In November, or anytime, when we talk of the holy souls in Purgatory, we could say that they aren’t wholly holy. they’re more….holey holy. Here’s how the glossary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Purgatory: “A state of final purification after death and before entrance into Heaven for those who died in God’s friendship, but were only imperfectly purified, a final cleansing of human imperfection before one is able to enter the joy of Heaven”.
God has given us the power and privilege to help deliver the holy souls from Purgatory. God’s justice demands expiation of sins, and He places in your hands the means of assisting the holy souls.
Jesus tells St. Faustina: “They are making retribution to my justice. It is in your power to bring them relief” (Diary of St. Faustina, 1226). These souls no longer can help themselves. They rely on us. Heaven encourages them, we deliver them!
“They” can be our loved ones or those who have no one to pray for them.
Surprisingly, the most abandoned souls are our priests and consecrated religious. We tend to “canonize” them immediately after their death. We stop praying for them too soon. We own these souls our gratitude. Pray for the nun who taught us. For the priest who baptized us or gave us our First Holy Communion. For the bishop who confirmed us. Remember, the Mass is the most effective means to help the holy souls in Purgatory. It’s the highest form of worship, the highest act of prayer. It’s the source and summit of our faith.
God Bless you and have a great week!
Deacon George +