MONTH OF HOLY SOULS - THE SPECIAL DUTY OF EVERY ONE TO AID THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

Trajan and the Widow by Hans Vredeman de Vries

Pope St. Gregory the Great prays for Emperor Trajan to be released from purgatory.

THE SPECIAL DUTY OF EVERY ONE TO AID THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

Besides the general duty imposed upon us by the divine law of charity, there is a special obligation incumbent upon every one to assist particular souls. This duty devolves upon us in consequence of the personal relations with such souls during their earthly career; for whatever be the condition of man in life, he will have among the souls departed, who may be suffering in Purgatory, some to whom he is indebted for particular favors and benefits.

     But what could more forcibly elicit our charity and gratitude than to behold our loved ones and our benefactors in extreme distress, while we have the means of alleviating their suffering! That person does

not possess a spark of Christian charity, who, from neglect or indolence, suffers the souls of his friends to be tormented in the flames of Purgatory.

                    Prayer

Revive, O Lord, within the hearts of Thy faithful an active commiseration for the brethren gone before us, that they may not, by our indifference or neglect, suffer without relief and assistance. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

       Special Intercession 

Pray for the souls of those who are neglected by their relatives and friends.

          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!              

                   About Image

Pope St. Gregory the Great prays for Emperor Trajan to be released from purgatory.

The subject is taken from the story in the Golden Legend in which a widow begs the Emperor Trajan (98-117) for vengeance for the death of her son who was murdered by the son of the Emperor. Though Trajan did give up his son to her, he was nevertheless condemned to Purgatory. Five hundred years later Pope Gregory the Great was so distressed that the pagan emperor Trajan had been consigned to Purgatory that he prayed to God to have a special exception made. God heard Gregory's prayer and Trajan was released from purgatory due to the intercession of Pope St. Gregory the Great.