"...I understood how closely the three stages of a soul's life are bound together; that is to say, life on earth, in purgatory, and in heaven [the Communion of Saints]."
Dear Eucharistic Apostles of Mercy,
"...The Church...from the very earliest days of the Christian religion, has honored with great respect the memory of the dead; and 'because it is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins' she offers her sufferages for them. Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective"
(CCC #962) states:
"...The merciful love of God and his saints is always attentive to our prayers."
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord;
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
Throughout November, let us continue to pray for the souls of the faithful departed. Their greatest suffering is longing for God. In charity we are called to pray for the holy souls and offer penance for them.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) paragraph number 958 states: "...The Church...from the very earliest days of the Christian religion, has honored with great respect the memory of the dead; and 'because it is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins' she offers her sufferages for them. Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective"
(CCC #962) states:
"...The merciful love of God and his saints is always attentive to our prayers."
Prayer from p. 352- The Little Flower Prayerbook:
A Carmelite Manual of Prayer.
O God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, give to the soul of Thy servants departed full remission of all their sins; that through these pious supplications they may obtain the pardon which they have always so ardently desired. Who livest and reignest with the Father in union of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord;
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
"...he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was holy and pious...Thus he made atonement for the dead..."
(2 Maccabees 12:45-46)
(2 Maccabees 12:45-46)