in relieving the suffering souls and opening Heaven to them. Should our labor prevent us from reciting the entire Rosary every day, let us, at least, say it in part. This simple homage to the Queen of Heaven will draw down great blessings upon us, and the holy souls will be wonderfully consoled and relieved, if this devotion be offered in their behalf.
Prayer: Graciously hear, O Lord! the prayer we offer Thee in the holy Rosary, in honor of Mary, Thy Virgin Mother, for the relief of the souls in Purgatory, while by devoutly meditating upon Thy holy life and suffering, we implore Thy divine assistance. Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen. Special Intercession: Pray for the souls who were most devoted to the holy rosary.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Recite the Rosary for the suffering souls. Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 22, 2019 19:24:07 GMT
TWENTY-SECOND DAY ALMS-GIVING AFFORDS GREAT RELIEF TO THE DEPARTED
Besides prayer and other acts of devotion, there are practical good works we can perform for the relief of the suffering souls, among which alms-giving is one of the most prominent; for this, being a work of mercy, is especially efficacious in obtaining mercy for the holy souls. Not the rich alone are able to give alms; the poor can do so as well; since it is not the value of the gift, but the good intention, in which it is bestowed, that is acceptable in the sight of God,. We also shall, one day, be numbered among the suffering souls, and who is in greater need and poverty than they? The most miserable beggar in this world can at least complain of his wants, and ask others to assist him; but the souls in Purgatory cannot do even this, for, the instances in which they are permitted to implore aid of the living are exceptional cases, and very few are on record. What consolation it will afford us when, in our own great time of need, the poor whom we befriended and comforted upon earth, in the company of the holy souls, whom we delivered by offering this work of mercy for them, shall come to our assistance by their prayers and pious supplications! Therefore, says Holy Scripture: "Do good to thy friend before thou die; and according to they ability, stretching out thy hand, give to the poor." (Eccl. xiv. 13.)
Prayer: Lord! graciously look down upon the alms we offer for the redemption of the captive souls in Purgatory. Bestow upon them the full merit thereof, that they may be able to discharge their debt; accept, we beseech Thee, this boon of charity, that delivered from debt and penalty, Thou mayest lead them into Thy heavenly kingdom. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who upon earth gave alms for the relief of the suffering souls.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Bestow a gift upon a poor person, and offer the merit for the souls in Purgatory. Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 24, 2019 18:14:44 GMT
TWENTY-THIRD DAY WORKS OF PENANCE FOR THE HOLY SOULS
The Church has at all times recommended, and the saints have always had recourse to works of penance as the best means of obtaining extraordinary graces from God, and there is no doubt that these works of mortification have great efficacy for the departed. Although great works of penance and mortification are not expected of every one, yet there is no one who could not occasionally deny himself a part of some favorite dish or some amusement, mortify his eyes, ears, or tongue, observe silence for a short time, bear in patience the pain of sickness, heat or cold, or any other adversity, or curb his self-will and evil inclinations; in fact, bear with submission and gratitude to God everything that causes pain or distress. Such charity lovingly bestowed on the holy souls of our dear departed will call down rich blessings upon us, and obtain for us strength to endure our own sufferings. "Know ye that the Lord will hear your prayers if you continue with perseverance in fastings and prayers, in the sight of the Lord." (Judith iv. ii.) Prayer: Grant us, O Lord! the grace to walk before Thee in penance and mortification, and in these works to remember the souls in Purgatory. Deign to accept what we in the spirit of charity offer for the comfort and relief of these penitent souls. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who bestowed the merit of their mortifications upon the holy souls. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice:Perform an act of mortification for the souls in Purgatory. Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 24, 2019 18:40:10 GMT
TWENTY-FOURTH DAY VALUE OF GOOD WORKS OFFERED FOR THE SUFFERING SOULS
St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor, affirms that the succor and suffrage given to the departed are more acceptable to God than that which is bestowed upon the living, because the former are more in need and unable to obtain help for themselves as the living can. The revered Louis Blosius, a great master of the spiritual life, says: "Our good and merciful Lord loves the souls of His elect, who must be purified after death, and desires their release so ardently, that whenever in Christian charity we set free, by our suffrages, any soul from Purgatory, we do a thing as acceptable to God as if we had delivered the Lord Himself from a hard captivity. He promises to give us as full a recompense as such a work of mercy practiced towards Himself would deserve; for He Himself has said: "Amen, I say to you : as long as you did it to one of these, My least brethren, you did it to Me." (Matth. xxv. 40.) The same is affirmed by St. Ambrose: "Whatever we do for the suffering souls, with a pious intention, will revert to our own merit, and will be returned a hundred fold, at the hour of death."
Prayer: O God of love and mercy! animated with charity and compassion for our departed brothers and sisters, we offer Thee our prayers and good works, and supplicate Thee to accept them as a propitiatory sacrifice in their behalf. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who were negligent in offering good works for the suffering souls. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Bear you sufferings with patience, and offer them for the holy souls. Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 26, 2019 17:34:29 GMT
TWENTY-FIFTH DAY GRATITUDE OF THE HOLY SOULS
The prayers and works of charity which we bestow on the suffering souls in Purgatory, not only increase our spiritual merit, they also call forth the gratitude of the holy, ransomed souls; for when these dear souls are, by our endeavors, admitted to the vision of God, they cease not to prove the warmth of their thankfulness and love by imploring for us the help of which we are so much in need in the manifold dangers and great troubles of life. How can the faithful departed, who are loved by God so tenderly, and predestined to glory, fail to be able to pray, not indeed, for themselves, because they are not in a condition to merit, yet to pray with efficacy for their benefactors still alive? Not only will they speedily pay their debt of gratitude to those who befriend them, but, our dear Lord Himself, Whose greater honor and glory we have promoted by our devotion to the holy souls, will readily assist them to requite the services rendered them by the faithful upon earth. St. Alphonsus Liguori says: "He who assists these distressed souls, so tenderly loved by God, may confidently hope for his salvation; for, when such a souls obtains deliverance through his prayers and good works, it incessantly prays for his salvation, and God will deny nothing to such a soul." Prayer: We beseech Thee, O Lord! vouch safe to hear the suffering souls, who supplicate Thee for their benefactors, that we, in union with these holy souls, for whom we offer fervent prayers upon earth, may praise Thy mercies forever. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Special Intercession: Pray for the souls who suffer for their faults against charity. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Bestow charity upon others without expecting gratitude. Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 26, 2019 17:46:03 GMT
TWENTY-SIXTH DAY BY DELIVERING THE SOULS FROM PURGATORY WE PROMOTE THE HONOR OF GOD
According to St. Paul, the Apostle, the honor and glory of God should be the principal motive of all our actions: "Whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever else you do; do all things for the glory of God" (i. Cor. x. 31.) "The glorification of God" ought to be our special aim in our works, most particularly in our acts of charity for the dead; and justly so, for, by delivering these holy souls, we lead to Heaven, where alone God is perfectly known, loved, and glorified.
If St. Teresa and other saints have declared their readiness to suffer all tortures imaginable for the promotion of God's glory in a single degree, what should not we do and suffer for the deliverance of these souls from the flames of Purgatory, since by doing so we increase His glory by millions of degrees, and not for one moment only, but for eternity!
Prayer: Increase, O Lord! Thy honor and glory, that all created beings may praise Thy mercy forever, because Thou hast shown clemency towards the souls who love Thee and ardently desire to behold Thee. Comfort them, then, O Lord! Let them behold Thy face in the land of the blessed, where they shall honor, praise, and glorify Thee, world without end. Amen. Special Intercession: Pray for the souls, who, while on earth, promoted the glory 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 a good intention before every work which you perform.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 27, 2019 16:37:44 GMT
TWENTY-SEVENTH DAY THE LORD REWARDS CHARITY TOWARD THE HOLY SOULS
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." (Matth. v. 7.) Theologians assert that those who bestow mercy upon the suffering souls, shall themselves find great relief and assistance in Purgatory; they consider active charity towards the holy souls a mark of predestination to eternal happiness. It is true, says St. Thomas Aquinas, that he who satisfies for the suffering souls does not satisfy for himself, but, it is also true, adds the saint, that he deserves more than the remission of pain, namely, eternal life. Hence it is that God Himself, by the mouth of the Royal Prophet, expresses Himself: "Blessed is he that understandeth concerning the needy and the poor: the Lord will deliver him in the evil day." (Ps. xl. i) The assistance of the holy souls is also experienced in temporal wants, in favor of their benefactors. Bishop Colmar of Mayence writes: "These destitute, suffering souls do not wait until they enter Heaven to exhibit their gratitude towards their benefactors: whilst they still languish in Purgatory, they pray without intermission for the welfare of soul and body, obtain for them recovery from disease, assistance in poverty, help in necessities, counsel and protection on journeys and in danger, preservation and increase of their temporal goods, aid them in the salvation of their souls, and , above all, come to their relief in the agonies of death and before the judgment-seat of God."
Prayer: We beseech Thee, O Lord! graciously hear the humble and fervent prayers we offer for the souls in Purgatory, and grant that the charity we extend towards our suffering brothers and sisters, may, by their supplications, obtain for us protection and help. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Special Intercession: Pray for the souls who are suffering in Purgatory for their want of gratitude. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: In spiritual and temporal wants, take refuge to the holy souls. Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 29, 2019 3:48:29 GMT
TWENTY-EIGHTH DAY THEY HAVE GREAT REASON TO FEAR, WHO SHOW NO MERCY TOWARDS THE SOULS DEPARTED
"With what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again." (Matth. vii. 2.) It will be readily seen that this word of the Divine Savior is applicable also to the assistance we should render the souls departed. The learned Cardinal Cajetan says: "Those who in this life forget the departed, will, hereafter, in my opinion, be deprived in Purgatory of all participation in good works and devout prayers, though ever so many be offered for them by others; for Divine Justice is wont in this manner to punish their cruelty and hardness of heart." Hence, he who shows no mercy towards the suffering souls, and remains cold and indifferent to their pains, shall, even though his soul may have escaped eternal damnation, languish in the flames of Purgatory, without relief and consolation, and look in vain for friends and intercessors. The faithful, however, who do not forget the suffering souls completely, but seldom think of them, will not be deprived of friends and intercessors entirely, but will derive very little help and comfort, and their complaints will be answered by the words of St. Paul: "He who soweth sparingly, shall also reap sparingly."(2 Cor. ix. 6.) Prayer: O God! Whose goodness and mercy are infinite, have pity on the souls of those, who, on account of their want of charity, are undeserving of Thy bounty, and accept our fervent prayers, in reparation for their faults, that they may not suffer without consolation. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Special Intercession: Pray for the souls who suffer for their want of charity. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Bear patiently the ingratitude of others, and offer it for the souls in Purgatory. Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Nov 30, 2019 4:29:55 GMT
TWENTY-NINTH DAY PERSEVERANCE IN PRAYERS FOR THE DEPARTED
Holy Church, our good and tender mother, most ardently desires that her children be admitted to the beatific vision of God, and incessantly offers pious supplications, during the Holy Sacrifice of Mass and the Divine office, to obtain mercy for the holy suffering souls, thereby teaching us to think of them frequently; for to the end of time there shall be souls in the flames of Purgatory in need of assistance and fervent prayers, which we should never fail to offer in their behalf. The ways of God are often inscrutable, and His designs concerning the holy souls are unknown to us; hence there may be among their number some who have a just claim on our assistance, although a long time may have passed away since the close of their earthly career. Should the souls of our own beloved dead no longer be in need of our suffrages, they will be bestowed upon others, who are deserving of our mercy as well; thus, our prayer, our labor of love, will no be less salutary and meritorious, and, indeed, life is not too long for us to practice this genuine charity to the end. Prayer: We beseech Thee, O Lord! grant us the grace to persevere in our charity towards the souls in Purgatory; deign to look with eyes of mercy upon these penitent souls; deliver them from their suffering, and open to them the portals of Heaven. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Special Intercession: Pray for the souls who suffer for inconstancy in the service 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: Examine how you have kept your good resolutions, particularly in what manner you have performed your devotion and works of charity for the suffering souls. Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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Post by Elizabeth on Dec 2, 2019 1:30:27 GMT
THIRTIETH DAY THE HEROIC ACT OF CHARITY FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
This heroic act, in behalf of the souls in Purgatory, consists in a voluntary offering made in their favor to the Divine Majesty, by any one of the faithful, of all works of satisfaction done by him in his life, as well as of all the suffrages which shall be offered for him after his death. By this offering he foregoes in their behalf only that special fruit which belongs to himself, so that he is not hindered thereby in praying for his own necessities, or those of others. This act of charity, therefore, will not deprive us of any merit. Besides, by resigning our won claims on all works of satisfaction in favor of the souls departed, we shall gain for ourselves the special love of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all the saints, according to the promise of Christ: "With what measure you mete, its shall be measured to you again." (Matth. vii. 2.) Furthermore, the gratitude of the holy souls will induce them, in turn,, to pray for us in Heaven, so that we may either escape Purgatory, or be blessed by a speedy deliverance therefrom.
This heroic act of charity has been enriched with many indulgences. (No. 547.) They are as follows:
I. The Indult of a Privileged Altar, personally, every day in the year to all priests who shall have made this offering.
II. A Plenary Indulgence daily, applicable only to the departed, to all the faithful, who shall have made this offering, whenever they go to Holy Communion, provided they visit a church or public oratory, and pray there for some time for the intention of his Holiness.
III. A Plenary Indulgence, every Monday, to all who hear Mass in aid of the souls in Purgatory, provided they fulfill the other conditions mentioned above. (No. 547.) Prayer: We humbly beseech Thee, O Lord! graciously accept our prayers, with the indulgences attached, for the suffering souls. We offer Thee, in their behalf, the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Redeemer, and His infinite merits united with the merits of His most holy, immaculate Virgin Mother Mary, Her ever-glorious spouse, St. Joseph, the holy Apostles, and all the spirits of Heaven, that by virtue of these merits our devotion may be to them a source of consolation, and open to them the portals of Heaven, there to love, praise, and glorify Thee, world without end. Amen. Special Intercession: Pray for the souls, who, while on earth, made the Heroic Act of Charity. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Endeavor, every day, to perform an act of charity for the suffering souls. Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
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