Remembering the Holy Souls in Purgatory

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

During the month of November, the Church invites us to remember in a special way the souls of the faithful departed, especially those undergoing purification in Purgatory.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us, “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.” (CCC-1030). The Souls in Purgatory belong to God and heaven is their promised destination but before embracing the beatific vision they undergo purification.

“The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned. The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent.” (CCC-1031).

St. Catherine of Genoa, who wrote profoundly about Purgatory, helps us understand this mystery through the image of God’s purifying love. She describes the souls in Purgatory as experiencing both suffering and deep joy because they know they are being prepared for perfect union with God. In her Treatise on Purgatory, she writes:

“There is no joy save that in paradise to be compared to the souls in purgatory. This joy increases day by day because of the way in which the love of God corresponds to that of the soul, since the impediment to that love is worn away daily.” It is important to understand that Purgatory is not a place of eternal punishment, nor is it a second chance at salvation. Rather, it is a sign of God’s great mercy and love.

This should be a comforting thought for all of us knowing that the souls in Purgatory are not forgotten or abandoned by God. They are being purified by His love and drawn ever closer to the joy of heaven.

This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: “Therefore Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.” From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead” (CCC- 1032).

By virtue of our Baptism, we share in the Communion of Saints and through prayer we remain spiritually united with those who have gone before us. Our prayers are a beautiful expression of this bond of love. During this month of November dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory let us intensify and offer our prayers for our deceased parents, grandparents, family members, friends, and especially those souls who have no one to pray for them. A simple prayer, a rosary, or fasting, a Mass offered for their repose, or a small sacrifice made with love, a lit candle for them, all of these acts made with the intention to help them become an occasion for us to do a spiritual act of charity for them.

May November be a time for us to remember the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Hoping that one day we too will be remembered in the prayers of others.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

And let the perpetual light shine upon them.

May the Souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

With Blessings,

+ Fr. Gabriel Barrera.