Praying for the Purification of All Souls
“The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God, and no torment shall touch them” (Wisdom 3:1).
On November 2, we celebrate All Souls’ Day. The Church calls us to pray for the souls in purgatory awaiting sanctification. This is the day that the Church Militant — the faithful on earth — can assist the Church Suffering — souls in purgatory — through offered prayers, sacrifices, and Mass (Catholic Answers).
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, those who died in God’s grace and friendship, but are still in need of purification, are assured of their salvation. Purgatory is the purification needed to attain holiness to enter “the joy of heaven.” (CCC, 1030). Our souls need to be completely free of all attachments to love God as He should be loved, so our souls need to be purified — healed — to love God as He should be loved and to praise God for all eternity.
We, the Church Militant, observe the day by attending Mass, lighting candles, visiting cemeteries, and praying for the dead, especially for those who have no one to pray for them. The tradition for praying for the dead is first seen in the Old Testament in the Second Book of Maccabees, where Judas Maccabeus “made atonement for the dead, that they might be absolved from their sin” (2 Maccabees 12:46). Those in purgatory cannot pray for themselves (EWTN). These souls need prayers, and we, the Church Militant, can pray for all those who have died.
Pope St. John Paul II explained that heaven, hell, and purgatory are not “places,” but rather the relationship of the soul to God. God is always offering His love, but we can choose to accept His love perfectly or imperfectly, or to reject it. The souls in purgatory accepted God’s love imperfectly and need cleansing to be united with the Lord in Heaven.
Pray For Those You Don’t Know
Our society is facing an epidemic of loneliness. There are so many people who feel alone, isolated, and forgotten. They may think that no one will notice or care that they have died. We, the church, care, and we show that by praying for the repose of all souls. We want all those who have died in friendship with God to be in Heaven, and our prayers can assist them in their final purification.
Let us participate in Mass, say a prayer, and offer a sacrifice for a soul who has no one to pray for them in purgatory. Let us pray that our unknown brothers and sisters in Christ may be received into Heaven and rest in the arms of the Father.
Alexandra (Alex) Harrel resides in Irving, Texas. She is a new student affairs professional within the world of higher education. In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time outdoors. Her favorite prayer is Hail, Holy Queen. You can follow her on Instagram at @2012alexandra.