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 greater, 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 on 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 prayer for the
souls in Purgatory.
Eternal Rest (3x)
Lord grant them eternal rest,
and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Invocation
My
Jesus, mercy!
No comments:
Post a Comment