Monsignor Pope Ping!
Why would you pray for someone who died? Isn’t their fates sealed?
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May there souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
As October is the Month of Mary for the Catholic Church, November is the Month of the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and Msgr. Pope has penned a very easy-to-read explanation of the importance of same. Thank you for posting!
Purgatory was the biggest draw for me to the Catholic Church [from Lutheranism]. I remember distinctly seeing the painting of the souls falling into the flames of fire, but the flames were not flames from hell, but from purgatory, and the souls, although quite pained, were not gravely so, and looked forward to an eventual eternity with God in heaven.
Living a rather sordid lifestyle (like many of my peers in the 60s), nothing gave me peace of mind [in the mid-80s when I converted] more than the fact I could still attain heaven someday (through purgatory).
My husband tells me there are saints who have actually seen souls make their way to heaven through the prayers they were currently chanting for them. How very beautiful.
Thank you, Jesus. We love you!