My how the year is flying! It seems like we just celebrated Easter. Anyway in the month of November, we especially remember the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Why should we pray for the souls in Purgatory? We pray for them just as we’re called to pray for those still living on earth. And we pray for them because we’re part of the Communion of Saints.

The Communion of Saints is made up of the faithful on earth, the souls in Heaven, and the souls in Purgatory (in traditional terms: the Church Militant, The Church Triumphant, and the Church suffering).

Those of us who aren’t in Heaven need to pray and rely on the prayers of others, often heavily. Those who have entered Heaven–whether now canonized by the Church or not—are doing great! Yes, they can and do pray for us on earth and the souls in Purgatory, but for members of the Church Triumphant, eternal life couldn’t be better. 

In its wisdom and through its liturgical calendar, the church offers us three important annual reminders that the souls in Heaven are Saints and the souls in Purgatory need our prayers. These reminders are All Saints’ Day on 1 Nov., All Souls’ Day on 2 Nov., and traditionally, the entire month of November, which is dedicated to the Holy Souls. 

What this means is that you know some souls are in Heaven and some souls are in Purgatory. You can pray to loved ones and others who are in Heaven, asking for their intercession and for a little help here! But what you may not realize is that you can do the same with the souls in Purgatory. They can, and do, pray for those of us here on earth. They can, and do, want and need your prayers for themselves, too. So don’t forget to pray for your loved ones and friends who may desperately need our prayers.

God Bless you and have a great and holy week!

Deacon George +