The Manual of Purgatory

CONTENTS:
APPROBATION
INTRODUCTION: TO THE PIOUS READER
FIRST DAY OF NOVENA: EXISTENCE OF PURGATORY
SECOND DAY OF NOVENA: PAINS OF PURGATORY
THIRD DAY OF NOVENA: THE PAIN OF LOSS
FOURTH DAY OF NOVENA: THE PAIN OF SENSE
FIFTH DAY OF NOVENA: DURATION OF PURGATORY
SIXTH DAY OF NOVENA: OBLIGATION OF ASSISTING THE "POOR SOULS"
SEVENTH DAY OF NOVENA: CRUELTY OF THOSE WHO ABANDON THE "POOR SOULS"
EIGHTH DAY OF NOVENA: THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS
NINTH DAY OF NOVENA: BENEFIT OF THE DEVOTION TO THE "POOR SOULS"
PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD: DE PROFUNDIS
PRAYERS FOR EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK
EFFICACIOUS PRAYER FOR THE "POOR SOULS"
PIOUS EXERCISE
PRAYER FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
THE HEROIC ACT OF CHARITY
THE ROSARY FOR THE POOR SOULS
DO NOT FORGET
EJACULATORY PRAYERS
NOVENA
----------------
FOR THE RELIEF OF THE POOR SOULS IN PURGATORY
TO THE PIOUS READER:
WE PRESENT THIS SMALL TREATISE TO PIOUS PERSONS, ENTREATING THEM TO

PERUSE IT.
LONG AGO THE HOLY GHOST SAID: "IT IS A HOLY AND WHOLESOME THING TO
PRAY FOR THE DEAD, THAT THEY MAY BE LOOSED FROM THEIR SINS." (II
MACAB. XII., 46.)
OUR LORD SHED TEARS IN SEEING THE TOMB OF LAZARUS, AND THE CHURCH,
WELL ACQUAINTED WITH THE FEELINGS OF HER DIVINE FOUNDER, IS
INCESSENTLY RECOMMENDING CHARITY FOR THE SOULS SUFFERING IN PURGATORY.
ONE OF HER EMINENT DOCTORS, ST. THOMAS OF AQUINAS, HAS SAID THAT:
"OF ALL PRAYERS, THE MOST MERITORIOUS,THE MOST ACCEPTABLE TO GOD ARE
PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD, BECAUSE THEY IMPLY ALL THE WORKS OF CHARITY,
BOTH CORPORAL AND SPIRITUAL."
BUT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE UNCONSCIOUS OF THE FACT THAT CHARITY FOR THE
"POOR SOULS"IS PROFITABLE TO THE LIVING AS WELL AS TO THE DEAD.
IT IS THE TEACHING OF THE MOST LEARNED THEOLOGIANS, VIZ: ST. LIGORIUS,
SYLVIUS,BELLARMINE ,BONACINA, AND SUAREZ.
"IT IS TRUE," SAYS ST. ALPHONSUS, "THEY ARE UNABLE TO PRAY OR MERIT
ANYTHING FOR THEMSELVES, YET, WHEN THEY PRAY FOR OTHERS, THEY ARE
HEARD BY GOD."
LET US REFER TO BELLARMINE :
"THE SOULS IN PURGATORY," SAYS HE, "CAN PRAY FOR THOSE, WHO ADDRESS TO
THEM THEIR PETITIONS, AND OBTAIN FROM GOD HELP, FORGIVENESS,
ASSISTANCE AGAINST TEMPTATIONS, AND, ALL FAVORS, BOTH TEMPORAL AND
SPIRITUAL, WHICH THEY MAY NEED."
MANY SAINTS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS WONDERFUL ASSISTANCE.

ST. CATHERINE OF BOLOGNA ASSURED HER SISTERS THAT:
"SHE OBTAINED MANY FAVORS BY THE PRAYERS OF THE HOLY SOULS IN
PURGATORY, WHICH SHE HAD ASKED IN VAIN, THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF
THE SAINTS."
ST. THERESA AFFIRMS THAT: "SHE ALWAYS OBTAINED THE FAVORS WHICH SHE
ASKED FROM GOD, THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF THE POOR SOULS."
WE READ ALSO IN THE BOOK OF ST. BRIDGET'S REVELATIONS THAT:
"BEING ONE DAY CONDUCTED BY AN ANGEL INTO PURGATORY, SHE HEARD A SOUL
SAY:
"OH LORD, VOUCHSAFE TO REWARD THOSE WHO ASSIST US! RETURN HUNDREDFOLD
BLESSINGS TO THOSE WHO HELP US AND INTRODUCE US INTO THE LIGHT OF
HEAVEN."
ST. LEONARD OF PORT MAURICE EMPHATICALLY AFFIRMS THAT:
"THE BLESSED SOULS, DELIVERED BY OUR PRAYERS, WILL COME DOWN FROM
HEAVEN TO ASSIST US IN OUR TEMPORAL AND SPIRITUAL AFFAIRS."
THE VENERABLE CURE D' ARS, REPLYING TO A PRIEST SAID:
"IF ONE KNEW WHAT WE MAY OBTAIN FROM GOD BY THE INTERCESSION OF THE
POOR SOULS, THEY WOULD NOT BE SO MUCH ABANDONED. LET US PRAY A GREAT
DEAL FOR THEM, THEY WILL PRAY FOR US."
BLESSED MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE HAD A SPECIAL DEVOTION FOR THE SOULS IN
PURGATORY AND HAS OFTEN ACCEPTED THE CHARGE OF SUFFERING FOR THEM.
"WOULD THAT YOU KNEW," SHE SAID, "HOW MY SOUL WAS REPLENISHED WITH
JOY, WHEN SPEAKING TO THOSE SOULS, AND SEEING THEM IMMERSED IN GLORY
AS IN A DEEP OCEAN. AS I REQUESTED THEM TO PRAY FOR YOU, THEY REPLIED:
"AN UNGRATEFUL SOUL IS NOT TO BE FOUND IN HEAVEN!"
NO, WE CANNOT BE DECEIVED! IF WE HAVE AN ARDENT CHARITY, A SINCERE
PIETY,A TRUE DEVOTEDNESS FOR THE POOR SOULS, WE WILL BE FAVORED WITH
THEIR PROTECTION.
LET US TRY IT! WHEN WE ARE IN TROUBLE, WHEN WE LONG FOR A FAVOR, LET
US PERFORM SOME PIOUS OR CHARITABLE WORK FOR THE RELIEF OF THE "POOR
SOULS." THEY WILL BE GRATEFUL,THEY WILL PLEAD FOR US, AND PRESENT OUR
REQUESTS TO THE ETERNAL FATHER, WHO LOVES THEM.
MAY GOD BLESS THIS HUMBLE WORK! MAY HE DEIGN TO ENKINDLE GENEROUS
HEARTS WITH ZEAL FOR THE "POOR SOULS."
"BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL: FOR THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY." (MATT., V.,
7.)
THAT THE WHOLE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT MAY SOON CELEBRATE THEIR DELIVERANCE;
AND THE CHOIRS OF ANGELS SING NEW HYMNS OF JOY, ON THEIR NEVER ENDING
HAPPINESS, WE BESEECH THEE TO HEAR US.
NOVENA FOR THE RELIEF OF THE POOR SOULS IN PURGATORY

"BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL: FOR THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY." (MATTHEW,
5:7.)
PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS FOR THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY
BY PURGATORY WE MEAN A PLACE WHERE SOULS SUFFER FOR A TIME AFTER DEATH
ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR SINS, (1 COR.III.15) :"SOME SHALL BE SAVED, YET SO
AS BY FIRE!"
WE ARE IN COMMUNION WITH THE SOULS IN PURGATORY BY HELPING THEM WITH
OUR PRAYERS AND GOOD WORKS.--CATECHISM.
AN INTERCESSORY PRAYER OF THE CHURCH MILITANT FOR THE CHURCH SUFFERING

IN PURGATORY.
"IT IS A HOLY AND WHOLESOME THOUGHT TO PRAY FOR THE DEAD, THAT THEY
MAY BE LOOSED FROM SINS (2 MACH. XII. 46)."
YE SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL! WHO SLEEP IN THE LORD;BUT AS YET ARE SHUT
OUT,FROM YOUR FINAL REWARD!
OH! WOULD I COULD LEND YOU, ASSISTANCE TO FLY;FROM YOUR PRISON
BELOW,TO YOUR PALACE ON HIGH.
O FATHER OF MERCIES! THINE ANGER WITHHOLD;THESE WORKS OF THY HAND IN

THY MERCY BEHOLD;TOO OFT FROM THY PATH, THEY HAVE WANDERED ASIDE:BUT
THEE,THEIR CREATOR, THEY NEVER DENIED.
O TENDER REDEEMER! THEIR MISERY SEE;DELIVER THE SOULS THAT WERE

RANSOMED BY THEE;BEHOLD HOW THEY LOVE THEE,DESPITE OF THEIR
PAIN:RESTORE THEM, RESTORE THEM TO FAVOR AGAIN.
O SPIRIT OF GRACE! O CONSOLER DIVINE!

SEE HOW FOR THY PRESENCE THEY LONGINGLY PINE;AH,THEN,TO ENLIVEN THEIR
SADNESS,DESCEND;AND FILL THEM WITH PEACE,AND WITH JOY IN THE END.
O MOTHER OF MERCY! DEAR SOOTHER IN GRIEF!LEND THOU TO THEIR TORMENTS A

BALMY RELIEF;TEMPER THE RIGOR OF JUSTICE SEVERE;AND SOFTEN THEIR
FLAMES WITH A PITYING TEAR.
ALL YE WHO WOULD HONOR THE SAINTS AND THEIR HEAD,REMEMBER, REMEMBER,
TO PRAY FOR THE DEAD;AND THEY, IN RETURN, FROM THEIR MISERY FREED,TO
YOU WILL BE FRIENDS IN THE HOUR OF NEED.
WHAT CAN I DO FOR MY DEPARTED LOVED ONES? (BY ACCORDING TO ST.
ALPHONSUS LIGUORI)
THE HOLY SOULS SUFFERING IN THE PRISON OF PURGATORY ARE INCAPABLE OF

HELPING THEMSELVES. OUT OF THE DEPTHS OF TORTURING FLAME THEY CALL TO
US "MISEREMINI!" "HAVE PITY ON US!" WE HAVE IT IN OUR POWER TO HELP
THESE SUFFERING FRIENDS OF GOD. WE CAN DO SO BY PRAYER, ALMS-DEEDS,
WORKS OF MERCY, HOLY COMMUNION, THE HOLY MASS, AND INDULGENCES, AND TO
DO SO IS CERTAINLY AN ACT OF CHARITY. UNDERSTANDING THIS FULL WELL,
THE SAINTS, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, HAVE BEEN MOST EARNEST AND CONSTANT IN
THEIR EFFORTS TO HELP THEM. SOME OF THEM HAVE MADE THIS DEVOTION ONE
OF THE STRONG CHARACTERISTICS OF THEIR SANCTITY, AND WE VENTURE TO SAY
THAT NO TRULY DEVOUT OR SINCERE CATHOLIC NEGLECTS THIS SPIRITUAL WORK
OF MERCY.
EVEN THE VERY POOR, IN IRELAND FOR INSTANCE, AND ALSO IN THIS COUNTRY,
MAKE MANY SACRIFICES IN ORDER TO SECURE FOR THEIR DEPARTED RELATIVES
AND OTHERS THE SPECIAL BENEFITS OF THE HOLY MASS. MAY THE SAME
ENLIGHTENED PIETY EVER REMAIN FIRMLY ROOTED IN THE HEARTS OF OUR
PEOPLE, AND MAY THE DAY NEVER COME WHEN THEY WILL CEASE TO FOLLOW
BEYOND THE GRAVE WITH TENDER SOLICITUDE THE SOULS OF THOSE THEY LOVED
IN LIFE.
IN PRAYING FOR THE DEAD AND GAINING INDULGENCES FOR THEM, LET US
REMEMBER THAT EVERY PRAYER WE SAY, EVERY SACRIFICE WE MAKE, EVERY ALMS
WE GIVE FOR THE REPOSE OF THE DEAR DEPARTED ONES, WILL ALL RETURN UPON
OURSELVES IN HUNDREDFOLD BLESSINGS. THEY ARE GOD'S FRIENDS, DEAR TO
HIS SACRED HEART, LIVING IN HIS GRACE, AND IN CONSTANT COMMUNION WITH
HIM; AND THOUGH THEY MAY NOT ALLEVIATE THEIR OWN SUFFERINGS, THEIR
PRAYERS IN OUR BEHALF ALWAYS AVAIL. THEY CAN AID US MOST
EFFICACIOUSLY. GOD WILL NOT TURN A DEAF EAR TO THEIR INTERCESSION.
BEING HOLY SOULS, THEY ARE GRATEFUL SOULS. THE FRIENDS THAT AID THEM,
THEY IN TURN WILL ALSO AID. WE NEED NOT FEAR PRAYING TO THEM IN ALL
FAITH AND CONFIDENCE. THEY WILL OBTAIN FOR US THE GRACES THAT WE ASK
FOR THE GOOD OF OUR SOULS. THEY WILL WATCH OVER US AND PROTECT US IN
THE DANGERS OF LIFE AND THEY WILL INTERCEDE WITH GOD FOR OUR ETERNAL
SALVATION.
MERCIFUL LORD JESUS, GRANT THEM ETERNAL REST. AMEN

(INDULGENCE: 300 DAYS)
PRAYER FOR THE POOR SOULS
MY GOD!I RECOMMEND TO THEE THE SOULS OF MY RELATIONS,MY BENEFACTORS,MY

FRIENDS,AND MY ENEMIES,AND OF THOSE WHO ARE IN PURGATORY ON MY
ACCOUNT.I RECOMMEND TO THEE THE SOULS OF EVANGELICAL LABORERS,OF
RELIGIOUS AND PRIESTS,AND ESPECIALLY OF THOSE WHO HAD CHARGE OF MY
SOUL.I RECOMMEND TO THEE THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO WERE MOST DEVOUT TO
THE PASSION OF OUR LORD,TO THE BLESSED SACRAMENT,TO THE SACRED HEART
OF JESUS,AND TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY,THE SOULS WHO ARE MOST
ABANDONED,THOSE WHO SUFFER MOST,AND THOSE WHO ARE NEAREST TO THE
ENTRANCE INTO PARADISE.
"ETERNAL REST GIVE TO THEM,O LORD;AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON
THEM. MAY THEIR SOULS AND THE SOULS OF ALL THE FAITHFUL
DEPARTED,THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD,REST IN PEACE.
AND MAY THE DIVINE ASSISTANCE ALWAYS REMAIN WITH US AND BRING US TO
LIFE EVERLASTING." AMEN.
"IT IS THEREFORE A HOLY AND WHOLESOME THOUGHT TO PRAY FOR THE DEAD,
THAT THEY MAY BE LOOSED FROM SINS."--(2 MACHABEES 12:46)
THE CHURCH SUFFERING
PURGATORY AND SUFFRAGES FOR THE DEAD
"AND HIS LORD BEING ANGRY, DELIVERED HIM TO THE TORTURERS UNTIL HE
PAID THE DEBT."-(MATT. XVIII. 34.)
THE SERVANT SPOKEN OF IN OUR TEXT OWED HIS MASTER AN IMMENSE SUM,
EQUAL TO NEARLY TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS IN OUR MONEY; AND BECAUSE OF
HIS SIN THE MASTER CAST HIM INTO PRISON UNTIL HE SHOULD PAY THE LAST
FARTHING. LIKE THIS SERVANT OF THE PARABLE WE ARE ALL DEBTORS TO GOD
IN SATISFACTION FOR OUR SINS. EVERY CONSCIOUS MOMENT OF OUR EXISTENCE
THERE IS RECORDED IN THE BOOK OF LIFE SOMETHING TO OUR CREDIT OR
SOMETHING AGAINST US; AND AT THE END OF OUR DAYS UPON EARTH THE LORD
WILL RECKON UP OUR DEBTS, AND DEMAND A STRICT ACCOUNT OF THEM. EVEN
THOSE WHO DIE IN GOD'S FAVOR MUST NEVERTHELESS PAY IN THE FIRES OF
PURGATORY THE DEBT OF SATISFACTION WHICH THEY OWE FOR THEIR SINS.
I. THE NATURE AND EXISTENCE OF PURGATORY, 1. PURGATORY IS THE PLACE

AND STATE OF EXPIATION FOR ALL THOSE WHO HAVE DIED IN THE FRIENDSHIP
OF GOD, BUT WITHOUT HAVING FULLY SATISFIED FOR THEIR SINS. 2. THAT
PURGATORY REALLY EXISTS IS PLAIN, (A) FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE: "IT IS A
HOLY AND WHOLESOME THOUGHT TO PRAY FOR THE DEAD THAT THEY MAY BE
LOOSED FROM THEIR SINS" (2 MACH. XII. 46); TOBIAS COMMANDED HIS SON TO
GIVE AN ALMS TO THE POOR FOR THE LIBERATION OF A JUST MAN'S SOUL
(TOBIAS IV. 18); THE INHABITANTS OF JABES GALAAD FASTED SEVEN DAYS FOR
SAUL AND JONATHAN AFTER THE LATTER'S DEATH (I KINGS XXXI. 13) ; OUR
LORD TOLD THE PHARISEES THAT CERTAIN SINS WOULD NOT BE FORGIVEN EITHER
IN THIS WORLD OR IN THE WORLD TO COME (MATT. XII. 32) ; THE FATHERS
SEE A REFERENCE TO PURGATORY IN THOSE PASSAGES WHERE OUR LORD SPEAKS
OF A PRISON FROM WHICH A MAN SHALL NOT BE RELEASED UNTIL HE HAS PAID
THE LAST FARTHING (MATT. V. 2; LUKE XII. 59). (B) THE CHURCH HAS
ALWAYS TAUGHT THE DOCTRINE OF PURGATORY, AS WE KNOW FROM THE PRACTICE
OF PRAYING FOR THE DEAD, FROM THE EARLY LITURGIES, COUNCILS, AND
WRITINGS OF THE FATHERS, (C) THE DOCTRINE OF PURGATORY IS MOST
REASONABLE, SINCE ON THE ONE HAND NOTHING DEFILED SHALL ENTER INTO
HEAVEN (APOC. XXI. 27), AND ON THE OTHER HAND THE GOD OF JUSTICE WILL
NOT PUNISH SLIGHT FAULTS WITH ETERNAL PENALTIES, (D) THE DOCTRINE OF
PURGATORY IS MOST CONSOLING AND HELPFUL FOR THE LIVING AS WELL AS THE
DEAD. 3. THE SUFFERINGS OF THE SOULS IN PURGATORY ARE SEVERE AND
CONSIST IN THE DEPRIVATION OF THE VISION AND PRESENCE OF GOD, AND IN
CERTAIN POSITIVE AFFLICTIONS; BUT THEY ARE RESIGNED TO GOD'S WILL,
THEY ARE CERTAIN OF THEIR SALVATION, AND THEY KNOW THAT THEIR
SUFFERINGS ARE NOT ETERNAL.
II. THE SOULS IN PURGATORY ARE HELPED BY OUR SUFFRAGES. 1. THIS IS THE
TEACHING OF SCRIPTURE, AS WE CAN SEE FROM THE PASSAGES QUOTED ABOVE,
AND HAS BEEN CONSTANTLY TAUGHT BY THE CHURCH FROM THE BEGINNING. 2.
THAT THE JUST ON EARTH CAN ASSIST THE SOULS IN PURGATORY IS CERTAIN
FROM THE DOCTRINE OF THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS. ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE
CHURCH FORM ONE SOCIETY AND ONE MYSTICAL BODY, AND HENCE THERE IS AN
INTERCHANGE OF GOOD OFFICES BETWEEN THEM. THE HELP WE GIVE THE SOULS
IN PURGATORY MITIGATES THEIR SUFFERINGS AND HASTENS THE TIME OF THEIR
DELIVERANCE. 3. THE CHIEF MEANS OF SUFFRAGE ARE MASSES, PRAYERS, WORKS
OF SATISFACTION, THE HEROIC ACT OF CHARITY, AND INDULGENCES. 4. THE
COUNCILS OF FLORENCE AND TRENT HAVE DECLARED THAT MASSES ARE THE
PRINCIPAL MEANS OF ASSISTING THE SOULS IN PURGATORY. 5. AFTER THE
SACRIFICE OF THE MASS THE MOST SUITABLE MEANS OF HELPING THE HOLY
SOULS ARE PRAYERS. 6. WORKS OF SATISFACTION EMBRACE ALL OUR GOOD WORKS
INASMUCH AS BEING DIFFICULT THEY HAVE A COMPENSATORY VALUE FOR THE
TEMPORAL PUNISHMENT DUE TO SIN; HENCE THE BENEFIT OF OUR FASTS,
ALMSDEEDS, CROSSES, ETC., CAN BE TRANSFERRED TO THE SUFFERING SOULS.
THE HEROIC ACTS OF CHARITY CONSIST IN THE TOTAL TRANSFER TO THE HOLY
SOULS OF ALL OUR SATISFACTIONS, WHETHER ACQUIRED BY OUR OWN EFFORTS,
OR OFFERED FOR US BY OTHERS. DURING OUR LIFE OR AFTER OUR DEATH. 7. AN
INDULGENCE IS NOT A PERMISSION TO COMMIT SIN, NOR A FORGIVENESS OF THE
GUILT OF SIN; IT IS THE REMISSION OUTSIDE OF THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
OF SOME OF THE TEMPORAL PUNISHMENTS DUE TO SIN. IN GRANTING AN
INDULGENCE THE CHURCH DRAWS UPON THE SUPERABUNDANT MERITS AND
SATISFACTIONS OF CHRIST AND THE SAINTS. 8. THAT THE CHURCH HAS THE
RIGHT TO GRANT INDULGENCES IS PROVED, (A) FROM THE POWER OF LOOSING
GIVEN HER BY CHRIST (MATT. XVI. 19) ; (B) FROM THE FACT THAT, UNDER
THE GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY GHOST, SHE HAS EXERCISED THIS POWER FROM THE
BEGINNING (2 COR. II. 10). 9. THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF INDULGENCE: (A)
PLENARY, OR THE REMISSION OF THE ENTIRE PUNISHMENT DUE TO SIN; (B)
PARTIAL, OR THE REMISSION OF ONLY A PORTION OF THE TEMPORAL PUNISHMENT
DUE TO SIN. AN INDULGENCE OF FORTY DAYS OR SEVEN YEARS MEANS THE
REMISSION OF AS MUCH TEMPORAL PUNISHMENT AS WOULD HAVE BEEN PAID BY
ONE OF THE ANCIENT CANONICAL PENANCES OF FORTY DAYS OR SEVEN YEARS
DURATION. 10. THE CONDITIONS FOR GAINING AN INDULGENCE ARE: (A) THE
STATE OF GRACE, AT LEAST AT THE COMPLETION OF THE WORK, AND FREEDOM
FROM THOSE VENIAL FAULTS WHOSE PUNISHMENT WE WISH TO CANCEL (FOR A
PLENARY INDULGENCE FREEDOM FROM ALL AFFECTION TO SIN IS NECESSARY);
(B) THE DEVOUT FULFILMENT OF THE WORKS PRESCRIBED BY THE CHURCH; (C)
THE INTENTION AT LEAST IN GENERAL OF GAINING THE INDULGENCE. IT IS A
GOOD PRACTICE TO FORM THE INTENTION EVERY MORNING OF GAINING ALL THE
INDULGENCES POSSIBLE ON THAT DAY. MOST INDULGENCES CAN BE APPLIED TO
THE SOULS IN PURGATORY; WHEN SO APPLIED THEY ARE OFFERED TO GOD WITH
THE REQUEST THAT HE MAY ACCEPT THEM FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SUFFERING
SOULS. SUCH APPLICATION OF INDULGENCES IS HIGHLY PLEASING TO GOD AND
BENEFICIAL TO THE POOR SOULS.
LESSONS:
1.FROM A CONSIDERATION OF THE SUFFERINGS OF PURGATORY WE SHOULD LEARN
HOW GREAT IS THE PUNISHMENT FOR VENIAL SIN,AND SHOULD STRIVE TO AVOID
IT IN FUTURE,AND DO PENANCE NOW FOR THE SINS OF THE PAST.
2.SINCE IT IS IN OUR POWER TO HELP THE SUFFERING SOULS,WE SHOULD BE

ZEALOUS TO DO FOR THEM WHAT WE HOPE OTHERS WILL DO FOR US WHEN WE ARE
IN NEED.
SERMON:PURGATORY (BY THE VERY REV. P.A. SHEEHAN, D.D.)
THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS
ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND DIVINE DOCTRINES OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH,
DEAR BRETHREN, IS THAT WHICH IS PROFESSED UNDER THE TITLE OF
"COMMUNION OF SAINTS." IT IS, AS IT WERE, A LOVING CONCESSION ON THE
PART OF ALMIGHTY GOD THAT HE SUFFERS US TO THINK OF OUR FRIENDS, WHOM
HE HAS CALLED INTO THEIR REST. HE IS A JEALOUS GOD; ONE CONDITION HE
IS FOREVER INSISTING UPON AS NECESSARY TO OUR SALVATION--THAT IS, THAT
WE SHOULD GIVE HIM OUR WHOLE BEINGS, EVERY ACT WE PERFORM, EVERY
THOUGHT WE THINK. BUT HE KNOWS WHAT THE HUMAN HEART IS, HE WHO LOVED
SO TENDERLY THE MOTHER WHO BORE HIM, AND HE YIELDS TO OUR WEAKNESS,
AND SUFFERS US TO THINK OF, TO REJOICE WITH, OR TO SYMPATHIZE WITH,
THOSE TO WHOM HUMAN AFFECTIONS ATTACHED US IN THIS LIFE. I HAVE CALLED
IT DIVINE. IT IS NOTHING LESS. NO ONE BUT A LOVING GOD COULD INSPIRE
US WITH THE BELIEF THAT DEATH IS IN REALITY NO SEPARATION, NO FIERCE
RENDING ASUNDER OF AFFECTIONS, NO VIOLENT WRENCHING OF HEART FROM
HEART AND SOUL FROM SOUL. DEATH MAKES A CHANGE, IT IS TRUE, BUT WHAT
IS THAT CHANGE? IT IS A CHANGE THAT INCREASES, STRENGTHENS, AND EXALTS
THAT LOVE WHICH WE HAVE FOR ONE ANOTHER IN THIS WORLD. OUR LOVE IS
PROPORTIONED TO OUR VENERATION AND RESPECT; THE MORE OUR FRIEND IS
FREE FROM HUMAN INFIRMITIES, THE MORE WE ARE DRAWN TOWARD HIM, AND
THIS IS THE BLESSED CHANGE THAT DEATH EFFECTS. IT STEPS IN BETWEEN
THOSE FRIENDS AND TAKES ONE, AND SEPARATES FROM THAT ONE ALL HIS
IMPERFECTIONS, AND CHANGES HIM INTO A BRIGHT, PURE, ANGELIC SPIRIT,
BUT DOES NOT DESTROY HIM. THAT FRIEND WHOM WE LOVED STILL LIVES, BUT
IS MORE WORTHY THAN EVER OF OUR LOVE, AND WE ARE NOT SEPARATED. WE CAN
REACH INTO ETERNITY, WE CAN ADD NEW LUSTRE TO OUR SAINTED BRETHREN IN
HEAVEN; EVEN THE LITTLE MITE OF OUR PRAISE AND LOVE DOES HELP TO SWELL
THE ETERNAL JUBILEE OF THE SAINTS IN HEAVEN. AND ON THE OTHER HAND, WE
CAN REACH THOSE SAINTS WHO ARE IN PAIN, THOSE BLESSED SOULS WHO HAVE
GOT A GLIMPSE OF THE SPOTLESS SANCTITY OF GOD AND A TRUE IDEA OF THEIR
OWN IMPERFECTIONS AND THEN HURRIED AWAY FROM THE SIGHT OF GOD AND
PLUNGED THEMSELVES IN THE PURIFYING FLAMES OF PURGATORY THAT THEY MAY
BE ABLE FOR ETERNITY TO STAND UNASHAMED IN COMPANY WITH THEIR
BRETHREN. BLESSED BE GOD. WE CAN ENTER EVEN THAT PRISON, AND GIVE OUR
BRETHREN A RESPITE FROM PAIN, WE CAN DO, IN A MILDER WAY, BY OUR
PRAYERS, THE PURIFYING WORK OF THESE AWFUL FLAMES, WE CAN SHORTEN THE
TERMS OF THEIR IMPRISONMENT, AND AT THE SAME TIME, SATISFY THEIR
SENSITIVENESS AND QUIET THEIR APPREHENSION LEST THEY SHOULD AGAIN
CARRY SIN INTO THE PRESENCE OF GOD.
THERE IS NOT IN THIS WORLD ANYTHING SO BEAUTIFUL AS THE DEATHBED OF A

HOLY CATHOLIC. FORTIFIED BY THE SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH, SERENE IN
THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE POSSESSION OF GOD'S GRACE, YET HALF AFRAID TO
MEET THAT GOD WHOM ITS SOUL LONGS TO POSSESS, PICTURING TO ITSELF THE
HAPPINESS OF HEAVEN, IT IS A RECOMPENSE WELL WORTHY OF THE REPENTANCE
OF A LIFETIME. AND YET, EXCEPT WITH THE GREATEST SAINTS, IT CLINGS TO
THE MEMORY, LOVE, AND PROTECTION OF ITS EARTHLY FRIENDS. BEHIND THE
VEIL, IT KNOWS WELL IT WILL BE CLASPED IN THE ARMS OF JESUS CHRIST,
BUT IT CLINGS TO THE WARM GRASP OF ITS EARTHLY FRIENDS EVEN TILL THE
EYES SWIM AND THE EARTH IS GLIDING FROM BENEATH ITS FEET. AND ITS LAST
AND BEST CONSOLATION AS IT GLIDES INTO THE WORLD OF SPIRITS IS THAT
THE PRAYERS OF ITS FRIENDS ARE BEFORE IT, THAT ALREADY THERE ARE
VOICES PLEADING FOR IT AT THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF THE LAMB. AND IS IT NOT
SO? OH YES, DEARLY BELOVED. THE PRAYERS FOR THE DYING ARE OVER, THE
PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD BEGIN. WE INTRUDE INTO THE AWFUL COURTS OF
HEAVEN, WE INTERRUPT THE PROCESS OF JUDGMENT, WE SILENCE THE VOICE OF
THE ACCUSER, BY SPEAKING TO JESUS THE JUDGE AND REMINDING HIM THAT
THAT SOUL IS HIS, THAT HE REDEEMED IT, THAT THE MARKS OF HIS BLOOD ARE
UPON IT, AND BY CONJURING HIM TO SAVE THAT DEAR SOUL, TO FIT IT FOR
PRESENCE IN HEAVEN, BUT NOT TO DELIVER IT INTO THE HAND OF HIS ENEMY.
EVEN THAT BODY THAT IS LEFT US, DO WE NOT REVERENCE IT, DO WE NOT
CONSECRATE IT? DO WE NOT MAKE THESE LIFELESS ARMS INTO THE SIGN OF OUR
REDEMPTION. DO WE NOT SPRINKLE THAT BODY WITH HOLY WATER, BECAUSE IT
IS HOLY? DO WE NOT INCENSE IT, BECAUSE IT IS WORTHY OF ALL REVERENCE?
WE WILL NOT EVEN ALLOW IT TO MINGLE WITH UNHALLOWED DUST, BUT WE BLESS
THE VERY EARTH INTO WHICH IT WILL BE CHANGED, AND THEN RAISE OVER IT
THE SIGN OF OUR REDEMPTION, THAT NOTHING UNHOLY MIGHT COME NEAR IT,
THAT THE ENEMY MAY KNOW THAT THERE IS NOTHING IN THIS GRAVE THAT
BELONGS TO HIM, BUT A BODY THAT WAS CRUCIFIED AND NAILED TO THE CROSS
WITH JESUS CHRIST.
AND THEN WE FOLLOW THE SOULS OF OUR FRIENDS INTO ETERNITY. FROM THE
JUDGMENT SEAT WE FOLLOW THEM INTO THEIR PRISON, WHERE THEIR ANGEL
CONDUCTS THEM, AND OUR PRAYERS, AS IT WERE, RAIN DOWN INCESSANTLY ON
THOSE FIRES. WE PRAY FOR THEM AT OUR PUBLIC SERVICES; WE PRAY FOR THEM
AT OUR PRIVATE DEVOTIONS; WE PRAY FOR THEM EVEN AT OUR MEALS; THERE IS
SCARCELY A DAY IN WHICH THE HOLY SACRIFICE IS NOT OFFERED FOR THESE
SUFFERING SOULS; THERE ARE MANY IN THE CHURCH WHO HAVE GIVEN TO GOD
ALL THE MERITS OF THEIR LIVES, THEIR PRAYERS, FASTINGS, ALMSDEEDS FOR
THE SOULS IN PURGATORY; THERE ARE RELIGIOUS ORDERS IN THE CHURCH WHO
REPEAT FREQUENTLY DURING THE DAY THE DE PROFUNDIS FOR THE DEPARTED.
AND WITH ALL THIS, DEAR BRETHREN, IF WE CONSIDER HOW GREAT ARE THE
SUFFERINGS OF THESE POOR SOULS, WE SHALL SEE HOW REALLY UNCHARITABLE
WE ARE AND HOW UNREASONABLE IT IS THAT WE DO SO VERY LITTLE.
THE REASON FOR PURGATORY
FOR WHY DO WE NOT SPEAK OF PURGATORY? APART FROM THE FACT THAT
PURGATORY EXISTS, A BELIEF FOUNDED UPON THE TEACHINGS OF SCRIPTURE AND
THE CHURCH, WHAT IS THE REASON OF PURGATORY, ITS PURPOSE, ITS OBJECTS?
IT HAS A TWOFOLD REASON--TO SATISFY THE JUSTICE OF GOD AND THE MERCY
OF GOD. IN HEAVEN THERE IS NOTHING BUT MERCY; IN HELL THERE IS NOTHING
BUT JUSTICE; IN PURGATORY JUSTICE AND MERCY MEET, AND THE POOR SOULS
DETAINED THERE ARE THE VICTIMS OF GOD'S GREAT JUSTICE AND AT THE SAME
TIME THE OBJECTS OF HIS LOVE AND CLEMENCY. THEY PASSED INTO ETERNITY,
FAITHFUL TO GOD, UNITED TO GOD. HE COULD NOT CAST THEM OUT OF HIS
SIGHT FOREVER, BUT UNCONSCIOUSLY THEY CARRIED WITH THEM BEFORE THE ALL
HOLY GOD SOME HUMAN WEAKNESSES, SOME HUMAN INFIRMITIES, AND AS
"NOTHING DEFILED CAN ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN," HIS MERCY
PROVIDED FOR THEM A PLACE OF PURGATORY, WHERE SHARP PENANCE WOULD
EXPIATE THEIR FAULTS AND RESTORE THEM SPOTLESS TO HIS BOSOM. HERESY
RUSHES INTO EXTREMES ON THIS AS WELL AS ON ALL OTHER DOGMAS. IT
CONDEMNS A SOUL WITHOUT REMORSE OR SCRUPLE, IT SAVES SOULS EASILY AND
PLEASANTLY WITHOUT EVEN THE PRETENSE OF PENANCE. IT BELIEVES THAT FOR
THE SLIGHTEST SIN, FOR THE HALF VOLUNTARY THOUGHT OR THE SILLY WORD, A
MERCIFUL GOD WILL CAST A SOUL INTO THE FLAMES OF HELL FOREVER, WHEREAS
ON THE OTHER HAND, YEARS OF SIN MAY BE ATONED FOR BY THE SIMPLE
PRESUMPTION THAT GOD HAS PARDONED THEM. THE INNOCENT SOUL THAT HAS
NEVER LOST THE GRACE OF BAPTISM, BUT HAS ONLY YIELDED TO THOSE FAULTS
THAT THE JUDGMENT ANGEL DOES NOT CARE TO RECORD, IF SUDDENLY SNATCHED
FROM LIFE BY DEATH, IS BANISHED FROM THE PRESENCE OF GOD FOREVER,
WHEREAS THE SINNER WHO HAS BEEN HEAPING UP FOR HIMSELF A MEASURE OF
WRATH FOR MANY YEARS IS ADMITTED AT ONCE, UNSHRIVEN, IMPENITENT, AND
UNPURIFIED, INTO THE COMPANY OF THE ANGELS AND THE ELECT. I DO NOT
BELIEVE IN SUCH VERY SUDDEN CHANGES. I KNOW THE POWER OF GOD. I WOULD
NOT FOR THE WORLD UNDERRATE OR DEPRECIATE IT. BUT THERE IS A SAYING OF
ST. AUGUSTINE FULL OF MUCH WISDOM: "GOD HAS CREATED US WITHOUT
OURSELVES; GOD WILL NOT SAVE US EXCEPT BY OUR COOPERATION," AND THAT
COOPERATION, IF WE HAVE SINNED, IS THE COOPERATION OF PENANCE. THE
REDEMPTION OF THE WORLD BY OUR DIVINE LORD HAS NOT CHANGED THE NATURE
OF SIN. SIN IS AS HATEFUL IN THE EYES OF GOD NOW AS IT WAS THEN, AND
IT IS TRUE NOW AS IT WAS WHEN JOHN THE BAPTIST PREACHED: "EXCEPT YOU
DO PENANCE YOU SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH" (LUKE XIII. 5). THAT PENANCE
MUST BE DONE EITHER IN THIS WORLD OR IN THE NEXT. IF WE BE GUILTY OF
MORTAL SIN, IT MUST BE ATONED FOR IN THIS LIFE BY PENANCE, OR IT WILL
NEVER BE ATONED FOR, THOUGH IT WILL BE PUNISHED IN THE ETERNAL FIRES
OF HELL; IF IT BE VENIAL SIN, IT CAN BE ATONED FOR BY PENANCE AND
PRAYER IN THIS LIFE, OR BY THE SHARP FIRES OF PURGATORY IN THE NEXT.
THE LATE FATHER FABER WAS ACCUSTOMED TO SAY THAT HE COULD NEVER
UNDERSTAND WHY WE SPEAK OF THE POOR SOULS IN PURGATORY. HE THOUGHT
THEM RICH INDEED, MUCH TO BE ENVIED, LITTLE TO BE PITIED, THEY ARE
INDEED TRULY RICH, BECAUSE THEY ARE CERTAIN OF POSSESSING GOD FOREVER.
COMPARED WITH US, LIVING AS WE DO IN DREADFUL UNCERTAINTY ABOUT OUR
SALVATION, THEY ARE TO BE ENVIED EXCEEDINGLY. AND YET IT IS ALSO TRUE
THAT THEY ARE DESERVING OF OUR SYMPATHY AND PITY. THEY ARE POOR
BECAUSE THEY ARE SUFFERING, AND THE PROMISE OF THE FUTURE SCARCELY
RELIEVES THEIR ANGUISH IN THE PRESENT. A MAN LIES UPON HIS BED,
WRITHING AND TOSSING IN FEVER. HIS PHYSICIAN GIVES HOPES OF HIS
RECOVERY, TELLS HIM ALMOST INFALLIBLY THAT HE WILL RECOVER. YET WITH
THAT PROSPECT OF CERTAIN RECOVERY, IS HE NOT DESERVING OF OUR PITY AND
COMPASSION? THESE POOR PRISONERS THAT ARE CUT AWAY FROM ALL HUMAN
SOCIETY IN THE JAILS OF THE COUNTRY, ARE THEY NOT DESERVING OF PITY,
EVEN THOUGH THEIR TERM OF IMPRISONMENT IS NOT ETERNAL, AND THEY WILL
ENJOY THEIR LIBERTY ALL THE MORE FOR HAVING LOST IT FOR A TIME? SO
WITH THE BLESSED SOULS IN PURGATORY. THEY ARE TRULY DESERVING OF OUR
PITY, COMPASSION, AND SYMPATHY, BECAUSE, ALTHOUGH THEY BELONG TO GOD,
YET THEY ARE SUFFERING NOW, SUFFERING BITTERLY, SUFFERING INTENSELY IN
THE FIRES OF PURGATORY. IF A CHILD WERE IN AGONY, AND IF THE MOTHER
WHO COULD RELIEVE IT TURNED ASIDE FROM IT, CONSOLING HERSELF WITH THE
REFLECTION THAT IT WOULDN'T DIE, WOULD WE NOT CALL HER UNFEELING AND
CRUEL? YET WE DO THE VERY SAME THING WHEN WE REFUSE OR NEGLECT TO
ASSIST THE SUFFERING SOULS ON THE PRETENSE THAT THEY CANNOT DIE
BECAUSE THEY ARE SAVED. OH DEARLY BELOVED! IT IT VERY SELFISH AND
UNFEELING ON OUR PARTS, IT IS ENOUGH ALMOST TO MAKE GOD ABANDON US, IF
WE GO THROUGH LIFE, AND NEVER ASSIST THESE BLESSED SOULS, WHOM WE CAN
ASSIST SO EASILY AND WHO NEED OUR ASSISTANCE SO MUCH. I DO NOT THINK
THAT THERE IS ONE OF US WHO DOES NOT FEEL REMORSE AGAIN AND AGAIN
DURING LIFE FOR NEGLECTING THE SOULS IN PURGATORY. THERE IS NOT ONE OF
US WHO DOES NOT START FROM A LONG COURSE OF SELFISHNESS, START WITH
THE THOUGHT THAT ALL THAT TIME WE WERE ENJOYING OURSELVES, LIGHT-
HEARTED AND CARELESS, THAT DEAR FRIEND, WHOM WE LOVED IN THIS WORLD
AND WHO PRIZED OUR LOVE, HAS BEEN CRYING TO US IN ANGUISH, HAS BEEN
LIFTING UP HIS HANDS TO US FROM THE FLAMES, PERHAPS HAS LONG AGO
TURNED AWAY FROM US IN DESPAIR, AND RESTED ALL ITS HOPES ON THE MERCY
OF GOD RATHER THAN UPON THE CRUELTY OF HIS FRIENDS. THERE IS NOT A
SINGLE SOUL AMONG US TO WHOM VOICES ARE NOT CRYING EVERY HOUR OF THE
NIGHT AND DAY, IN THE LANGUAGE OF HOLY JOB, "HAVE PITY ON ME, HAVE
PITY ON ME, AT LEAST YOU, MY FRIENDS, FOR THE HAND OF THE LORD HATH
TOUCHED ME" (JOB XLX. 21). IF WE HAD FAITH, WE WOULD HEAR THEM. AND IF
WE HAD EVEN HUMAN HEARTS, AND NOT HEARTS ICY COLD THROUGH SELFISHNESS
AND WORLDLINESS, WE WOULD REST NEITHER BY NIGHT NOR BY DAY FROM
RELIEVING THEM.
THE SUFFERINGS OF PURGATORY
AND LET US NOT DECEIVE OURSELVES WITH THE DELUSIVE HOPE THAT THE PAINS
OF PURGATORY ARE VERY SHORT OR VERY TRIFLING. WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT SIN
IS. BUT IF WE ONLY LOOK ON THE CROSS OF JESUS CHRIST, WE MUST
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT IS OF INFINITE MALICE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD. IF,
THEREFORE. HIS JUSTICE DEMANDED THE LIFE OF HIS SON FOR A SINGLE SIN,
WHAT WILL NOT HIS JUSTICE DEMAND OF US FOR OUR COUNTLESS SINS? AND
THOUGH HIS JUSTICE SAVES US FROM THE HELL WHICH WE DESERVE. HIS
JUSTICE DEMANDS FROM US SOME SLIGHT SATISFACTION AT LEAST. AGAIN
MORTAL SIN, BEING OF INFINITE MALICE, IS PUNISHED WITH INFINITE
TORMENTS; HOW VENIAL SIN APPROACHES AS NEARLY TO MORTAL SIN AS FINITE
THINGS CAN APPROACH TO INFINITE, AND, THEREFORE, THAT PUNISHMENT OF
VENIAL SIN IN PURGATORY IS EVERYTHING BUT INFINITE. AND THE DOCTORS OF
THE CHURCH TEACH US, AND TEACH US WITH TRUTH, THAT THE PAINS OF
PURGATORY ARE THE PAINS OF HELL, BUT THEY ARE NOT ETERNAL. IN
PURGATORY, AS IN HELL, THERE IS THE PHYSICAL PAIN OF FIRE; IN
PURGATORY, AS IN HELL, THERE IS THE SHAME AND REMORSE OF SIN; AND
ABOVE ALL THERE IS THAT PAIN, INFINITE, UNENDURABLE, THE PAIN OF LOSS,
THE PAIN OF BEING SEPARATED FROM GOD. WE CANNOT UNDERSTAND THAT,
BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT SEEN GOD, BUT, DEAR BRETHREN, IT IS FOR GOD WE ARE
MADE. WE ARE IN THIS WORLD ALWAYS FRETTING AND CHAFING AT OUR
SEPARATION FROM GOD; ALL THE SORROW OF THE WORLD, IF REALLY RESOLVED,
WOULD BE FOUND TO BE SEPARATION FROM GOD. AT DEATH WHEN OUR SOULS ARE
FREED, THEY FLY STRAIGHT TO THE BOSOM OF GOD, AND WHAT A DREADFUL
ANGUISH IT MUST BE TO BE SPURNED BY GOD, TO SEE HIM AND NOT TO POSSESS
HIM, TO KNOW AND PERCEIVE THAT HE IS EVERYTHING OUR SOULS CAN DESIRE
AND YET BE UNABLE TO POSSESS HIM. TO HAVE SEEN THE FACE OF JESUS
CHRIST, TO HAVE HEARD HIS SWEET VOICE SPEAKING TO US WORDS OF MERCY,
AND THEN TO BE LED AWAY FROM HIM WITH A BARRIER OF FIRE BETWEEN US,
THAT IS THE GREATEST TORTURE A HUMAN SOUL CAN SUFFER, AND THAT IS THE
SUFFERING OF THE SOUL IN PURGATORY. DO NOT MAKE LIGHT OF IT, DEAR
BRETHREN. DO NOT THINK LITTLE OF IT. NO ONE BUT A MOTHER CAN
UNDERSTAND A MOTHER'S SORROW FOR HER CHILD, AND NO SOUL BUT THAT HAS
SEEN GOD CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS TO LOSE HIM EVEN FOR A TIME. BUT IT
IS A TRUTH OF DIVINE FAITH, AND OUR IGNORANCE OF THE REAL NATURE OF
THAT TRUTH, OUR INABILITY TO UNDERSTAND IT, DOES NOT LESSEN THE
ANGUISH OF THOSE SOULS WHO KNOW IT TOO WELL. AND IF WE BE WISE, AND
WISE WITH THE WISDOM OF CHARITY, WE SHALL ACT ON WHAT FAITH TEACHES
US, AND TRY TO HELP THOSE BLESSED SOULS AS IF WE SAW WITH OUR OWN EYES
THEIR PRISON, AND HEARD WITH OUR OWN EARS THEIR CRIES FOR MERCY. THE
TRUTHS OF FAITH ARE MORE CERTAIN THAN THOSE THINGS TO WHICH OUR SENSES
TESTIFY, AND IT IS TRULY A CATHOLIC SPIRIT TO BELIEVE THEM AS
THOROUGHLY, AND ACT UPON THEM AS FEARLESSLY AND UNHESITATINGLY.
EXHORTATION
O DEARLY BELOVED! IF WE COULD ONLY BEHOLD THE JOY THAT LIGHTS UP THE
COUNTENANCES OF THESE BLESSED SOULS, WHEN OUR PRAYERS ARE HEARD IN
HEAVEN, AND THEIR ANGEL COMES AND BLOWS ASIDE FROM THEM THE FLAMES
THAT TORMENT THEM, AND TELLS THEM THAT YEARS ARE BLOTTED FROM THEIR
SENTENCES, AND THAT SOON THEY WILL AGAIN BEHOLD THE FACE OF GOD, I
THINK WE SHOULD PRAY NIGHT AND DAY INCESSANTLY FOR THEM. OH, IT IS A
TRULY NOBLE WORK; THERE IS NO CHARITY TO BE COMPARED WITH IT. IT IS
GOOD TO FEED THE HUNGRY, TO CLOTHE THE NAKED, TO VISIT THE SICK, BUT
IT IS THE HIGHEST OFFICE OF CHARITY TO VISIT THE SUFFERING SAINTS, AND
RESTORE THEM TO THEIR PLACES AS PRINCES OF THE COURT OF HEAVEN. AND
WHEN WE REMEMBER THAT AMONGST THESE SUFFERING SAINTS ARE SOME OF OUR
OWN FLESH AND BLOOD, WHO LOVED US IN THIS WORLD, AND WHOM WE LOVED,
THE FATHER OR MOTHER, TO WHOM WE OWE WHATEVER GOOD WE POSSESS, THE
BROTHER OR SISTER, WHOSE AFFECTION WAS THE ONE JOY AND SUPPORT OF OUR
YOUTH, IT IS NOT CHARITY ALONE THAT DEMANDS OUR PRAYERS, BUT PITY AND
JUSTICE AND GRATITUDE. AND IF WE NEGLECT THEM, WHATEVER WE MAY PROFESS
TO BE, WE CANNOT FREE OURSELVES FROM THE IMPUTATION OF BEING
UNCHARITABLE, UNJUST, IMPIOUS, AND UNGRATEFUL.
I EXHORT YOU, THEREFORE, DEAR BELOVED, TO PRAY FOR THE SOULS IN

PURGATORY, TO WHOSE SPECIAL REMEMBRANCE THIS DAY IS DEVOTED. PRAY FOR
THEM, THAT THROUGH YOUR PRAYERS NOT ONLY THEY MAY BE ADMITTED TO THE
GLORY OF GOD, BUT ALSO YOU MAY SHARE IN THE REWARD WHICH OUR LORD
PROMISED IN THE WORDS:
"BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY!"
LITANY OF THE DEAD
LORD HAVE MERCY ON US.

CHRIST HAVE MERCY ON US.
CHRIST HAVE MERCY ON US.
JESUS, RECEIVE OUR PRAYERS.
LORD JESUS, GRANT OUR PETITIONS.
O GOD THE FATHER, CREATOR OF THE WORLD,HAVE MERCY ON THE SOULS OF THE
FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
O GOD THE SON, REDEEMER OF MANKIND,DELIVER THE SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL

DEPARTED,
O GOD THE HOLY GHOST,PERFECTOR OF THE ELECT,ACOMPLISH THE BLISS OF THE

FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, WHO, BY THE SPECIAL PRIVILEGE OF GRACE,WAST

TRIUMPHANTLY ASSUMED INTO THE KINGDOM OF THY SON, PRAY FOR THE SOULS
OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
BLESSED ANGELS, WHO, ORDERING ARIGHT THE FIRST ACT OF YOUR WILL, WERE
FIXED FORTHWITH IN UNCHANGEABLE HAPPINESS, PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THE
FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
BLESSED PATRIARCHS, WHO WERE FILLED WITH JOY WHEN THE DESIRED OF
NATIONS PUT AN END TO YOUR CAPTIVITY, *PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THE
FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
BLESSED PROPHETS, WHO, AFTER PATIENTLY AWAITING THE ARRIVAL OF THE

MESSIAH, WERE AT LENGTH CONSOLED BY A VISIT FROM HIM IN PERSON, PRAY
FOR THE SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
BLESSED SAINTS, WHO, AT THE GLORIOUS RESURRECTION OF OUR SAVIOR, WERE

TRANSLATED FROM LIMBO TO THE VISIBLE PRESENCE OF GOD, PRAY FOR THE
SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
BLESSED APOSTLES, WHO AT THE LAST DAY SHALL SIT TO JUDGE THE TWELVE
TRIBES OF ISRAEL,PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
BLESSED DISCIPLES OF OUR LORD, WHO FOLLOWED HIS STEPS IN THE PATHS OF
PERFECTION,PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
BLESSED MARTYRS, WHO PASSED THROUGH THE SEA OF YOUR OWN BLOOD,
ENTERING IMMEDIATELY INTO THE LAND OF PROMISE,PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF
THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
BLESSED CONFESSORS, WHO DESPISED THE VANITY OF THE EARTH, AND PLACED
YOUR AFFECTIONS ON THE JOYS OF HEAVEN,PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THE
FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
BLESSED VIRGINS, WHO, WITH YOUR LIGHTED LAMPS, AWAITED THE COMING OF
THE HEAVENLY SPOUSE,PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
O HOLY SAINTS, WHO, BEING FREED FROM ALL IRREGULAR ATTACHMENT TO

CREATURES, WERE PERFECTLY FITTED FOR IMMEDIATE UNION WITH YOUR
CREATOR,PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
BE MERCIFUL, O LORD, AND PARDON THEIR SINS.

BE MERCIFUL, O LORD, AND HEAR THEIR PRAYERS.
FROM THE SHADES OF DEATH, WHERE THE LIGHT OF THY COUNTENANCE SHINETH
NOT,
DELIVER THEM, O LORD.
FROM THE EVILS TO WHICH IMMORTIFICATION IN THIS WORLD MUST EXPOSE THEM
IN THE OTHER,
FROM THY DISPLEASURE, PROVOKED BY NEGLIGENCE AND INGRATITUDE,

FROM THE PAINS OF PURGATORY, SO JUSTLY INFLICTED UPON UNEXPIATED SINS,

FROM THE TORMENTS INCOMPARABLY GREATER THAN THE BITTEREST ANGUISH OF

THIS LIFE,
BY THE MULTITUDE OF THY MERCIES, EVER COMPASSIONATE TO HUMAN

FRAILTIES,
BY THE VIRTUE OF THY CROSS, WHEREON THOU RECONCIL'EST THE WORLD TO THY
FATHER,
BY THY VICTORIOUS DESCENT INTO HELL, TO BREAK THE CHAINS OF DEATH,

BY THY GLORIOUS RESURRECTION FROM THE TOMB, TO OPEN THE KINGDOM OF

HEAVEN,
BY THY TRIUMPHANT ASCENSION INTO HEAVEN, TO LEAD CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE,

BY THY DREAD COMING TO JUDGE THE WORLD,

WE SINNERS: BESEECH THEE TO HEAR US.
THAT IT PLEASE THEE TO HASTEN THE DAY WHEN THY FAITHFUL SHALL BE
DELIVERED FROM THE MANSIONS OF SORROW,
WE BESEECH THEE TO HEAR US.
THAT IT PLEASE THEE TO SHORTEN THE TIME OF THEIR EXPIATION, AND TO

ADMIT THEM SPEEDILY INTO THY HEAVENLY SANCTUARY,
THAT IT PLEASE THEE, THROUGH THE PRAYERS AND GOOD WORKS PERFORMED IN
THY CHURCH, TO RECEIVE THEM INTO THY ETERNAL TABERNACLES,
THAT IT PLEASE THEE TO ACCEPT, IN ATONEMENT FOR THEIR SINS, THE

INFINITE VALUE OF THY UNBLOODY SACRIFICE,
THAT THE BLESSED VIEW OF JESUS MAY COMFORT THEM, AND HIS UNFADING
GLORY SHINE UPON THEM,
THAT THE WHOLE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT MAY SOON CELEBRATE THEIR DELIVERANCE;
AND THE CHOIRS OF ANGELS SING NEW HYMNS OF JOY, ON THEIR NEVER ENDING
HAPPINESS,
THAT WE OURSELVES MAY SHARE IN THEIR TRIUMPH, AND UNITE WITH ALL THE
CITIZENS OF HEAVEN IN ETERNAL ALLELUIAS,
SON OF GOD:
LAMB OF GOD, WHO SHALT COME WITH GLORY TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE
DEAD:
GIVE REST TO THE SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
LAMB OF GOD, AT WHOSE PRESENCE THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH SHALL BE
MOVED:
LAMB OF GOD, IN WHOSE BOOK OF LIFE THE NAMES OF THY ELECT ARE
INSCRIBED:
ANTIPHON:
"DELIVER US, O LORD, FROM ETERNAL DEATH, IN THAT TREMENDOUS DAY WHEN
THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH SHALL BE MOVED, WHILST THOU SHALT COME TO
JUDGE THE WORLD BY FIRE. WE TREMBLE AND ARE SORE AFRAID AT THE
DISCUSSION WHICH SHALL TAKE PLACE, AND AT THY FUTURE WRATH, WHEN THE
HEAVENS SHALL BE MOVED, AND THE EARTH, WHEN THOU SHALT COME TO JUDGE
THE WORLD BY FIRE.
THAT DAY IS A DAY OF WRATH, OF CALAMITY, OF MISERY: A GREAT AND MOST
BITTER DAY: WHEN THOU SHALT COME TO JUDGE THE WORLD BY FIRE!"
V. GIVE THEM, O LORD, ETERNAL REST:

R. AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. AMEN.
LET US PRAY.
GRANT TO THY SERVANTS DEPARTED,O LORD,WE BESEECH THEE,THY MERCY,THAT

THEY WHO PRAYED THAT THY WILL BE DONE,MAY NOT RECEIVE PUNISHMENTS FOR
THEIR MISDEEDS BUT THAT,EVEN AS HERE BELOW THE TRUE FAITH UNITED THEM
TO THE RANKS OF THE FAITHFUL,SO IN HEAVEN BY THY MERCY THEY MAY HAVE
FELLOWSHIP WITH THE CHOIRS OF ANGELS. THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD.
R. AMEN.
INDULGENCED PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
MY LOVING JESUS,I,ALFONSO MARÍA,GIVE THEE MY HEART,AND I CONSECRATE

MYSELF WHOLLY TO THEE OUT OF THE GRATEFUL LOVE I BEAR THEE,AND AS A
REPARATION FOR ALL MY UNFAITHFULNESS;AND WITH THY AID I PURPOSE NEVER
TO SIN AGAIN. AMEN.
(100 DAYS INDULGENCE, ONCE A DAY FOR ALL WHO RECITE THE ABOVE PRAYER
DEVOUTLY AND WITH CONTRITE HEART, BEFORE A PICTURE OF THE SACRED
HEART.)
JESUS, MEEK AND HUMBLE OF HEART, MAKE MY HEART LIKE UNTO THINE. AMEN.
(300 DAYS INDULGENCE, ONCE A DAY.)
MAY THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS BE LOVED EVERYWHERE. AMEN.
(100 DAYS' INDULGENCE, ONCE A DAY.)
MAY THE HEART OF JESUS IN THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT, BE PRAISED,

ADORED, AND LOVED WITH GRATEFUL AFFECTION, AT EVERY MOMENT IN ALL THE
TABERNACLES OF THE WORLD, EVEN TO THE END OF TIME. AMEN.
(100 DAYS INDULGENCE ONCE A DAY.)
JESUS, MY GOD, I LOVE THEE ABOVE ALL THINGS. AMEN.
(50 DAYS' INDULGENCE, EACH TIME.)
MY JESUS, MERCY. AMEN.

ETERNAL FATHER! I OFFER THEE THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS IN
SATISFACTION FOR MY SINS, AND FOR THE WANTS OF THE HOLY CHURCH. AMEN.
SWEET HEART OF JESUS, I IMPLORE THAT I MAY EVER LOVE THEE MORE AND
MORE. AMEN.
SWEET HEART OF MARY, BE MY SALVATION. AMEN.
(300 DAYS INDULGENCE, EACH TIME.)
O MARY, WHO DIDST COME INTO THIS WORLD FREE FROM STAIN, OBTAIN OF GOD
FOR ME THAT I MAY LEAVE IT WITHOUT SIN. AMEN.
(100 DAYS INDULGENCE, ONCE A DAY.)
ST. JOSEPH, MODEL AND PATRON OF THE FRIENDS OF THE SACRED HEART,
PRAY FOR US. AMEN.
(100 DAYS' INDULGENCE, ONCE A DAY. LEO XIII, DEC. 19,1891.)
JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH, I GIVE YOU MY HEART AND MY SOUL!

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH ASSIST ME IN MY LAST AGONY!
JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH, MAY I BREATHE FORTH MY SOUL IN PEACE WITH YOU!
AMEN.
(7 YEARS INDULGENCE)
VISIT, WE BESEECH YOU, O LORD, THIS HABITATION, AND DRIVE FAR FROM IT
ALL SNARES OF THE ENEMY; LET YOUR HOLY ANGELS DWELL HEREIN, TO
PRESERVE US IN PEACE; AND LET YOUR BLESSING BE ALWAYS UPON US. THROUGH
CHRIST OUR LORD. AMEN.
(5 YEARS INDULGENCE)
MAY THE MOST JUST, MOST HIGH, AND MOST AMIABLE WILL OF GOD BE DONE IN
ALL THINGS, BE PRAISED AND MAGNIFIED FOREVER. AMEN.
PLENARY INDULGENCE,ONCE A YEAR, FOR THOSE WHO RECITE IT DAILY,ON THE

USUAL CONDITIONS.PLENARY INDULGENCE AT THE MOMENT OF DEATH,FOR THOSE
WHO, HAVING FREQUENTLY RECITED IT DURING THEIR LIVES, ACCEPT DEATH
WITH RESIGNATION FROM THE HAND OF GOD.
O MOST COMPASSIONATE JESUS, THOU ALONE ART OUR SALVATION, OUR LIFE,
AND OUR RESURRECTION. WE IMPLORE THEE, THEREFORE, DO NOT FORSAKE US IN
OUR NEEDS AND AFFLICTIONS, BUT BY THE AGONY OF THY MOST SACRED HEART,
AND BY THE SORROWS OF THY IMMACULATE MOTHER, SUCCOR THY SERVANTS, WHOM
THOU HAST REDEEMED BY THY MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD. AMEN.
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST.
AMEN.
(50 DAYS' INDULGENCE EVERY TIME FOR MAKING

THE SIGN OF THE CROSS, USING THE ABOVE WORDS.)
(100 DAYS WHEN MADE WITH HOLY WATER.)
CONTRITE IN HEART, SAY "HAIL MARY" SEVEN TIMES, WITH THE BELOW STANZA
TO EACH "HAIL MARY.
BID ME BEAR, O MOTHER BLESSED!ON MY HEART THE WOUNDS IMPRESSED

SUFFERED BY THE CRUCIFIED!
HAIL, MARY, FULL OF GRACE THE LORD IS WITH THEE.BLESSED ART THOU AMONG
WOMEN, AND BLESSED IS THE FRUIT OF THY WOMB,JESUS.
HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF GOD,PRAY FOR US SINNERS, NOW AND AT THE HOUR OF
OUR DEATH. AMEN.(7 TIMES)
"BID ME BEAR,O MOTHER BLESSED!ON MY HEART THE WOUNDS IMPRESSED

SUFFERED BY THE CRUCIFIED!" (300 DAYS INDULGENCE,ONCE A DAY)

SUFFERED BY THE CRUCIFIED!" (300 DAYS INDULGENCE,ONCE A DAY)
OUR DEATH. AMEN. (7 TIMES)

SUFFERED BY THE CRUCIFIED!" (300 DAYS INDULGENCE, ONCE A DAY)




"O DIVINE HEART OF JESUS,CONVERT THE SINNERS,SAVE THE DYING,AND

RELEASE THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY!" AMEN.
(AN INDULGENCE OF 300 DAYS EACH TIME.)
PRAYER OF SAINT GERTRUDE THE GREAT FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
ETERNAL FATHER, I OFFER THEE THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF THY DIVINE
SON, JESUS, IN UNION WITH THE MASSES SAID THROUGHOUT THE WORLD TODAY,
FOR ALL THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY, FOR SINNERS EVERYWHERE, FOR
SINNERS IN THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH, THOSE IN MY OWN HOME AND WITHIN MY
FAMILY. AMEN
EFFICACY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY FOR THE SUFFERING SOULS (FROM THE
MANUAL OF THE PURGATORIAL SOCIETY 1907)
ST. DOMINIC DECLARED THAT THE REDEMPTION OF THE HOLY SOULS FROM
PURGATORY IS ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL EFFECTS OF THE ROSARY. THE VENERABLE
ALANUS WRITES THAT MANY OF THE BRETHREN HAD ASSURED HIM THAT NUMEROUS
SOULS HAD APPEARED TO THEM WHILST RECITING THE ROSARY, AND HAD
DECLARED THAT NEXT TO THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS THERE WAS NO MORE
POWERFUL MEANS OF HELPING THE SUFFERING SOULS THAN THE ROSARY. AND
NUMEROUS SOULS WERE DAILY RELEASED THEREBY, WHO OTHERWISE WOULD HAVE
BEEN OBLIGED TO REMAIN THERE FOR YEARS. ST. ALPHONSUS LIGUORI,
THEREFORE, SAYS: " IF WE WISH TO BE OF ASSISTANCE TO THE SOULS IN
PURGATORY, WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER THEM IN OUR PRAYERS TO THE BLESSED
VIRGIN MARY, AND ESPECIALLY OFFER THE HOLY ROSARY FOR THEM."
LET US THEN FREQUENTLY AND WITH DEVOTION RECITE THE ROSARY, WHICH IS
SO PLEASING TO OUR BLESSED MOTHER, RECOMMENDED MOST ESPECIALLY BY HOLY
CHURCH, DISCLOSES TO US A RICH SOURCE OF GRACE, AND IS SO EFFICACIOUS
IN RELIEVING THE SUFFERING SOULS AND OPENING HEAVEN TO THEM. SHOULD
OUR LABOR PREVENT US FROM RECITING THE ENTIRE ROSARY EVERY DAY, LET
US, AT LEAST, SAY A PART OF IT. THIS SIMPLE HOMAGE TO THE QUEEN OF
HEAVEN WILL DRAW GREAT BLESSING DOWN UPON US. AND THE HOLY SOULS WILL
BE WONDERFULLY CONSOLED AND RELIEVED IF THIS DEVOTION BE OFFERED IN
THEIR BEHALF.
PRAYER:
GRACIOUSLY HEAR, O LORD, THE PRAYER WE OFFER THEE IN THE HOLY ROSARY
IN HONOR OF MARY, THY VIRGIN MOTHER, FOR THE RELIEF OF THE SOULS IN
PURGATORY, WHILE IN DEVOUT MEDITATION UPON THY HOLY LIFE AND SUFFERING
WE IMPLORE THY DIVINE ASSISTANCE. THOU, WHO LIVEST AND REIGNEST, WORLD
WITHOUT END. AMEN.
SPECIAL INTERCESSION: PRAY FOR THE SOULS WHO WERE MOST DEVOTED TO THE
HOLY ROSARY.
"LORD GRANT THEM ETERNAL REST,AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE!" AMEN.(THREE TIMES.)
PRACTICE: RECITE THE ROSARY FOR THE SUFFERING SOULS.

INVOCATION: MY JESUS, MERCY!
ALMS-GIVING AFFORDS GREAT RELIEF TO THE DEPARTED
BESIDES PRAYER AND OTHER ACTS OF DEVOTION THERE ARE PRACTICAL GOOD
WORKS WE CAN PERFORM FOR THE RELIEF OF THE SUFFERING SOULS. ALMS-
GIVING IS ONE OF THE MOST PROMINENT, FOR THIS, BEING A WORK OF MERCY,
IS ESPECIALLY EFFICACIOUS IN OBTAINING MERCY FOR THE HOLY SOULS. NOT
THE RICH ALONE ARE ABLE TO GIVE ALMS; THE POOR CAN DO SO AS WELL;
SINCE IT IS NOT THE VALUE OF THE GIFT, BUT THE GOOD INTENTION WITH
WHICH IT IS BESTOWED, THAT IS ACCEPTABLE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.
WE ALSO SHALL ONE DAY BE NUMBERED AMONG THE SUFFERING SOULS, AND WHO
IS IN GREATER NEED AND POVERTY THAN THEY? THE MOST MISERABLE BEGGAR IN
THIS WORLD CAN AT LEAST COMPLAIN OF HIS WANTS AND ASK OTHERS TO ASSIST
HIM. BUT THE SOULS IN PURGATORY CANNOT DO EVEN THIS, FOR THE INSTANCES
IN WHICH THEY ARE PERMITTED TO IMPLORE AID OF THE LIVING ARE
EXCEPTIONAL CASES AND VERY FEW ARE ON RECORD. WHAT CONSOLATION IT WILL
AFFORD US WHEN, IN OUR OWN GREAT TIME OF NEED, THE POOR WHOM WE HAVE
BEFRIENDED AND COMFORTED UPON EARTH, IN COMPANY WITH THE HOLY SOULS
WHOM WE DELIVERED BY OFFERING THIS WORK OF MERCY FOR THEM, SHALL COME
TO OUR ASSISTANCE BY THEIR PRAYERS AND SUPPLICATIONS! THEREFORE, SAYS
HOLY SCRIPTURE: "DO GOOD TO THE FRIEND BEFORE THOU DIE; AND ACCORDING
TO THY ABILITY, STRETCHING OUT THY HAND TO GIVE TO THE POOR." (ECCL.
XIV. 13.)
PRAYER:
LORD, GRACIOUSLY LOOK UPON THE ALMS WE OFFER FOR THE REDEMPTION OF THE
CAPTIVE SOULS IN PURGATORY. BESTOW UPON THEM THE FULL MERIT THEREOF
THAT THEY MAY BE ABLE TO DISCHARGE THEIR DEBT; ACCEPT, WE BESEECH
THEE, THIS BOOM OF CHARITY, THAT DELIVERED FROM DEBT AND PENALTY THOU
MAYEST LEAD THEM INTO THY HEAVENLY KINGDOM. THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD.
AMEN.
SPECIAL INTERCESSION: PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO UPON EARTH GAVE
ALMS FOR THE RELIEF OF THE SUFFERING SOULS. LORD GRANT THEM ETERNAL
REST, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. MAY THEY REST IN PEACE.
AMEN. (THREE TIMES)
PRACTICE: BESTOW A GIFT UPON A POOR PERSON,AND OFFER THE MERIT FOR THE
SOULS IN PURGATORY.
INVOCATION: MY JESUS, MERCY
LOVE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN TOWARD THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
SINCE OUR DIVINE REDEEMER GAVE US MARY AS OUR MOTHER, WHEN, DYING UPON
THE CROSS, HE SAID TO HIS DISCIPLE," BEHOLD THY MOTHER," THE BLESSED
VIRGIN REGARDS ALL AS HER BELOVED CHILDREN. BUT SHE MAINTAINS MOST
TENDER FEELINGS OF MATERNAL LOVE TOWARDS THE SUFFERING SOULS IN
PURGATORY. LET US THEN, PLEASE THIS MOTHER OF LOVE BY OFFERING
ABUNDANT SUFFRAGES FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY. TAKING INTO
CONSIDERATION THE GREAT PREROGATIVES OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN, AND THE
INFINITE LOVE OF THE HOLY TRINITY TOWARDS HER, WE CANNOT DOUBT THAT BY
HER MERITS AND INTERCESSION EVERY PENITENT SUFFERING SOUL WOULD BE
DELIVERED AT ONCE FROM PURGATORY, WERE SUCH ACCORDING TO THE
INSCRUTABLE WAYS OF GOD.
BUT GOD HAS HIS OWN DESIGNS FOUNDED ON HIS INFINITE WISDOM, JUSTICE
AND MERCY. THE BLESSED VIRGIN DOES NOT PRAY TO HAVE ALL THE SUFFERING
SOULS DELIVERED AT ONCE, FOR HER WILL IS IN PERFECT CONFORMITY TO THE
WILL OF GOD, AND SHE EXERCISES HER DOMINION OVER THE SOULS IN
PURGATORY IN PERFECT UNION WITH THIS DIVINE WILL. ST. BERNARDIN OF
SIENA APPLIES TO MARY THE TEXT OF HOLY WRIT, "I HAVE WALKED IN THE
WAVES OF THE SEA," (ECCL. XXIV. 8), AND ADDS: "SHE DESCENDS INTO THE
SEA OF FIRE, QUENCHING THE FLAMES FOR THE SUFFERING SOULS." ST.
DIONYSIUS, THE CARTHUSIAN, AT TESTS THAT THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
EXPERIENCE THE SAME JOY AND RELIEF, AT THE MERE MENTION OF HER NAME,
THAT CONSOLING WORDS BRING TO THE BEDRIDDEN SICK.
PRAYER:
O MOST HOLY AND GLORIOUS VIRGIN MARY, BLESSED MOTHER OF OUR LORD, WE
PLACE OUR PETITIONS FOR THE SUFFERING SOULS IN THY HANDS. CLEANSE
THESE SOULS FROM ALL IMPERFECTIONS, AND, BY THY INTERCESSION, OBTAIN
FOR THEM ETERNAL REST. THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, THY SON, OUR LORD. AMEN.
SPECIAL INTERCESSION: PRAY FOR THE SOULS WHO WERE MOST ZEALOUS IN
THEIR DEVOTION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN.LORD GRANT THEM ETERNAL REST, AND
LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. MAY THEY REST IN PEACE. AMEN.
(THREE TIMES.)
PRACTICE: SAY THE LITANY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN FOR THE SUFFERING
SOULS.
THE SPECIAL DUTY OF CHILDREN TOWARDS THIER DECEASED PARENTS
"HONOR THY FATHER, AND FORGET NOT THE GROANINGS OF THY MOTHER.
REMEMBER THAT THOU HADST NOT BEEN BORN BUT THROUGH THEM, AND MAKE A
RETURN TO THEM; AS THEY HAVE DONE FOR THEE." (ECCL. VII. 29-30.) NEXT
TO GOD, OUR PARENTS ARE OUR GREATEST BENEFACTORS, ENTITLED TO MOST
TENDER LOVE AND GRATITUDE, WHICH IS THE SACRED DUTY OF EVERY CHILD.
THIS DUTY DOES NOT END WITH THIS LIFE; IT IS EXTENDED EVEN TO
ETERNITY. SHOULD OUR DEPARTED PARENTS FIND NO RELIEF IN THEIR PAINS?
MUST THEY CRY OUT IN BITTER ANGUISH: "I HAVE REARED SONS AND
DAUGHTERS, BUT THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN ME?"
IF WE COMPASSIONATE THE MISERY OF STRANGERS, IF WE DO NOT HEARTLESSLY

SEND A BEGGAR FROM OUR DOORS, OH, LET US REMEMBER HOW NEAR AND DEAR
FATHER AND MOTHER ARE TO US, AND HOW GREATLY WE ARE INDEBTED TO THEM.
THEY CRY OUT TO US FOR MERCY. WOULD IT NOT BE THE LOWEST DEGREE OF
INGRATITUDE WERE WE TO FORGET THOSE WHO BESTOWED THEIR BEST LOVE AND
CARE UPON US IN LIFE? THE COMMANDMENT OF GOD, "HONOR THY FATHER AND
THY MOTHER," IS AN OBLIGATION ALSO, TOWARDS OUR DECEASED PARENTS.
PRAYER:
O GOD, WHO HAST COMMANDED US TO HONOR FATHER AND MOTHER, LOOK IN

LOVING KINDNESS UPON THE SOULS OF MY FATHER AND MOTHER, AND FORGIVE
THEM THEIR TRESPASSES AND GRANT UNTO ME THE JOY OF BEING RE-UNITED TO
THEM IN THE GLORIOUS LIGHT OF EVERLASTING LIFE. THROUGH JESUS CHRIST,
THY SON, OUR LORD. AMEN.
SPECIAL INTERCESSION: PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF PARENTS WHO HAVE BEEN
FORGOTTEN BY THEIR CHILDREN.
"LORD GRANT THEM ETERNAL REST, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON
THEM. MAY THEY REST IN PEACE. AMEN. (THREE TIMES)
PRACTICE: MORTIFY YOURSELF BY AN ACT OF OBEDIENCE.

INVOCATION : MY JESUS, MERCY!
A PRAYER FOR DECEASED PARENTS
O GOD, WHO HAST COMMANDED US TO HONOR OUR FATHER AND OUR MOTHER, IN
THY MERCY HAVE PITY ON THE SOULS OF MY FATHER AND MOTHER, AND FORGIVE
THEM THEIR TRESPASS, AND MAKE ME TO SEE THEM AGAIN IN THE JOY OF
EVERLASTING BRIGHTNESS. THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD. AMEN
(ROMAN BREVIARY)
PRAYER FOR THOSE WE ARE BOUND TO PRAY FOR
GRANT, WE BESEECH THEE, O LORD OUR GOD, THAT THE SOULS OF THY SERVANTS
AND HANDMAIDENS, THE COMMEMORATION OF WHOM WE KEEP WITH SPECIAL
REVERENCE, AND FOR WHOM WE ARE BIDDEN AND ARE BOUND TO PRAY, AND THE
SOULS OF ALL OUR BENEFACTORS, RELATIONS, AND CONNECTIONS, AND ALL THE
FAITHFUL, MAY REST IN THE BOSOM OF THY SAINTS; AND HEREAFTER, IN THE
RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD, MAY PLEASE THEE IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING.
AMEN
THE STATE OF GRACE NECESSARY TO ASSIST THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
HOLY CHURCH TEACHES US THAT THE STATE OF GRACE IS NECESSARY TO PERFORM

GOOD WORKS ACCEPTABLE TO GOD AND OF MERIT TO THE SOULS IN PURGATORY.
THERE ARE SOME GOOD WORKS, THE VALUE OF WHICH DOES NOT DEPEND UPON THE
SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF THE ONE WHO OFFERS THEM. A PERSON WHO MAY BE,
UNFORTUNATELY, IN THE STATE OF MORTAL SIN, CAN HAVE MASSES SAID FOR
THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED. HE HIMSELF WILL ACQUIRE NO MERIT THEREBY, BUT
THE SUFFERING SOULS WILL DERIVE THE FULL BENEFIT OF THE HOLY
SACRIFICE. IN ALL OTHER GOOD WORKS OFFERED FOR THEM, THE STATE OF
SANCTIFYING GRACE IS REQUISITE. "HE THAT ABIDETH IN ME," SAYS CHRIST,
"AND I IN HIM, THE SAME BEARETH MUCH FRUIT, FOR, WITHOUT ME YOU CAN DO
NOTHING." IF, THEN, WE ARE INCAPABLE OF GAINING MERIT FOR OURSELVES,
HOW CAN WE BESTOW ANY UPON OTHERS? ST. FRANCIS XAVIER SAYS: "BEFORE
BEING INTENT UPON DELIVERING SOULS FROM PURGATORY, TAKE HEED TO REDEEM
YOUR OWN SOULS FROM HELL!" AND HERE WE MAY ADD THE WORD OF THE LORD
SPOKEN BY HIS PROPHET: "WASH YOURSELVES, BE CLEAN, TAKE AWAY THE EVIL
OF YOUR DEVICE FROM MY EYES: CEASE TO DO PERVERSELY." (ISAIAH I. 16.)
PRAYER:
GRANT US THE GRACE, O LORD, TO AVOID SIN AT ALL TIMES, AND CONFIRM US
IN THY CHARITY, THAT, BY THY BOUNTY, OUR SUPPLICATIONS FOR THE
SUFFERING SOULS MAY BE ACCEPTABLE TO THEE AND BENEFICIAL TO THEM.
THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD. AMEN.
SPECIAL INTERCESSION: PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO WERE CAREFUL
NEVER TO LOSE THE GRACE OF GOD. LORD GRANT THEM ETERNAL REST, AND LET
PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. MAY THEY REST IN PEACE. AMEN. (THREE
TIMES)
PRACTICE: MAKE AN ACT OF PERFECT CONTRITION.

THE EFFICACY OF PRAYER FOR THE SUFFERING SOULS

"IT IS A HOLY AND WHOLESOME THOUGHT TO PRAY FOR THE DEAD, THAT THEY
MAY BE LOOSED FROM THEIR SINS." (2 MACH., XII. 46.) PRAYER FOR THE
DEAD IS HOLY BECAUSE PLEASING TO GOD; WHOLESOME, BECAUSE THROUGH THE
MERCIFUL GOODNESS OF GOD IT ACCOMPLISHES ITS SUBLIME AND CHARITABLE
OBJECT. NOTHING IS SO PLEASING TO GOD AS THE SACRIFICE OF LOVE AND
MERCY, ESPECIALLY OFFERED FOR THE SUFFERING SOULS, WHOM HE LOVES MOST
TENDERLY, BECAUSE THEY ARE HOLY AND SURE OF HEAVEN. TO RELIEVE THE
SUFFERING SOULS WE CAN DO NOTHING MORE SALUTARY THAN TO GAIN
INDULGENCES APPLICABLE TO THEM, OFFERING TO GOD THE PERFECT
SATISFACTION OF CHRIST AND THE SAINTS, AND PERFORMING GOOD WORKS IN
THEIR BEHALF, THAT THEY MAY BE COMFORTED OR DELIVERED FROM THE PAINS
OF PURGATORY. A SUFFERING SOUL MAY RECEIVE AN ENTIRE OR A TEMPORARY
REMISSION OF HER PENALTY, ACCORDING TO THE INDULGENCE APPLIED.
PRAYER:
OPEN, O LORD, THE RICH TREASURES OF THY HOLY CHURCH, IN FAVOR OF THE
SOULS IN PURGATORY THAT THEY MAY RECEIVE FULL PARDON, OR AT LEAST,
SOME RELIEF IN THEIR PAINS; AND GRANT US GRACE TO DELIVER AND TO
COMFORT A GREAT NUMBER OF SUFFERING SOULS BY PRAYER AND GOOD WORKS.
SPECIAL INTERCESSION: PRAY FOR THE SOULS, WHO DURING THEIR EARTHLY
CAREER, ENDEAVORED TO GAIN MANY INDULGENCES FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
LORD GRANT THEM ETERNAL REST, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
MAY THEY THEY REST IN PEACE. AMEN. (THREE TIMES)
PRACTICE: APPLY ALL THE INDULGENCES YOU CAN GAIN TO THE SOULS IN
PURGATORY.
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. LORD GRANT
THEM ETERNAL REST, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. MAY THEY
REST IN PEACE. AMEN. (THREE TIMES.)
PRACTICE: SUFFER PATIENTLY THE DISAGREEABLE OCCURRENCES IN YOUR

INTERCOURSE WITH OTHERS.
THE DURATION OF PURGATORY
CONCERNING THE DURATION OF PURGATORY, THE CHURCH SIMPLY TELLS US THAT

IT IS NOT A PLACE OF EVERLASTING PAIN, BUT WILL END AT THE LAST
JUDGMENT; NEITHER ARE WE INFORMED OF THE LENGTH OF TIME REQUIRED FOR
THE PURIFICATION OF A SOUL. ACCORDING TO ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, THE SOUL,
TO BE REUNITED TO HER CREATOR IN HEAVEN, MUST BE IN THE STATE OF
PRIMITIVE INNOCENCE WHICH ADORNED HER WHEN SHE PROCEEDED FROM HIS
HAND. THE IMAGE OF GOD MUST BE ENTIRELY RESTORED WITHIN HER,
COMMENSURATE WITH THE DEGREE OF GLORY AWAITING HER IN HEAVEN. FROM
THIS IT IS EVIDENT THAT THE SUFFERING SOULS CANNOT ENTER HEAVEN UNTIL
PERFECTLY CLEANSED, EITHER BY THEIR PAINS OR BY THE SUFFRAGES OF THE
FAITHFUL. WITH THE ROYAL PROPHET THEY CRY OUT IN PLAINTIVE VOICES: "AS
THE HEART PANTETH AFTER THE FOUNTAINS OF WATER, SO MY SOUL PANTETH
AFTER THEE, O GOD! WHEN SHALL I COME AND APPEAR BEFORE THE FACE OF
GOD?" (PS. XLI. 2-3.) THEY SUFFER UNTIL ENTIRELY PURIFIED, UNTIL THE
LAST FARTHING OF THEIR DEBT IS PAID. INCREASED AND INTENSIFIED PAIN
WILL PROBABLY SUPPLY THE WANT OF TIME FOR THE SOULS WHO WILL NOT HAVE
RENDERED FULL SATISFACTION BEFORE THE LAST DAY.
PRAYER:
O GOD! THE BESTOWER OF FORGIVENESS AND THE LOVER OF HUMAN SALVATION,

WE IMPLORE THEE, THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
AND ALL THY SAINTS, GRANT TO THE SOULS OF OUR BRETHREN, RELATIVES,
BENEFACTORS, AND ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED, THE JOYS OF ETERNAL BLISS.
SPECIAL INTERCESSION: PRAY FOR THE SOULS WHO ARE MOST DESIROUS OF
OBTAINING HELP FROM YOU. LORD GRANT THEM ETERNAL REST, AND LET
PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. MAY THEY REST IN PEACE. AMEN. (THREE
TIMES)
PRACTICE: MODIFY YOUR CURIOSITY.

INVOCATION: MY JESUS, MERCY! LORD GRANT THEM ETERNAL REST, AND
LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. MAY THEY REST IN PEACE. AMEN.
(THREE TIMES.)
PURGATORY TO US
BY REV. JOHN EVANGELIST ZOLLNER, 1884
"FRIEND, LEND ME THREE LOAVES."--LUKE, 11: 5
THE EFFICACY OF CONTINUED, FERVENT PRAYER, OUR DEAR LORD ONE DAY
ILLUSTRATED TO HIS DISCIPLES BY A VERY CONSOLING EXAMPLE: A MAN WENT
TO A FRIEND’S HOUSE AT MIDNIGHT, ASKING HIM TO LEND HIM THREE LOAVES
OF BREAD, BECAUSE HE HAD NOTHING TO SET BEFORE A FRIEND OF HIS WHO HAD
COME OFF HIS JOURNEY TO VISIT HIM. WE MAY EASILY IMAGINE, THAT THIS
PETITION, AT MIDNIGHT, WAS VERY INOPPORTUNE TO THE FRIEND, WHO WITH
HIS CHILDREN, HAD RETIRED TO REST FOR THE NIGHT; HE, THEREFORE,
REFUSED THE PETITIONER, IN THESE WORDS: "TROUBLE ME NOT, THE DOOR IS
NOW SHUT, AND MY CHILDREN ARE WITH ME IN BED; I CANNOT RISE AND GIVE
THEE."--LUKE, 11:7. BUT HE DOES NOT GO AWAY. ON THE CONTRARY, HE
CONTINUES KNOCKING THE LONGER AND LOUDER, AND BECAUSE OF HIS
IMPORTUNITY, HIS FRIEND RISES FROM HIS COUCH MORE UNWILLING THAN
WILLING, OPENS THE DOOR AND GIVES HIM THE THREE LOAVES. THIS PETITION,
"FRIEND, LEND ME THREE LOAVES," THE SOULS DETAINED IN THE PRISON OF
PURGATORY DIRECT TO US ON THIS DAY OF ALL SOULS, FOR THEY ARE
CERTAINLY IN GREATER DISTRESS, AND NEED OUR HELP FAR MORE, THAN THE
PETITIONER MENTIONED IN THE GOSPEL. THEY CRY OUT TO US AT MIDNIGHT, IN
THE DARK NIGHT, I. E., FROM THE DISMAL PRISON IN WHICH THEY ARE
DETAINED; THEY CALL US THEIR FRIENDS, AND ASK US TO LEND THEM THREE
LOAVES OF BREAD. LET US CONTEMPLATE THIS CRY FOR HELP OF THE SUFFERING
SOULS, AND REFLECT UPON IT WORD FOR WORD. LET US CONSIDER--
I. THE WORD "FRIEND,"

II. THE WORD "LEND"
III THE WORD "ME" AND FINALLY,
IV. THE WORDS "THREE LOAVES."
PART I.--"FRIEND."
THE SUFFERING SOULS IN PURGATORY CRY OUT TO US: "FRIEND" AND JUSTLY,
FOR WE ARE RELATED TO THEM BOTH SPIRITUALLY AND CORPORALLY.
1. SPIRITUALLY. OUR SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SUFFERING SOULS

CONSISTS IN THIS, THAT WE AND THEY ARE MEMBERS OF THE ONE CHURCH,
WHICH WILL EXIST UNTIL THE END OF THE WORLD IN A TRIPLE STATE;
MILITANT UPON EARTH, SUFFERING IN PURGATORY, AND TRIUMPHANT IN HEAVEN.
BY REASON OF THIS TRIPLE RELATIONSHIP--
(A) WE BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A PLACE CALLED PURGATORY, IN WHICH THE

SOULS WHO DEPART THIS LIFE WITHOUT BEING PERFECTLY CLEANSED FROM ALL
IMPERFECTIONS ARE DETAINED AND MUST SUFFER UNTIL THEY HAVE FULLY
SATISFIED THE JUSTICE OF GOD. THIS FAITH IS FOUNDED UPON SCRIPTURE,
TRADITION, AND REASON. IN THE OLD TESTAMENT WE READ: "IT IS A HOLY AND
A WHOLESOME THOUGHT TO PRAY FOR THE DEAD, THAT THEY MAY BE LOOSED FROM
SINS."--II. MACH. 12:46. ST. PAUL WRITES: "IF ANY MAN'S WORKS BURN, HE
SHALL SUFFER LOSS, BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED, YET SO AS BY
FIRE."--I. COR. 3: 1 5. THE APOSTLE HERE SPEAKS OF A STATE IN THE
OTHER WORLD, IN WHICH SOULS ARE TRIED BY FIRE FOR SOME TIME; OR, IN
OTHER WORDS, HE SPEAKS OF PURGATORY. OF THE FATHERS OF THE CHURCH WHO
GIVE TESTIMONY TO THE EXISTENCE OF PURGATORY, I SHALL MENTION ONLY
ONE, ST. GREGORY OF NYSSA, WHO SAYS: " IF ANY ONE HAS DEPARTED THIS
LIFE KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VIRTUE AND VICE, HE CANNOT
APPROACH THE DEITY, UNTIL A PURIFYING FIRE HAS OBLITERATED THE STAINS
WITH WHICH THE SOUL IS CONTAMINATED." REASON ALSO TEACHES US THAT
THERE IS A PURGATORY. HOW MANY PEOPLE DIE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN GUILTY OF
MORTAL SINS, BUT ARE NOT FREE FROM LESSER FAULTS. WHERE WILL THEY GO?
TO HEAVEN? IMPOSSIBLE, BECAUSE NOTHING DEFILED CAN ENTER. TO HELL? BY
NO MEANS. FOR IT WOULD BE CONTRARY TO THE MERCY AND JUSTICE OF GOD TO
CONDEMN MAN TO HELL FOR ALL ETERNITY ON ACCOUNT OF A FEW SMALL FAULTS,
COUNTERBALANCED BY A LIVING FAITH AND NUMEROUS GOOD WORKS. THEREFORE,
THERE MUST BE A MIDDLE PLACE WHERE SOULS ARE DETAINED UNTIL THEY HAVE
RENDERED THAT FALL SATISFACTION TO GOD WHICH THEY NEGLECTED HERE,
AFTER WHICH THEY ARE ADMITTED INTO HEAVEN.
(B) WE HOPE THAT WITH THE SUFFERING SOULS WE SHALL ONE DAY BE ADMITTED
INTO HEAVEN, FOR WHICH WE ARE STILL COMBATING, AND THEY SUFFERING. IS
IT NOT JUST, THAT WE ASSIST THOSE SUFFERING SOULS AS FAR AS WE CAN, TO
ATTAIN THE HAPPY END FOR WHICH THEY SIGH, AND TO WHICH WE ALSO ASPIRE,
AND WHERE WE WISH ONE DAY TO BE UNITED WITH THEM FOREVER? INDEED, IF
ANY ONE WOULD TAKE NO INTEREST IN THE SUFFERING SOULS, AND DO NOTHING
FOR THEIR RELIEF AND RELEASE, OF HIM WE SHOULD JUDGE, THAT HE IS NOT
SOLICITOUS EITHER FOR HIS OWN SALVATION, AND THAT HE HAS NO DESIRE TO
BE NUMBERED AMONG THE ELECT IN HEAVEN. BUT SUCH A DISPOSITION WOULD
EVIDENTLY BE UNCHRISTIAN, AND WOULD LEAD, NOT TO HEAVEN, BUT TO HELL.
(C) WE LOVE THE SUFFERING SOULS, AND ENDEAVOR TO HELP THEM AS MUCH AS
WE CAN IN THEIR GREAT NEED. CONSIDER THE MEMBERS OF A BODY, WHAT
SYMPATHY ONE HAS FOR THE OTHER; HOW WILLINGLY THEY ASSIST ONE ANOTHER
AS OFTEN AS IS NECESSARY. FOR INSTANCE, IF A HAND IS WOUNDED, IS IT
NOT THE EYES THAT CAREFULLY LOOK AT THE WOUND, THE TONGUE THAT ASKS
FOR HELP, THE FEET THAT MOVE TO OBTAIN THE APPROPRIATE REMEDIES, THE
OTHER HAND THAT APPLIES THE REMEDIES? NOW, SINCE ALL CATHOLICS,
WHETHER LIVING UPON EARTH, OR SUFFERING IN PURGATORY, OR TRIUMPHING IN
HEAVEN, ARE MEMBERS OF ONE BODY, SHOULD THERE NOT BE THE SAME
SYMPATHY, THE SAME LOVE AS AMONGST THE MEMBERS OF A NATURAL BODY?
SHOULD WE NOT IN PARTICULAR WILLINGLY AND WITH READINESS SUCCOR THE
SUFFERING SOULS IN THEIR UTMOST NEED? WOULD IT NOT BE A VIOLATION OF
CHRISTIAN CHARITY, IF WE SHOULD LEAVE THEM WITHOUT HELP IN THEIR NEED?
2. CORPORALLY. IN A WIDER SENSE WE ARE CORPORALLY RELATED TO THE

SUFFERING SOULS, BECAUSE WE HAVE A HUMAN NATURE IN COMMON WITH THEM,
AND LIKE THEM ARE DESCENDANTS OF THE FIRST HUMAN PAIR, ADAM AND EVE.
THERE SUBSISTS, HOWEVER, A STILL CLOSER CORPORAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
US AND THE SUFFERING SOULS. THERE IS SCARCELY ONE AMONG US WHO HAS NOT
LOST BY DEATH A FATHER OR MOTHER, OR PERHAPS BOTH PARENTS, A BROTHER
OR SISTER, A WIFE OR HUSBAND, A SON OR A DAUGHTER, OR OTHER NEAR
RELATIONS. THESE DEPARTED SOULS, IN ALL PROBABILITY, DO NOT YET ENJOY
THE BEATIFIC VISION; THEY ARE SUFFERING PERHAPS FOR FAULTS COMMITTED
ON YOUR ACCOUNT; AND SHOULD YOU BE INDIFFERENT TOWARDS THEM?
SHOULD YOU NEGLECT TO CONSOLE THEM IN THEIR ABANDONMENT AND TO ASSIST

THEM TO REACH HEAVEN? WOULD THIS NOT BE VERY UNCHARITABLE, WOULD IT
NOT BE SINNING AGAINST THE DEBT OF GRATITUDE WHICH YOU OWE THEM, SINCE
THEY, WHILE ON EARTH, DID SO MUCH GOOD FOR YOU? WOULD IT BE RIGHT FOR
YOU, CHILDREN, IF YOU WOULD SCARCELY EVER SAY AN OUR FATHER FOR YOUR
PARENTS, WHO DURING THEIR LIFE TOILED SO HARD AND DID SO MUCH FOR YOU,
AND WHO, PERHAPS FOR FAULTS COMMITTED ON YOUR ACCOUNT, ARE SUFFERING
IN PURGATORY? WOULD YOU DESERVE THE NAME OF GRATEFUL CHILDREN? AND
WITH WHAT EYES WOULD YOUR PARENTS LOOK UPON YOU, WHEN YOU WOULD MEET
THEM IN ETERNITY. TAKE CARE, THEN, THAT YOU DO NOT VIOLATE THE LOVE
AND GRATITUDE WHICH YOU OWE THE SUFFERING SOULS, WHO ARE SPIRITUALLY
AND CORPORALLY RELATED TO YOU.
PART II.--"LEND."
THE SUFFERING SOULS IN PURGATORY DO NOT CRY OUT TO US: "GIVE," BUT
"LEND." THEY ASK NO HELP OF US WITHOUT REQUITAL, BUT ONLY, SO TO SAY,
TO LEND THEM HELP. WHAT WE DO FOR THEM IS, AS IT WERE, A CAPITAL,
WHICH WILL BE RETURNED TO US WITH INTEREST. THE BENEFITS WHICH WE
CONFER ON THESE SUFFERING SOULS WILL BE RICHLY REPAID,
1. BY THEMSELVES. WHEN JOSEPH OF EGYPT WAS IN PRISON HE REQUESTED THE

CHIEF BUTLER OF PHARAOH, TO WHOM HE HAD FORETOLD HIS DELIVERANCE FROM
PRISON AND REINSTATEMENT IN OFFICE: "ONLY REMEMBER ME WHEN IT SHALL BE
WELL WITH THEE, AND DO ME THIS KINDNESS, TO PUT PHARAOH IN MIND TO
TAKE ME OUT OF THIS PRISON."--GEN. 40: II. BUT THE BUTLER FORGOT HIS
BENEFACTOR FOR TWO YEARS, AND PROBABLY WOULD HAVE FORGOTTEN HIM
FOREVER IF HE HAD NOT BEEN REMINDED OF HIM BY A SPECIAL EVENT. NOT SO
THE SUFFERING SOULS. THEY DO NOT FORGET US WHEN ALL IS WELL WITH THEM
IN HEAVEN, BUT REMEMBER US IN GRATEFUL LOVE FOR THE GOOD WE DID THEM
WHILE IN PRISON. THEY SUPPLICATE GOD GRACIOUSLY TO KEEP FROM US ALL
THAT MIGHT INJURE US IN SOUL OR BODY, TO PRESERVE US IN HIS LOVE, TO
GRANT US A HAPPY DEATH, AND AFTER OUR DEPARTURE FROM THIS WORLD TO
GIVE US ETERNAL REST AND TO LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON US. WE MAY
ALSO BELIEVE WITH MANY DIVINES THAT THE SUFFERING SOULS EVEN WHILE IN
PURGATORY INTERCEDE WITH GOD FOR US AND OBTAIN MANY BENEFITS FOR US;
FOR ALTHOUGH THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO HELP THEMSELVES OR ACQUIRE MERITS,
THEY CAN PRAY FOR US, AND SINCE GOD LOVES THEM THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT
HE WILL GRACIOUSLY HEAR THEM. ST. CATHERINE OF BOLOGNA TESTIFIES THAT
SHE OBTAINED MANY GRACES AND BENEFITS THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF THE
SUFFERING SOULS, EVEN SUCH AS SHE COULD NOT OBTAIN THROUGH THE
INTERCESSION OF THE SAINTS IN HEAVEN.
2. FROM HEAVEN. IF WE SHOW OURSELVES MERCIFUL TOWARDS THE SUFFERING

SOULS, WE GAIN THE GRATITUDE OF THE WHOLE HEAVENLY COURT. THE ANGELS
AND SAINTS WILL LOOK DOWN UPON US WITH PARTICULAR PLEASURE, BECAUSE BY
THE RELEASE OF THESE SOULS WE INCREASE THEIR NUMBER AND ALSO THEIR JOY
IN HEAVEN. IF ACCORDING TO THE WORDS OF CHRIST THEY RE JOICE SO MUCH
OVER THE CONVERSION OF ONE SINNER, WHO, BECAUSE HE IS YET CAPABLE OF
SINS, IS NOT ENTIRELY SURE OF HEAVEN, HOW MUCH MORE WILL THEY REJOICE
OVER THE RELEASE OF THE SUFFERING SOULS, SINCE THEY ARE SURE OF THEIR
ETERNAL SALVATION. WE THEREBY EVEN CONFER A FAVOR UPON OUR BLESSED
LORD HIMSELF, FOR HE LOVES THEM AND ARDENTLY DESIRES TO SEE THEM WITH
HIM IN HEAVEN. FINALLY, BY OUR MERCY AND COMPASSION FOR THE SUFFERING
SOULS WE MERIT THE LOVE OF THE BLESSED TRINITY; FOR THESE SOULS, IF I
MAY BE PERMITTED TO USE THE EXPRESSION, ARE DAUGHTERS OF GOD THE
FATHER, SISTERS OF GOD THE SON, AND SPOUSES OF GOD THE HOLY GHOST, AND
ARE DEPRIVED OF THE BLESSED VISION OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY, BECAUSE
THEY ARE YET DEFILED BY THE STAINS OF SOME IMPERFECTIONS.
PART III.--"ME."
EVERY SOUL SUFFERING CRIES OUT TO US: IN ORDER TO EXPRESS THEREBY HER
GREAT TORMENTS. AND REALLY, THEIR SUFFERINGS ARE GREAT,
(A) ON ACCOUNT OF THE PAIN OF LOSS, SINCE THEY ARE BANISHED FROM
HEAVEN AND THE VISION OF GOD, FOR WHOM THEY LONG MOST ARDENTLY. IN
ORDER TO CONCEIVE AN IDEA OF THIS PAIN, REPRESENT TO YOURSELVES A MAN
WHO IS TORMENTED BY THE MOST VIOLENT HUNGER AND THE MOST BURNING
THIRST. HE SEES BEFORE HIM A TABLE SUPPLIED WITH THE BEST MEATS AND
VIANDS, BUT HE CAN TOUCH NOTHING, ALTHOUGH HE KNOWS THAT ALL HAS BEEN
PREPARED FOR HIM; WILL NOT HIS SORROW BE VERY GREAT? BEHOLD, SIMILARLY
SITUATED ARE THE SUFFERING SOULS. SEPARATED FROM THE BURDEN OF THE
BODY, FROM SENSUAL ENJOYMENTS AND FROM ALL THE DISTRACTIONS OF THE
WORLD, THEIR THOUGHTS ARE DIRECTED EXCLUSIVELY TO GOD, THE CENTRE AND
OBJECT OF ALL BEAUTY AND LOVELINESS; THEY FEEL WITHIN THEMSELVES AN
IRRESISTIBLE IMPULSE TO BE UNITED WITH HIM; THEY KNOW, TOO, THAT THEY
ARE DESTINED TO POSSESS GOD AND THE UNSPEAKABLE JOYS OF HEAVEN; HOW
PAINFUL, THEREFORE, MUST IT BE TO THEM, THAT THEY CANNOT POSSESS THE
OBJECT OF THEIR MOST ARDENT DESIRES! HOW OFTEN AND HOW FERVENTLY MAY
THEY NOT SIGH WITH THE PSALMIST: AS THE HART PANTETH AFTER THE
FOUNTAINS OF WATER, SO MY SOUL PANTETH AFTER THEE. MY SOUL HATH
THIRSTED AFTER THE STRONG LIVING GOD; WHEN SHALL I COME, AND APPEAR
BEFORE THE FACE OF GOD? MY TEARS HAVE BEEN MY BREAD DAY AND NIGHT,
WHILST IT IS SAID TO ME DAILY: WHERE IS THY GOD?"--PS . 41: 2-4.
2. ON ACCOUNT OF THE PAINS OF THE SENSE, THAT IS, ON ACCOUNT OF THE

REAL PAINS WHICH THEY HAVE TO ENDURE. THE HOLY FATHERS UNANIMOUSLY
TEACH THAT THESE PAINS ARE VERY GREAT, AND THAT NO EARTHLY SUFFERINGS
CAN BE COMPARED WITH THEM. ST. AUGUSTINE SAYS: "ALTHOUGH WE ARE SAVED
BY FIRE, YET THAT FIRE WILL BE MORE SEVERE THAN ALL WHATSOEVER MAN CAN
ENDURE IN THIS LIFE." ST. GREGORY THE GREAT SAYS: "I BELIEVE THAT THE
PASSING FIRE (IN PURGATORY) IS MORE INTOLERABLE THAN EVERY PRESENT
PAIN." VENERABLE BEDE IS OF THE OPINION THAT NO PUNISHMENT OF THE
MARTYRS CAN BE COMPARED WITH THE PURIFYING PUNISHMENTS OF THE
SUFFERING SOULS. FROM THESE AND SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS OF THE HOLY
FATHERS WE MAY INFER THE GREATNESS OF THE PAINS WHICH THE SUFFERING
SOULS IN PURGATORY HAVE TO ENDURE. HOW GREAT WERE THE SUFFERINGS OF
THE MARTYRS! WE SHUDDER WHEN WE HEAR OR READ OF THE TORTURES THEY
ENDURED! HOW MUCH MISERY THERE IS IN THIS WORLD! WHO CAN DESCRIBE THE
PAINS WHICH PEOPLE OFTEN HAVE TO ENDURE IN THEIR SICKNESS! AND BEHOLD,
THESE PAINS ARE NOTHING IN COMPARISON TO WHAT THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
HAVE TO SUFFER. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PAINS OF HELL AND
THOSE OF PURGATORY EXCEPT THAT THE FORMER WILL LAST FOREVER, AND THE
LATTER WILL END IN GLORY; THE SOULS OF THE DAMNED SUFFER IN DESPAIR,
THE SOULS IN PURGATORY INFLAMED WITH LOVE AND COMFORTED BY ANGELS.
WHAT WONDER, THEN, THAT THESE POOR SOULS STRETCH OUT THEIR ARMS TO US,
EXCLAIMING: "ME, ME!" "LEND ME!" "HAVE PITY ON ME, HAVE PITY ON ME, AT
LEAST YOU, MY FRIENDS, FOR THE HAND OF THE LORD HAS STRICKEN ME." "O
HELP ME, BECAUSE I AM TORMENTED WITHOUT MEASURE, AND AM UNABLE TO HELP
MYSELF. HELP ME, THAT I MAY BE FREED FROM MY TORMENTS AND MAY BE
PERMITTED TO ENTER INTO THE ETERNAL REST OF HEAVEN."
PART IV.--" THREE LOAVES."
WHAT ARE THESE THREE LOAVES FOR WHICH THE SUFFERING SOULS PRAY?
1. THE WHITE BREAD, OR THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS. JUDAS MACHABEUS
HAD SACRIFICES OFFERED FOR THE DEAD, OF WHICH THE SCRIPTURE SAYS, THAT
THEY WERE WHOLESOME. NOW, WHEN THE SACRIFICES OF THE OLD LAW, WHICH
CONSISTED ONLY OF ANIMALS AND FRUITS, WERE WHOLESOME FOR THE DEAD,
WHAT RICH BLESSING MUST THE ADORABLE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS, WHICH IS
THE CRUCIFIED GOD-MAN, JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF, AFFORD TO THE SUFFERING
SOULS! HENCE IN THE EARLIEST AGES OF CHRISTIANITY THE SACRIFICE OF THE
MASS WAS OFFERED FOR THE DEAD. THUS TERTULLIAN, IN THE SECOND CENTURY,
NUMBERS IT AMONGST THE DUTIES OF A PIOUS WIDOW TO HAVE THE SACRIFICE
OF THE MASS OFFERED FOR HER DECEASED HUSBAND ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF HIS
DEATH. ST. AUGUSTINE DECLARES PRAYER AND SACRIFICE FOR THE REPOSE OF
THE SOULS OF THE DEPARTED TO BE AN APOSTOLIC ORDINANCE, SAYING:
"BECAUSE IT IS OBSERVED IN THE WHOLE WORLD, THAT THE SACRIFICE IS
OFFERED FOR THE REPOSE OF THE SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED, AND
PRAYERS ARE SAID FOR THEM, WE BELIEVE THAT IT IS AN APOSTOLIC
TRADITION; FOR IT IS EVERYWHERE OBSERVED BY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH." FROM
THE MOST ANCIENT LITURGIES WE PERCEIVE, THAT FROM THE BEGINNING, AS
TODAY, A MEMENTO WAS MADE FOR THE DEAD, AND THE FRUITS OF THE
SACRIFICE OF THE MASS APPLIED TO THEM. HENCE THE COUNCIL OF TRENT
TEACHES THAT THE PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL, BUT ESPECIALLY THE HOLY
SACRIFICE OF THE MASS, ARE VERY USEFUL TO THE SOULS IN PURGATORY.
2. THE HOME-MADE BREAD , WHICH WE USE DAILY, OR PRAYER, WHICH WE OFFER

FOR THE SUFFERING SOULS, E.G., THE "OUR FATHER," "ETERNAL REST GIVE
UNTO THEM, O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM," "A
ROSARY," "THE WAY OF THE CROSS." THAT OUR PRAYERS ARE OF BENEFIT TO
THE SUFFERING SOULS IS EVIDENT FROM THE SACRED SCRIPTURE: "IT IS A
HOLY AND A WHOLESOME THOUGHT TO PRAY FOR THE DEAD THAT THEY MAY BE
LOOSED FROM SINS." PRAYER FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED WAS CUSTOMARY IN
THE PRIMITIVE AGES OF THE CHURCH, AND ST. CHRYSOSTOM EXPRESSLY REMARKS
THAT IT WAS ORDAINED BY THE APOSTLES THAT THE DEPARTED SHOULD BE
REMEMBERED AT THE CELEBRATION OF THE HOLY MYSTERIES. ST. EPHREM, IN
HIS LAST TESTAMENT, DESIRES THAT PRAYERS SHOULD BE OFFERED FOR HIM
AFTER HIS DEATH. THE EMPEROR CONSTANTINE THE GREAT ORDAINED THAT HIS
BODY SHOULD BE INTERRED IN THE CHURCH, THAT HE MIGHT BECOME A
PARTICIPATOR IN THE PRAYERS WHICH THE FAITHFUL SAY IN THAT PLACE. AND
ST. MONICA, SHORTLY BEFORE HER DEATH, SAID TO HER SON, ST. AUGUSTINE:
"LAY THIS BODY ANYWHERE; BE NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THAT. THE ONLY THING I
ASK OF YOU IS, THAT YOU MAKE REMEMBRANCE OF ME AT THE ALTAR OF THE
LORD WHERESOEVER YOU ARE." ST. AUGUSTINE SCRUPULOUSLY COMPLIED WITH
THE WISH AND MANDATE OF HIS MOTHER; HE PRAYED FOR HER HIMSELF AND
CONJURES ALL READERS OF HIS CONFESSIONS TO PRAY FOR HER.
3. THE BLACK BREAD , WHICH IS USUALLY GIVEN TO THE POOR, OR ALMS. THE
CONSTANT BELIEF OF THE CHURCH PROVES THAT THE SOUIS IN PURGATORY CAN
BE HELPED BY ALMS AND OTHER WORKS OF MERCY. ST. AUGUSTINE SAYS:
"WITHOUT DOUBT THE WORKS OF MERCY WHEREBY WE RECOMMEND THE DEPARTED
(TO GOD'S MERCY) ARE OF GREAT ADVANTAGE TO THEM, BUT I SPEAK OF THOSE
DEPARTED, WHO HAVE SO SPENT THEIR LIFE, THAT AFTER DEATH THEY ARE NOT
UNWORTHY OF SUCH HELPS." AGAIN HE SAYS: "THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE
FAITHFUL DEPARTED ARE HELPED BY THE PRAYER OF THE CHURCH, BY THE
WHOLESOME SACRIFICE (MASS), AND BY ALMS, WHICH ARE OFFERED FOR THEM,
SO THAT GOD DEALS WITH THEM MORE ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY THAN THEIR
SINS HAVE DESERVED." AND HE ADDS: "THE WHOLE CHURCH ACTS ACCORDING TO
THIS TRADITION WHICH SHE HAS RECEIVED FROM THE FATHERS." IF, THEN, YOU
GIVE ALMS, OR PERFORM OTHER GOOD WORKS, AND THEREBY HAVE THE INTENTION
THAT THE FRUITS OF THESE WORKS BE APPLIED TO THE SUFFERING SOULS, THEY
ARE HELPED BY THEM. THIS IS PARTICULARLY TRUE OF INDULGENCES, WHICH WE
CAN APPLY TO THE SOULS IN PURGATORY BY WAY OF SUFFRAGE.
PERORATION.
LET US THEN SHOW SYMPATHY AND MERCY TO THE SOULS IN PURGATORY. THEIR
CRY TO US IS: "FRIEND," LEND ME THREE LOAVES." "FRIEND" BECAUSE THEY
ARE SPIRITUALLY AND CORPORALLY RELATED TO US, THEREFORE, LOVE AND
GRATITUDE OBLIGE US TO SUCCOR THEM. "LEND" THEY CRY OUT TO US, BECAUSE
THEY, AND THE WHOLE HEAVENLY COURT, WILL RETURN WITH INTEREST THE GOOD
WE DO THEM. "ME" THEY CRY OUT TO US, MAKING KNOWN TO US THEIR GREAT
NEED, WHICH IS BEYOND EXPRESSION, IN ORDER TO MOVE US TO MERCY AND
COMPASSION. "THREE LOAVES" THEY CRY OUT, BESEECHING US TO HELP THEM
THROUGH THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASS, PRAYER, WORKS OF MERCY AND CHARITY.
LET US LISTEN TO THEIR CRY, AND DO WHAT THEY SO URGENTLY AND
ENTREATINGLY ASK OF US. NOT ONLY TO-DAY AND DURING THIS WEEK, BUT AS
LONG AS WE LIVE, WE SHOULD SHOW OURSELVES MERCIFUL TOWARDS THEM, AND
DO WHAT WE CAN TO RELEASE THEM FROM THEIR PRISON THAT THEY MAY ENJOY
THE VISION OF GOD. THE LOVE AND MERCY SHOWN TO THOSE POOR SOULS WILL
PROVE TO BE OF BENEFIT TO OURSELVES, FOR THE WORDS OF CHRIST WILL BE
ACCOMPLISHED IN US: " BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY SHALL OBTAIN
MERCY."--MATT 5: 7. AMEN.
THREE GLANCES AT THE CEMETERY

BY REV. JOHN EVANGELIST ZOLLNER, 1884
"ONLY THE GRAVE REMAINETH FOR ME"--JOB, 17: 1.
ON THIS DAY, AND DURING THE OCTAVE OF ALL SOULS, THE FAITHFUL
EVERYWHERE ARE ACCUSTOMED TO VISIT THE GRAVES. MANY MAKE EVEN LONG
JOURNEYS IN ORDER TO ADORN THE GRAVES OF THEIR PARENTS, BROTHERS AND
SISTERS, OR OTHER NEAR FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES, AND TO RECITE SOME
PIOUS PRAYERS THERE. THIS CUSTOM OF VISITING THE GRAVES IS VERY
LAUDABLE AND IN EVERY WAY APPROPRIATE, BEING VERY WHOLESOME BOTH FOR
US AND FOR THE DEPARTED; FOR US, BECAUSE THE CEMETERY PRODUCES IN US
AN EARNEST, HOLY DISPOSITION OF MIND, AND CAUSES US TO MAKE GOOD
RESOLUTIONS TO AMEND OUR LIFE; FOR THE DEPARTED, BECAUSE THE GRAVES
VIVIDLY REMIND US OF OUR DEPARTED FRIENDS AND FELLOW-CHRISTIANS, AND
CALL UPON US TO PRAY FOR THE REPOSE OF THEIR SOULS. SINCE TO VISIT THE
GRAVES IS OF BENEFIT BOTH FOR YOU AND THE DEPARTED, I EXHORT YOU TO
CAST,
I.ONE GLANCE UPON THE GRAVES.

II.ONE GLANCE INTO THE GRAVES.
III.ONE GLANCE BEYOND THE GRAVES.
PART I.
WHEN WE LOOK AROUND ABOUT US IN A CEMETERY, WE SEE GRAVES OF EVERY

DESCRIPTION.
1. SUCH AS HAVE A CHRISTIAN , AND SUCH AS HAVE NOT A CHRISTIAN

CHARACTER. A CHRISTIAN GRAVE IS KNOWN BY THE CROSS, WHICH IS PLACED
UPON IT; FOR THE CROSS IS THE CHRISTIAN'S MARK AND SIGN. IF YOU ENTER
A HOUSE AND NOTICE IN IT THE PICTUTE OF THE CRUCIFIED, YOU JUDGE THE
INMATES TO BE CHRISTIANS. IF YOU SEE A MAN SIGN HIMSELF WITH THE SIGN
OF THE CROSS, YOU SAY WITHIN YOURSELVES: THIS MAN IS A CHRISTIAN. YOU
THINK AND SAY THE SAME WHEN YOU SEE A GRAVE WITH A CROSS UPON IT.
BEING CATHOLICS, SHOULD WE NOT PLACE CROSSES UPON THE GRAVES OF OUR
DEPARTED FELLOW-CHRISTIANS AND PROVIDE THAT OUR OWN GRAVE, WHEN WE ARE
DEAD, BE ADORNED WITH A CROSS? BY THE CROSSES UPON THE GRAVES WE
PROFESS THAT WE, AND THE DEPARTED, ARE CHRISTIANS, THAT WE HIGHLY
ESTEEM OUR HOLY FAITH, AND THAT JESUS CHRIST, WHO DIED ON THE CROSS,
IS OUR ONLY HOPE IN LIFE AND DEATH. CROSSES UPON THE GRAVES ARE ALSO
AN ADMONITION TO US TO FOLLOW CHRIST ON THE WAY OF THE CROSS, AS HE
HIMSELF SAYS: "IF ANY MAN WILL COME AFTER ME, LET HIM DENY HIMSELF,
AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS AND FOLLOW ME." — MATT. 16: 24.
2. MAGNIFICENT AND PLAIN. SOME MONUMENTS AND TOMBSTONES ARE RICHLY

CARVED AND MAGNIFICENTLY ORNAMENTED. I DO NOT FIND FAULT, IF THE RICH
ERECT HANDSOME AND EVEN COSTLY MONUMENTS TO THE MEMORY OF THEIR DEAR
DEPARTED, BUT IT SHOULD NOT BE DONE FROM A MOTIVE OF PRIDE AND VAIN
OSTENTATION, BUT ONLY TO HONOR THEM AND TO SHOW THEM DUE LOVE AND
GRATITUDE. EXTRAVAGANCE, HOWEVER, IS NOT TO BE COMMENDED; THE MONEY
WOULD CERTAINLY BE BETTER EXPENDED, IF GIVEN AS AN ALMS FOR THE REPOSE
OF THE SOUL OF THE DEPARTED, OR AS A CHARITABLE ENDOWMENT FUND, THAN
WHEN EXPENDED IN ERECTING A COSTLY MONUMENT. AFTER ALL, IT MATTERS
LITTLE WHETHER ONE HAS A MORE OR LESS MAGNIFICENT MONUMENT, PROVIDED
HE IS HAPPY IN ETERNITY. THE SAINTS, EVEN THOSE WHO WERE OF NOBLE
EXTRACTION, PROHIBITED POMPOUS FUNERALS AND MAGNIFICENT MAUSOLEUMS,
AND ORDAINED THAT THEY THEMSELVES SHOULD BE PLAINLY BURIED AND THEIR
GRAVE ADORNED WITH NOTHING ELSE THAN A CROSS. BE CAREFUL LEST IN THE
ERECTION OF MONUMENTS AND TOMBSTONES TO THE MEMORY OF YOUR DEAR
DEPARTED FRIENDS YOU ARE GOVERNED BY VAIN OSTENTATION INSTEAD OF
CHRISTIAN MODESTY. THERE ARE, HOWEVER, GRAVES WHICH HAVE NO MONUMENTS
AT ALL, NOTHING IS TO BE SEEN ON THEM, AND YET THEY HAVE LEFT
CHILDREN, FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES BEHIND, AND HAVE, PERHAPS,
BEQUEATHED THEM A RICH INHERITANCE. SUCH HEIRS ACT VERY UNGRATEFULLY
IN NOT ERECTING TO THEIR BENEFACTORS EVEN A PLAIN TOMBSTONE, AND WHEN
ONE DAY THEY APPEAR BEFORE THE JUDGMENT-SEAT OF GOD HE WILL CERTAINLY
NOT COMMEND THEM FOR THEIR PENURIOUSNESS. IF WE LEAD A PIOUS LIFE, DO
MUCH GOOD FOR THE HONOR OF GOD AND THE SALVATION OF MAN, AND BEQUEATH
A BLESSED MEMORY TO OUR POSTERITY, WE ERECT TO OURSELVES A MONUMENT
MORE ENDURING AND MORE MAGNIFICANT THAN ANY THIS WORLD CAN GIVE.
3. ADORNED WITH FLOWERS. TO ADORN THE GRAVE WITH FLOWERS IS A
BEAUTIFUL AND LAUDABLE CUSTOM, WHICH HAS ALSO AN APPROPRIATE
SIGNIFICATION. THE FLOWERS ON THE GRAVES REMIND US OF THE WORDS OF
PIOUS JOB: "MAN BORN OF A WOMAN, LIVING A SHORT TIME, IS FILLED WITH
MANY MISERIES. WHO COMETH FORTH LIKE A FLOWER, AND IS DESTROYED, AND
FLEETH LIKE A SHADOW."--JOB, 14: 1, 3. NOTHING IS MORE FRAIL THAN
FLOWERS. THE MAJORITY BLOOM ONLY A SHORT TIME, SOME ONLY A FEW DAYS,
OR EVEN ONLY A FEW HOURS; THEY ARE ALSO VERY SENSITIVE, THE LEAST
FROST, COLD AIR, EVEN A FEW DROPS OF RAIN, DEPRIVE THEM OF THEIR
TENDER LIFE. IS IT OTHERWISE WITH THE LIFE OF MAN? MAY WE NOT JUSTLY
CALL OURSELVES MEN OF TO-DAY? IS NOT THE MOST TRIFLING THING OFTEN
SUFFICIENT TO DESTROY PREMATURELY THAT LIFE WHICH IS IN ITSELF
FLEETING. AND YET MANY OF US ARE SO FOOLISH AS TO BE MORE SOLICITOUS
FOR OUR FRAIL, CORRUPTIBLE BODY THAN FOR OUR IMMORTAL SOUL.
FLOWERS ARE BEAUTIFUL TO THE EYE AND SPREAD A PLEASANT ODOR. LET US,
THEN, WHEN WE SEE THEM ON THE GRAVES, MAKE THE RESOLUTION TO REJOICE
GOD AND MAN BY THE SWEET ODOR OF A VIRTUOUS LIFE, THAT WE MAY BE ABLE
TO SAY WITH THE APOSTLE: "WE ARE UNTO GOD THE GOOD ODOR OF CHRIST IN
THEM THAT ARE SAVED, AND IN THEM WHO PERISH."--II. COR . 2: 15. PLACED
ON THE GRAVES OF THE DEAD, FLOWERS ALSO SERVE TO MITIGATE THE SAD
ASPECT OF THE GRAVE AND TO COVER DEATH AND DECAY AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
SO FAR IT IS WELL AND GOOD; BUT IT IS NOT RIGHT, CHRISTIAN FRIEND, IF
WITHOUT NECESSITY YOU BRING TO LIGHT THE FAULTS AND SINS OF THE DEAD,
IF YOU SLANDER AND DETRACT THEM EVEN IN THE GRAVE, AND DEPRIVE THEM OF
THEIR GOOD NAME. SUCH CONDUCT IS CERTAINLY VERY UNCHARITABLE AND SO
MUCH THE MORE TO BE REPREHENDED AS THE DEAD CAN NOT DEFEND THEMSELVES
AND SEEK JUSTICE. LEARN, THEN, FROM THE FLOWERS ON THE GRAVES TO KEEP
SILENCE REGARDING THE FAULTS OF THE DEAD, UNLESS AN EXCEPTION BE
NECESSARY, AND REMEMBER THE PROVERB, DE MORTUIS NIL NISI BONUM. SPEAK
ONLY WHAT IS GOOD OF THE DEAD.
PART II.
IF WE CAST A GLANCE INTO THE GRAVE WHAT DO WE SEE? WE SEE:
1. WHAT THE DEAD MAN HAS IN THE GRAVE. ALAS! HE HAS NOTHING BUT HIS
WINDING-SHEET AND THE COFFIN WHICH CONTAINS HIS MOULDERING BODY.
THOUGH HE MAY HAVE BEEN RICH DURING LIFE, THOUGH HE MAY HAVE HAD MONEY
BY THE MILLIONS, SUPERB HOUSES, IMMENSE POSSESSIONS, AND A LUCRATIVE
BUSINESS, HE NOW POSSESSES NOTHING OF ALL THESE THINGS; HE MUST SAY
WITH JOB: "ONLY THE GRAVE REMAINETH FOR ME." THE CALIPH HESHAM, WHO
DIED AT BASPHA, IN THE YEAR 742, POSSESSED SEVEN HUNDRED BOXES OF GOLD
PIECES, AND SO LARGE A QUANTITY OF CLOTHES AND SILK GARMENTS, THAT TO
REMOVE THESE GOODS FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER SIX HUNDRED CAMELS WERE
REQUIRED. HE HAD SCARCELY CLOSED HIS EYES IN DEATH, WHEN HIS PALACE
WAS PLUNDERED, AND THERE WAS NOT LEFT EVEN A BASIN IN WHICH TO WASH
HIS INANIMATE BODY, NOT A PIECE OF LINEN IN WHICH TO WRAP IT FOR THE
GRAVE. HOW POOR DEATH MADE THIS RICH RULER! DID IT LEAVE HIM ANYTHING
BUT THE GRAVE? HOW FOOLISHLY, THEN, DO CHRISTIANS ACT, WHO FIX ALL
THEIR THOUGHTS AND CARES UPON TEMPORAL GOODS AND THEREBY FORGET GOD
AND THE SALVATION OF THEIR SOULS; YEA, WHO SUFFER THEMSELVES TO BE
GOVERNED BY AVARICE AND COVETOUSNESS TO SUCH AN EXTENT, THAT THEY
HARD-HEARTEDLY TURN THE POOR AND NEEDY FROM THEIR DOOR, AND IN THEIR
BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS COMMIT MANY INJUSTICES. OR, IS IT NOT THE
GREATEST FOLLY AND BLINDNESS, TO FORFEIT HEAVEN FOR THE SAKE OF SUCH
VAIN, PERISHABLE GOODS OF EARTH, AND TO INCUR ETERNAL DAMNATION.
CONSIDER THIS WELL, AND ENTERTAIN NO INORDINATE LOVE FOR MONEY AND THE
GOODS OF THIS WORLD, BE SOLICITOUS FOR TEMPORAL GOODS ONLY IN SO FAR
AS THEY ARE NECESSARY FOR YOUR SUBSISTENCE IN THIS LIFE AND NEVER
FORGET THE WORDS OF THE LORD: "WHAT DOTH IT PROFIT A MAN, IF HE GAIN
THE WHOLE WORLD AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL."--MATT 16: 26.
2. WHAT THE DEAD MAN BECOMES IN THE GRAVE. WHAT DOES HE BECOME? YOU
ALL KNOW. AFTER A FEW DAYS THE BODY DECOMPOSES, BECOMES MOULDLY, BLACK
AND GREY SPOTS APPEAR, THE SKIN BURSTS AND A GREYISH LIQUID OOZES
FORTH, AN INTOLERABLE STENCH FILLS THE GRAVE, AND WOULD, IF IT FOUND
AN EXIT, INFECT THE AIR, WORMS GROW IN THE FLESH, WHICH IS DEVOURED BY
THEM, AND WHICH FALLS IN PIECES FROM THE BONES, THE HEAD IS DEVOID OF
HAIR, FLESH AND SKIN; WHERE THE MOUTH, EARS AND EYES FORMERLY WERE,
NOW ONLY GHASTLY HOLLOWS ARE SEEN; BY DEGREES THE FLESH IS DESTROYED,
AND NOTHING REMAINS BUT A SKELETON, WHICH ALSO CRUMBLES INTO DUST IN
THE COURSE OF TIME, SO THAT WHAT REMAINS OF MAN IS NOTHING BUT A
HANDFUL OF DUST. SUCH WILL BE OUR CONDITION ONE DAY; OUR BODY WILL
MOULDER IN THE GRAVE AND RETURN TO DUST AND ASHES. AND THIS FRAIL,
PERISHABLE BODY, WHICH HAS SUCH A MISERABLE END, SHOULD YOU SO VAINLY
DECORATE, SO PROUDLY DRESS, SO EXTRAVAGANTLY NURSE IT, AND PRIDE
YOURSELF UPON ITS BEAUTY, GRATIFY ITS LUSTS AND ABUSE IT BY SIN AND
VICES? WHEN ST. FRANCIS BORGIA, DUKE OF GANDIA, SAW THE BODY OF
ISABELLA, WHO IN LIFE WAS CONSIDERED THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OF WOMEN, SO
HIDEOUS AND SO DISFIGURED, THAT THE MERE SIGHT OF IT TERRIFIED HIM, HE
EXCLAIMED: “O ISABELLA, WHAT IS NOW BECOME OF THOSE EYES, THAT WERE
ONCE SO SPARKLING? WHERE IS NOW THE BEAUTY AND CHARM OF THAT
COUNTENANCE, WHICH WE SO LATELY BEHELD? ARE YOU HER GRACIOUS MAJESTY,
DONNA ISABEL? ARE YOU MY EMPRESS, MY LADY, MY MISTRESS?" RETURNING
FROM THE FUNERAL, HE LOCKED HIMSELF IN HIS CHAMBER, AND PASSED THE
WHOLE NIGHT WITHOUT SLEEP. PROSTRATE ON THE FLOOR, SHEDDING A TORRENT
OF TEARS, HE SAID TO HIMSELF: "WHAT IS IT, MY SOUL, THAT I SEEK IN THE
WORLD ? HOW LONG SHALL I PURSUE AND GRASP AT SHADOWS? MY GOD, MY GOD,
GRANT THAT I MAY NEVER SERVE A MASTER WHOM DEATH CAN SNATCH FROM ME."
SHORTLY AFTER HE RENOUNCED ALL WORLDLY HONORS AND DIGNITIES, ENTERED
THE SOCIETY OF JESUS AND BECAME A GREAT SAINT. MAY A GLANCE INTO THE
GRAVE AND UPON THE CORPSES DECAYING AND MOULDERING THEREIN INDUCE YOU
TO RESOLVE TO LEAD A PIOUS, PENITENTIAL LIFE, AND ESPECIALLY TO EMPLOY
YOUR BODY ALWAYS AS AN INSTRUMENT IN THE SERVICE OF GOD, TO MORTIFY
ITS SINFUL LUSTS AND TO PERMIT NOTHING WHICH IS CONTRARY TO HOLY
PURITY.
PART III.
IN THE LIGHT OF FAITH WE BEHOLD BEYOND THE GRAVE THREE PLACES: HEAVEN,
HELL AND PURGATORY. IN ONE OR THE OTHER OF THESE THREE PLACES ARE THE
SOULS OF ALL THAT HAVE DEPARTED THIS LIFE.
1. WHICH SOULS ARE IN HEAVEN?
(A) FIRST OF ALL, THE SOULS OF THOSE CHILDREN WHO DIED IN THEIR
BAPTISMAL INNOCENCE. HAPPY CHILDREN! THEY LITTLE FELT THE THROES OF
DEATH, SINCE IN THEIR TENDER AGE THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT IT IS TO DIE,
AND WHEN THEIR SOULS WERE SEPARATED FROM THEIR BODIES, THEY HASTENED
DIRECTLY TO HEAVEN. SUCH GRAVES OF INNOCENT CHILDREN ARE NUMEROUS IN
EVERY CEMETERY; THE GOOD GOD SNATCHES THEM AWAY IN THEIR BAPTISMAL
INNOCENCE, IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE NUMBER OF THE ELECT IN HEAVEN.
CHRISTIAN PARENTS, YOU MUST, IT IS TRUE, BE SOLICITOUS FOR THE HEALTH
AND LIFE OF YOUR CHILDREN, AND CONSCIENTIOUSLY EMPLOY THE MEANS
NECESSARY FOR THAT END; THIS IS YOUR BOUNDEN DUTY; BUT IF GOD,
NEVERTHELESS, PERMITS ONE OR THE OTHER OF YOUR CHILDREN TO DIE, AND IF
IT SHOULD BE YOUR ONLY ONE, YOU MUST NOT GRIEVE IMMODERATLY ON THAT
ACCOUNT, FOR YOUR DEPARTED CHILDREN ARE WELL TAKEN CARE OF, AND YOU,
WITH ALL YOUR LOVE, CARE AND SOLICITUDE WOULD ASSUREDLY NOT HAVE BEEN
ABLE TO GIVE THEM ANYTHING BETTER THAN HEAVEN.
(B) THOSE SOULS WHICH, WHILE ON EARTH, OR IN PURGATORY, HAVE RENDERED

PERFECT SATISFACTION FOR ALL THEIR SINS. I HOPE AND TRUST IN GOD THAT
IN OUR CEMETERY THERE ARE MANY GRAVES OF SUCH BLESSED ONES. THERE
ALWAYS HAVE BEEN CHRISTIANS IN OUR CONGREGATION WHO LED A PIOUS LIFE
AND SERVED GOD WITH ZEAL. WHEN THEY DIED, THEY HAD NOT MUCH TO ATONE
FOR IN PURGATORY, AND NOW THEY ARE IN HEAVEN. TO THIS CLASS BELONG
MANY FATHERS AND MOTHERS, WHO WALKED IN THE FEAR OF GOD, MAINTAINED
GOOD DISCIPLINE AMONG THEIR CHILDREN AND SERVANTS, AND LED THEM TO
GOOD; MANY SONS AND DAUGHTERS, WHO IN THE MIDST OF A DEPRAVED AND
DEGENERATE WORLD PRESERVED THEIR INNOCENCE, AND BY THEIR PIETY AND
GOOD MORALS EDIFIED THE WHOLE CONGREGATION; THEN, SUCH AS FELL AGAIN
AND AGAIN AND GRIEVOUSLY SINNED, BUT TRULY REPENTED, SINCE THEY
AFTERWARDS LIVED A PENITENT LIFE AND WERE ZEALOUS IN DOING GOOD, AND
ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY ENDURED THE SUFFERINGS AND TRIBULATIONS OF LIFE
WITH PATIENCE, THEY DIED A HAPPY DEATH AND AFTER BEING DETAINED IN
PURGATORY FOR A LONGER OR SHORTER PERIOD, WERE ADMITTED INTO HEAVEN.
WE MAY VENTURE TO SAY THAT IN OUR PARISH THERE IS SCARCELY A FAMILY
WHICH HAS NOT SAINTS, EITHER CHILDREN OR ADULTS, IN HEAVEN. WHAT AN
ENCOURAGE- MENT FOR US TO EMPLOY DILIGENTLY THE PRESENT TIME WHICH GOD
IN HIS MERCY GIVES US. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE FOR SINNERS, EVEN THE
GREATEST, NOT TO FEEL ANIMATED AND ENCOURAGED IN ALL EARNESTNESS ON
THIS DAY TO EM- BRACE A LIFE OF PENANCE, IN ORDER TO BE RECONCILED
WITH GOD AND TO BE NUMBERED AMONG THE HOLY PENITENTS IN HEAVEN FOR ALL
ETERNITY.
2. WHICH SOULS ARE IN HELL? ALAS! THERE ARE MANY THAT ENTER ETERNITY
IN THE STATE OF SIN, AND FAITH TEACHES US, THAT ALL WHO DIE IN MORTAL
SIN ARE LOST FOREVER. SHALL I ENUMERATE THOSE UNFORTUNATES? THEY ARE
THOSE FATHERS AND MOTHERS WHO HAD BUT LITTLE RELIGION THEMSELVES, WHO
DID NOT BRING UP THEIR CHILDREN IN VIRTUE AND THE FEAR OF GOD, AND WHO
CONNIVED AT THEIR DISSIPATIONS AND BAD CONDUCT. THEY NOW SUFFER A
DOUBLE PAIN IN HELL, BECAUSE THEY ARE CHASTISED NOT ONLY FOR THEIR OWN
SINS, BUT ALSO FOR THE SINS OF THEIR CHILDREN, WHICH THEY DID NOT
ENDEAVOR TO PREVENT. THEY ARE THOSE SONS AND DAUGHTERS WHO SPENT THE
BEST YEARS OF THEIR LIFE IN LEVITY AND FORGETFULNESS OF GOD, AND
HARDENED THEIR HEART AGAINST ALL SALUTARY ADMONITIONS. THEY ARE THOSE
MARRIED AND SINGLE DRUNKARDS, THOSE CURSERS AND BLASPHEMERS, JESTERS
AND BUFFOONS, WHO BY THEIR UNCHASTE DISCOURSES, SONGS AND JESTS
POISONED INNOCENCE; THOSE AVARICIOUS SOULS WHO GRUDGED EVERYTHING TO
THEMSELVES AND OTHERS; THE UNJUST, WHO COMMITED MANY INJUSTICES AND
MADE NO RESTITUTION; THE VINDICTIVE, WHO WOULD NOT HEAR OF
RECONCILIATION, AND THEREFORE LIVED AND DIED IN ENMITY; THE LUKEWARM,
WHO NEGLECTED PRAYER, HEARD NO SERMONS, READ NO SPIRITUAL BOOKS,
CONFESSED ONLY ONCE A YEAR, AND EVEN THEN NOT WELL, AND LIVED ONLY FOR
THE WORLD; FINALLY, ALL WHO DID NO PENANCE FOR THEIR SINS, BUT ONLY A
MOCK PENANCE. REFLECT SERIOUSLY TO-DAY UPON THE CONDITION OF YOUR OWN
SOUL, WHETHER YOU ARE ON THE ROAD TO HEAVEN OR HELL. SHOULD YOUR
CONSCIENCE REPROACH YOU, THAT ALL IS NOT WELL WITH YOU, LET THE GRAVES
OF THE DAMNED BE AN EARNEST INVITATION TO YOU FOR A SPEEDY REPENTANCE
AND AMENDMENT OF LIFE.
3. FINALLY, WHAT SOULS ARE IN PURGATORY? THE SOULS OF THE JUST WHO
DEPARTED THIS LIFE EITHER IN VENIAL SIN, OR WHO HAVE YET TO MAKE SOME
SATISFACTION TO THE JUSTICE OF GOD FOR THOSE SINS WHICH HAVE BEEN
FORGIVEN. NOTHING DEFILED CAN ENTER HEAVEN. HE WHO DIES IN VENIAL
SINS, WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FORGIVEN, GOES TO PURGATORY AND MUST SUFFER
THERE TILL HE HAS ATONED FOR THEM. ST. GREGORY OF NYSSA SAYS: "IF ANY
ONE HAS DEPARTED THIS LIFE KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOOD AND
EVIL, HE CANNOT APPROACH THE DEITY, UNTIL A PURIFYING FIRE HAS
EXTINGUISHED THE STAINS WITH WHICH THE SOUL IS CONTAMINATED." THOSE
SOULS ALSO GO TO PURGATORY, WHICH HAVE OBTAINED THE REMISSION OF THEIR
SINS, BUT HAVE NOT YET COMPLETELY CANCELLED THE TEMPORAL PUNISHMENTS.
SUCH BEING THE CASE, THE NUMBER OF CHRISTIANS DYING IN ADVANCED AGE,
WHO WILL BE TRANSLATED INTO HEAVEN WITHOUT PURGATORY WILL BE VERY
SMALL, BECAUSE MOST OF THEM AT THEIR DEATH ARE EITHER CONTAMINATED
WITH VENIAL SINS, OR HAVE NOT FULLY SATISFIED FOR THEIR TEMPORAL
PUNISHMENTS. ST. CATHERINE OF GENOA SAYS THAT ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE TO
UNDERGO, AND DO PATIENTLY ENDURE, HARD AND LINGERING SUFFERINGS, CAN
BE ADMITTED INTO HEAVEN, TO THE VISION OF GOD, IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEIR
DEATH. THINK THEN TO-DAY OF THE SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED,
DETAINED IN THE PRISON OF PURGATORY, DESCEND IN THOUGHT INTO THOSE
LOWER REGIONS AND CONSIDER WHAT THEY ARE SUFFERING, AND DO WHAT YOU
CAN IN ORDER TO OBTAIN FOR THEM ETERNAL REPOSE. PRAY FOR THEM, HAVE
MASSES OFFERED FOR THEM, AND APPLY TO THEM THE FRUITS OF ALMS AND
OTHER PIOUS AND GOOD WORKS. CHRISTIAN LOVE AND GRATITUDE SHOULD
ANIMATE US TO ESPOUSE ZEALOUSLY THE CAUSE OF THE POOR SOULS IN
PURGATORY, SINCE THEY ARE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN JESUS CHRIST,
MANY OF WHOM HAVE DONE US MUCH GOOD IN BODY AND SOUL.
PERORATION.
IN CONCLUSION, I EXHORT YOU TO VISIT THE GRAVES, NOT ONLY TODAY AND
DURING THE OCTAVE, BUT ALSO ON OTHER OCCASIONS, ESPECIALLY ON SUNDAYS
AND HOLY DAYS. ALL THE GRAVES YOU SEE REMIND YOU OF THE PERISHABLENESS
OF ALL THINGS EARTHLY, THE SHORTNESS OF LIFE, THE CERTAINTY OF DEATH,
AND RECALL TO YOU THE WORDS OF HOLY SCRIPTURE: "DUST THOU ART, AND
UNTO DUST THOU SHALT RETURN"-- (GEN. 3: 19.) AGAIN, THE GRAVES CALL
UPON YOU TO DISENGAGE YOUR HEART FROM ALL INORDINATE LOVE OF THE
WORLD, TO SET THE AFFAIRS OF YOUR CONSCIENCE IN ORDER, AND TO BE
SOLICITOUS FOR THE ONE THING NECESSARY, THE SALVATION OF YOUR SOUL. AT
THE SAME TIME THE GRAVES ADMONISH YOU TO REMEMBER IN CHARITY THE SOULS
IN PURGATORY AND TO BESEECH GOD, THAT HE MAY CONSOLE AND REFRESH THEM
IN THEIR SUFFERINGS, SHORTEN THE TIME OF THEIR PUNISHMENT AND CONDUCT
THEM INTO THE DWELLING OF ETERNAL REPOSE. THUS THE VISITS TO THE
GRAVES WILL PROVE BOTH TO YOU AND TO THE SUFFERING SOULS A BLESSING,
AND BE TO YOU AND TO THEM AN EXCELLENT MEANS FOR THE OBTAINING OF YOUR
ETERNAL DESTINY. AMEN.
(DAY OF WRATH)BY REV.NICHOLAS GIHR
DOGMATICALLY AND ASCETICALLY INTERPRETED FOR THE DEVOTIONAL READING

AND MEDITATION ON THE END OF THE WORLD AND THE LAST JUDGEMENT
LIKE THE "STABAT MATER," THE "DIES IRAE" WAS ORIGINALLY INTENDED FOR
PRIVATE DEVOTION,--A SORT OF PIOUS MEDITATION ON THE LAST JUDGMENT,
WHOSE APPEAL LAY IN THE GRAPHIC PORTRAYAL OF THE EMOTIONS THAT FILL
THE SOUL OF MAN WHEN, CONSCIOUS OF HIS GUILT, HE IS REMINDED OF THE
ALL-KNOWING AND JUST JUDGE. ITS EXCELLENCE CAUSED ITS ADOPTION AS A
SEQUENCE IN THE MASS FOR THE DEAD AS EARLY AS THE SECOND HALF OF THE
FOURTEENTH CENTURY, BUT IT WAS NOT UNTIL THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY THAT
ITS USE BECAME UNIVERSAL THROUGH A RUBRIC OF THE ROMAN MISSAL AS
REVISED BY PIUS V.
THE "DIES IRAE RESTS UPON A BIBLICAL FOUNDATION. THE CONTENTS OF THE
SEQUENCE ARE TAKEN MAINLY FROM THE PROPHETICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE OLD
TESTAMENT, FROM THE ESCHATOLOGICAL SERMONS OF CHRIST, AND FROM THE
TEACHING AND THE REFERENCES OF THE APOSTLES CONCERNING THE
CONSUMMATION OF THE WORLD. THE DESCRIPTION OF CHRIST'S RETURN AS JUDGE
OF THE UNIVERSE IS IN FULL HARMONY WITH HOLY SCRIPTURE, ESPECIALLY THE
LETTERS OF THE APOSTLES. THE TIME WHEN THE END OF THE WORLD WILL COME
IS, AND WILL EVER REMAIN, A SEALED MYSTERY TO ANGELS AND MEN. EVEN THE
DIVINE MASTER REFUSED TO ANSWER THE QUESTION WHEN PUT BY HIS APOSTLES
(MATTH. XXIV, 36), BUT ADMONISHED THEM TO BE WATCHFUL AND READY AT ANY
TIME TO RENDER AN ACCOUNT OF THEMSELVES, AS THE SON OF MAN WOULD COME
SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY.
BECAUSE OF THESE REPEATED WARNINGS OF THEIR DIVINE MASTER, THE

APOSTLES VERY PROPERLY BELIEVED IT POSSIBLE THAT THE SECOND COINING OF
CHRIST, AND WITH IT THE END OF THE WORLD, MIGHT TAKE PLACE WITHIN
THEIR OWN LIFE-TIME. "WATCH YE, THEREFORE, BECAUSE YOU KNOW NOT THE
DAY NOR THE HOUR." (MATTH. XXV, 13.) "WATCH YE, THEREFORE, PRAYING AT
ALL TIMES THAT YOU MAY BE ACCOUNTED WORTHY TO ESCAPE ALL THESE THINGS
THAT ARE TO COME, AND TO STAND BEFORE THE SON OF MAN." (LUKE XXI, 36.)
"IT IS NOT FOR YOU TO KNOW THE TIMES OR MOMENTS, WHICH THE FATHER HATH
PUT IN HIS OWN POWER," (ACTS I, 7.)
SINCE THE MESSIANIC OR CHRISTIAN ERA, REFERRED TO BY ST. PETER AS "THE

LAST TIMES" (I PETER I. 20), MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THE CLOSING PERIOD
OF THE WORLD'S HISTORY, THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST AS JUDGE MAY OCCUR
AT ANY TIME, AND IN THIS SENSE IT IS EVER NEAR AT HAND. THEREFORE THE
APOSTLES FREQUENTLY DWELT UPON CHRIST'S SECOND COMING, AND
PARTICULARLY DURING THE EARLY DAYS OF SUFFERING AND PERSECUTION THIS
THOUGHT WAS A SOURCE OF COMFORT AS WELL AS A MEANS OF STRENGTHENING
THEIR CONFIDENCE AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO PERSEVERE IN FOLLOWING
CHRIST. IN A SIMILAR WAY THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST IS PRESENTED FOR
OUR MEDITATION IN THE "DIES IRAE."
THE THOUGHT OF THE "LAST TRUMPET" THAT WILL ONE DAY SUMMON ALL MEN TO
THE RESURRECTION AND THE JUDEMENT, OUGHT TO ROUSE US FROM THE FATAL
SLEEP OF SIN, AND TRANSFORM OUR INDIFFERENCE AND LUKEWARMNESS, OUR
NEGLIGENCE AND SLOTH INTO EARNEST WATCHFULNESS AND ZEALOUS PURSUIT OF
VIRTUE.
ON THE JUDGMENT DAY ITSELF, IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF THE

JUDGE, THERE "SHALL APPEAR THE SIGN OF THE SON OF MAN IN
HEAVEN" (MATTH. XXIV, 30) AND THIS WILL REMAIN IN VIEW UNTIL THE END
OF THE JUDGMENT. THIS SIGN IS NONE OTHER THAN THE CROSS. "THE CROSS IS
THE TRUE AND CHARACTERISTIC SIGN OF CHRIST. THE SIGN OF A LUMINOUS
CROSS SHALL PRECEDE THE KING TO ANNOUNCE HIM WHO WAS ONCE
CRUCIFIED." (ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, CATECH., XV, C. 22).
THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE JUDGMENT IS MAN'S MORAL CONDUCT, HIS

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIFE AND ACTIONS. "AND ALL THINGS THAT ARE DONE,
GOD WILL BRING INTO JUDGMENT FOR EVERY ERROR, WHETHER IT BE GOOD OR
EVIL" (ECCLES. XII. 14). THE MOST SECRET THOUGHTS AND DESIRES, MOTIVES
AND PLANS, NAY EVEN OMISSIONS, WILL BE BROUGHT TO LIGHT. NOT THE
SLIGHTEST ACT WILL BE OVERLOOKED OR FORGOTTEN. THE INFALLIBLE JUDGE
WILL DEMAND AN ACCOUNT FOR "EVERY IDLE WORD" (MATTH, XII, 36) AND WILL
REWARD EVERY GOOD DEED.
DEVOURING FLAMES ARE THE MEANS CHOSEN BY THE JUDGE OF THE WORLD TO
PURIFY THE MATERIAL CREATION FROM ITS TWOFOLD CORRUPTION: FROM
ROTTENNESS AND FILTH CORRUPTION AND DECAY ON THE ONE HAND; ON THE
OTHER, FROM THE MORAL STAINS, THE DEGRADATION AND DESECRATION THROUGH
THE SINS AND CRIMES OF MEN.
THE LAST JUDGMENT CANNOT BE AVOIDED AND WILL IRREVOCABLY DECIDE AN

ETERNITY OF JOY OR PAIN. THIS DOCTRINE MIGHT FITTINGLY BE CALLED THE
DOGMA OF FEAR. IT PRESENTS FOR OUR CONSIDERATION THE MOST SERIOUS AND
IMPRESSIVE TRUTHS IN THE WHOLE REALM OF THEOLOGY. LET US FEAR THE ALL-
KNOWING AND JUST JUDGE NOW, SO THAT WE MAY BE IN A POSITION TO MEET
HIM WITH JOY AND CONFIDENCE WHEN HE COMES TO JUDGE.
EVER SINCE THE SENTENCE, "DUST THOU ART, AND UNTO DUST THOU SHALT
RETURN," WAS PASSED UPON THE HUMAN RACE (GEN. III, 19), THE EARTH HAS
BEEN "THE LAND OF THE DYING," A VAST CEMETERY, A DENSELY-POPULATED
CITY OF THE DEAD. EVERYWHERE IT IS STREWN WITH THE SCATTERED REMAINS,
THE DUST AND ASHES OF THE CHILDREN OF MEN. WHAT A UNIQUE SPECTACLE,
THEREFORE, WILL THE EARTH PRESENT AT THE END OF TIME, WHEN THE
HEAVENLY TRUMPETS RESOUND THROUGH ALL THE SEPULCHRES AND RECALL THE
DEAD TO LIFE! THE CALL OF THE SON OF GOD WILL AWAKEN THEM ALL, AND
THEY WILL COME FORTH FROM THEIR GRAVES, FROM THE BOWELS OF THE EARTH
AND THE DEPTHS OF THE SEA, OR WHEREVER ELSE THEY MAY HAVE BEEN BURIED.
NO PLACE WILL BE PERMITTED TO KEEP ITS DEAD. EVEN THE SEA GIVES UP THE
DEAD THAT ARE IN IT, AND DEATH AND HELL GIVE UP THEIR DEAD, AND THEY
ARE JUDGED, EVERYONE ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS. (CFR. APOC. XX, 13.) ALL
WILL ARISE AND BE JUDGED, FOR THE JUDGMENT IS UNIVERSAL, I.E., IT
EXTENDS TO ALL MEN, THE JUST AND THE WICKED.
DEATH DEVOURS MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF MEN, BUT ON THE LAST DAY HE
WILL HAVE TO GIVE THEM ALL UP AGAIN APOC. XX, 13); ALL HIS PLUNDER
WILL BE TAKEN FROM HIM, AND THE MIGHTY CONQUEROR "WILL NOT MERELY BE
DISARMED AND DEFEATED, BUT TOTALLY DESTROYED AND ANNIHILATED." DEATH
WILL BECOME POWERLESS AND VANISH FOREVER (IS. XXIV, 8). "MORS ULTRA
NON ERIT." (APOC. XXI, 4.) THE DAMNED "SHALL SEEK DEATH AND SHALL NOT
FIND IT: AND THEY SHALL DESIRE TO DIE, AND DEATH SHALL FLY FROM
THEM" (ET FUGIET MORS AB EIS; APOC. IX, 6). ALL THE ENEMIES OF CHRIST
AND OF HIS KINGDOM SHALL BE LAID AT THE FEET OF THE GREAT VICTOR, AND
THE LAST ENEMY TO BE DESTROYED WILL BE DEATH, (I COR. 15-26.) AS SOON
AS THE UNIVERSAL RESURRECTION IS AN ACCOMPLISHED FACT, "DEATH WILL BE
SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY," THAT IS, "HE WILL CEASE TO EXIST, NO TRACE
OF HIM WILL REMAIN, HE HAS NO HOPE OF RETURN."
"ON THAT DAY," WHICH IS "A DAY OF PERDITION OF THE UNGODLY MEN" (2
PETER III,7),SINCE THE JUDGMENT WHICH IS THEN RENDERED UPON ALL MEN
WILL CONDEMN THE WICKED TO ETERNAL PUNSHMENT IN HELL,--ON THAT DAY
"LET ME NOT BE LOST, DO NOT PERMIT ME TO GO TO HELL.
DIES IRAE: LATIN AND ENGLISH
THE OPENING WORDS OF THE SEQUENCE PROPER TO REQUIEM MASSES, WHEREBY

THE HYMN IS KNOWN. IT MUST BE SAID AT THE THREE MASSES OF ALL SOULS'
DAY, IN FUNERAL MASSES AND IN ALL REQUIEM MASSES AT WHICH ONLY ONE
COLLECT IS SAID; AT OTHER REQUIEMS IT IS OPTIONAL. MOREOVER IT MUST BE
SAID BY THE CELEBRANT AND SUNG BY THE CHOIR AT ALL HIGH MASSES OF
REQUIEM, NOR MAY ANY OF THE 19 STANZAS BE OMITTED.
DIES IRAE:
THAT DAY OF WRATH, THAT DREADFUL DAY,
WHEN HEAVEN AND EARTH SHALL PASS AWAY,
BOTH DAVID AND THE SIBYL SAY.
WHAT TERROR THEN SHALL US BEFALL,

WHEN LO, THE JUDGE'S STEPS APPALL,
ABOUT TO SIFT THE DEEDS OF ALL.
THE MIGHTY TRUMPET'S MARVELLOUS TONE

SHALL PIERCE THROUGH EACH SEPULCHRAL STONE
AND SUMMON ALL BEFORE THE THRONE.
NOW DEATH AND NATURE IN AMAZE

BEHOLD THE LORD HIS CREATURES RAISE,
TO MEET THE JUDGE'S AWFUL GAZE.
THE BOOKS ARE OPENED, THAT THE DEAD

MAY HAVE THEIR DOOM FROM WHAT IS READ,
THE RECORD OF OUR CONSCIENCE DREAD.
THE LORD OF JUDGMENT SITS HIM DOWN,

AND EVERY SECRET THING MAKES KNOWN;
NO CRIME ESCAPES HIS VENGEFUL FROWN.
AH, HOW SHALL I THAT DAY ENDURE?

WHAT PATRON'S FRIENDLY VOICE SECURE.
WHEN SCARCE THE JUST THEMSELVES ARE SURE?
O KING OF DREADFUL MAJESTY.

WHO GRANTEST GRACE AND MERCY FREE,
GRANT MERCY NOW AND GRACE TO ME.
GOOD LORD, 'TWAS FOR MY SINFUL SAKE,
THAT THOU OUR SUFFERING FLESH DIDST TAKE,
THEN DO NOT NOW MY SOUL FORSAKE.
IN WEARINESS THY SHEEP WAS SOUGHT;

UPON THE CROSS HIS LIFE WAS BOUGHT;
ALAS, IF ALL IN VAIN WERE WROUGHT.
O JUST AVENGING JUDGE, I PRAY,

FOR PITY TAKE MY SINS AWAY,
BEFORE THE GREAT ACCOUNTING-DAY,
I GROAN BENEATH THE GUILT, WHICH THOU

CANST READ UPON MY BLUSHING BROW;
BUT SPARE, O GOD, THY SUPPLIANT NOW.
THOU WHO DIDST MARY'S SINS UNBIND

AND MERCY FOR THE ROBBER FIND,
DOST FILL WITH HOPE MY ANXIOUS MIND.
MY FEEBLE PRAYERS CAN MAKE NO CLAIM,

YET, GRACIOUS LORD, FOR THY GREAT NAME,
REDEEM ME FROM THE QUENCHLESS FLAME.
AT THY RIGHT HAND, GIVE ME A PLACE

AMONG THY SHEEP, A CHILD OF GRACE
FAR FROM THE GOATS' ACCURSED RACE.
YEA, WHEN THY JUSTLY KINDLED IRE

SHALL SINNERS HURL TO ENDLESS FIRE,
OH, CALL ME TO THY CHOSEN CHOIR.
IN SUPPLIANT PRAYER I PROSTRATE BEND,

MY CONTRITE HEART LIKE ASHES REND,
REGARD, O LORD MY LATTER END.
WHEN MAN TO JUDGMENT WAKES FROM CLAY,

OH, ON THAT DAY, THAT TEARFUL DAY,
BE THOU THE TREMBLING SINNER'S STAY,
AND SPARE HIM, GOD, WE HUMBLY PRAY.
YEA, GRANT TO ALL, O SAVIOUR BLEST,
WHO DIE IN THEE, THE SAINTS' SWEET REST. AMEN.
DEVOTION TO THE FIVE SACRED WOUNDS OF OUR REDEEMER
BEGIN BY AN ACT OF CONTRITION.
ACT OF CONTRITION:
O MY GOD, I AM HEARTILY SORRY FOR HAVING OFFENDED THEE AND I DETEST
ALL MY SINS BECAUSE OF THY JUST PUNISHMENTS,BUT MOST OF ALL BECAUSE
THEY OFFEND THEE, MY GOD,WHO ART ALL GOOD AND DESERVING OF ALL MY
LOVE.I FIRMLY RESOLVE, WITH THE HELP OF THY GRACE, TO SIN NO MORE AND
AVOID THE NEAR OCCASIONS OF SIN. AMEN.
CONFITEOR:
I CONFESS TO ALMIGHTY GOD, TO BLESSED MARY EVER VIRGIN, TO BLESSED
MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,TO BLESSED JOHN THE BAPTIST, TO THE HOLY
APOSTLES PETER AND PAUL,TO ALL THE SAINTS, AND TO YOU MY BROTHERS (AND
TO THEE, FATHER) THAT I HAVE SINNED EXCEEDINGLY IN THOUGHT, WORD, AND
DEED, THROUGH MY FAULT, THROUGH MY FAULT, THROUGH MY MOST GRIEVOUS
FAULT.
THEREFORE,I BESEECH BLESSED MARY EVER VIRGIN,BLESSED MICHAEL THE
ARCHANGEL,BLESSED JOHN THE BAPTIST,THE HOLY APOSTLES PETER AND
PAUL,AND ALL THE SAINTS,TO PRAY FOR ME TO THE LORD OUR GOD. AMEN.
WHILST I LIE PROSTRATE BEFORE THEE CRUCIFIED, MOST LOVING SAVIOR OF MY

SOUL, MY CONSCIENCE TELLS ME IT WAS I THAT NAILED THEE TO THE CROSS
WITH THESE HANDS OF MINE, AS OFTEN AS I FELL INTO MORTAL SIN, WEARYING
THEE WITH MY MONSTROUS INGRATITUDE. MY GOD, MY CHIEF AND PERFECT GOOD,
WORTHY OF ALL MY LOVE, BECAUSE THOU HAST EVER LOADED ME WITH
BLESSINGS: MY WRETCHED DEEDS I CANNOT NOW UNDO, AS FAIN I WOULD; BUT I
LOATHE AND HATE THEM, GRIEVING FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART THAT I HAVE
OFFENDED THEE, GOODNESS INFINITE! NOW, KNEELING AT THY FEET, I TRY AT
LEAST TO COMPASSIONATE THEE,TO GIVE THEE THANKS, TO ASK THEE FOR
PARDON AND FOR THE GRACE OF REPENTANCE: WHEREFORE, WITH HEART AND
LIPS, I SAY:
TO THE WOUND IN THE LEFT FOOT.
HOLY WOUND IN THE LEFT FOOT OF MY JESUS! I ADORE THEE. I COMPASSIONATE

THEE, MY JESUS, FOR THE BITTER PAIN THAT THOU DIDST SUFFER. I THANK
THEE FOR THE LOVE WITH WHICH THOU DIDST LABOR TO OVERTAKE ME ON THE
WAY TO RUIN; FOR ME THOU DIDST BLEED, IN SEEKING ME AMID THE THORNS
AND BRAMBLES OF MY SINS: I OFFER TO THE ETERNAL FATHER THE PAIN AND
LOVE OF THY MOST HOLY HUMANITY, IN ATONEMENT FOR MY SINS, ALL OF
WHICH, WITH DEEP AND BITTER SORROW, I DETEST.
OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY, GLORY BE TO THE FATHER.
HOLY MOTHER, PIERCE ME THROUGH,

IN MY HEART EACH WOUND RENEW
OF MY SAVIOR CRUCIFIED.
TO THE WOUND IN THE RIGHT FOOT.
HOLY WOUND IN THE RIGHT FOOT OF MY JESUS! I ADORE THEE. MY JESUS, I

COMPASSIONATE THEE FOR THE BITTER PAIN WHICH THOU DIDST ENDURE. I
THANK THEE FOR THE LOVE WHICH PIERCED THEE WITH SUCH CRUEL ANGUISH,
WHICH MADE THEE SHED THY BLOOD IN PUNISHMENT FOR MY WANDERINGS, AND
FOR THE GUILTY PLEASURE I HAVE GRANTED TO MY UNBRIDLED PASSIONS. I
OFFER TO THE ETERNAL FATHER ALL THE PAIN AND LOVE OF THY MOST HOLY
HUMANITY, AND I PRAY THEE, GIVE ME GRACE TO WEEP OVER MY WANDERINGS
WITH HOT TEARS, AND TO ABIDE IN THE GOOD I HAVE BEGUN, NEVER MORE
SWERVING FROM MY OBEDIENCE TO THE DIVINE COMMANDS.

TO THE WOUND IN THE LEFT HAND
HOLY WOUND IN THE LEFT HAND OF MY JESUS! I ADORE THEE. MY JESUS, I

COMPASSIONATE THEE FOR THE BITTER PAIN THOU DIDST ENDURE. I THANK THEE
FOR HAVING SPARED ME THE UPLIFTED ROD AND THE ETERNAL DAMNATION WHICH
FOR MY SINS I MERITED. I OFFER TO THE ETERNAL FATHER ALL THE PAIN AND
LOVE OF THY MOST HOLY HUMANITY, AND, I PRAY THEE, TEACH ME TO PROFIT
BY MY LITTLE SPAN OF LIFE, AND BRING FORTH IN IT FRUITS OF PENANCE,
AND SO DISARM THY DIVINE AND JUST ANGER.

TO THE WOUND IN THE RIGHT HAND
HOLY WOUND IN THE RIGHT HAND OF MY JESUS! I ADORE THEE. MY JESUS, I

COMPASSIONATE THEE FOR THE BITTER PAINS THOU DIDST ENDURE. I THANK
THEE FOR THY GRACES LAVISHED ON ME WITH SUCH LOVE, IN SPITE OF MY
WRETCHED WAYWARDNESS. I OFFER TO THE ETERNAL FATHER ALL THE PAIN AND
LOVE OF THY MOST HOLY HUMANITY, AND, I PRAY THEE, CHANGE MY HEART AND
ITS AFFECTIONS, AND MAKE ME DO ALL MY WORKS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THY
DIVINE GOOD PLEASURE.

TO THE WOUND IN THE SACRED SIDE.
HOLY WOUND IN THE SIDE OF MY JESUS! I ADORE THEE. MY JESUS, I

COMPASSIONATE THEE IN THE CRUEL INSULTS WHICH THOU DIDST SUFFER. I
THANK THEE FOR THE LOVE WHEREBY THOU DIDST LET THEM CLEAVE THY BREAST
AND HEART, THAT SO THE LAST DROPS OF BLOOD AND WATER MIGHT ISSUE
FORTH, AND MY REDEMPTION OVERFLOW. I OFFER TO THE ETERNAL FATHER THIS
OUTRAGE, AND THE LOVE OF THY MOST HOLY HUMANITY, THAT INTO THAT MOST
LOVING HEART, EAGER AND READY TO RECEIVE THE GREATEST SINNERS, MY POOR
SOUL MAY ENTER ONCE FOR ALL, AND NEVER MORE DEPART.

PRAYERS OF ST. PIUS V. DURING LENT
I. LORD JESUS CHRIST, MY CRUCIFIED SAVIOR, SON OF THE MOST BLESSED

VIRGIN MARY! OPEN THINE EAR AND LISTEN TO ME, AS THOU DIDST LISTEN TO
THY ETERNAL FATHER ON MOUNT THABOR.
I BELIEVE IN GOD, THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH;

AND IN JESUS CHRIST, HIS ONLY SON, OUR LORD; WHO WAS CONCEIVED OF THE
HOLY GHOST, BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY, SUFFERED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE,
WAS CRUCIFIED, DIED, AND WAS BURIED. HE DESCENDED INTO HELL; THE THIRD
DAY HE AROSE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD; HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN AND SITTETH
AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, THE FATHER ALMIGHTY: FROM THENCE HE SHALL
COME TO JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD. I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY GHOST,
THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH, THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS, THE FORGIVENESS OF
SINS, THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY, AND LIFE EVERLASTING. AMEN.
II. LORD JESUS CHRIST, MY CRUCIFIED SAVIOR, SON OF THE MOST BLESSED
VIRGIN MARY! OPEN THINE EYES AND LOOK DOWN UPON ME, AS THOU DIDST LOOK
DOWN, FROM THE TREE OF THE CROSS, UPON THY SORROWING AND AFFLICTED
MOTHER.

III. LORD JESUS CHRIST, MY CRUCIFIED SAVIOR, SON OF THE MOST BLESSED
VIRGIN MARY! OPEN THY SACRED LIPS AND SPEAK TO ME, AS THOU DIDST SPEAK
TO ST. JOHN, WHEN THOU GAVEST HIM AS A SON TO THY BELOVED MOTHER.

IV. LORD JESUS CHRIST, MY CRUCIFIED SAVIOR, SON OF THE MOST BLESSED
VIRGIN MARY! OPEN THINE ARMS AND EMBRACE ME, AS THOU DIDST OPEN THEM,
ON THE TREE OF THE CROSS, TO EMBRACE THE WHOLE HUMAN RACE.

V. LORD JESUS CHRIST, MY CRUCIFIED SAVIOR, SON OF THE MOST BLESSED

VIRGIN MARY! OPEN THY HEART AND ACCEPT MINE, AND GRACIOUSLY HEAR MY
PRAYER, IF SUCH BE THE PLEASURE OF THY MOST HOLY WILL.

EJACULATION
O GOOD JESUS, HIDE ME IN YOUR WOUNDS. AMEN
(INDULGENCE 300 DAYS EACH TIME)
THE GOLDEN ARROW PRAYER
MAY THE MOST HOLY, MOST SACRED, MOST ADORABLE, MOST INCOMPREHENSIBLE
AND UNUTTERABLE NAME OF GOD BE ALWAYS PRAISED, BLESSED, LOVED, ADORED
AND GLORIFIED, IN HEAVEN, ON EARTH AND UNDER THE EARTH, BY ALL THE
CREATURES OF GOD, AND BY THE SACRED HEART OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, IN
THE MOST HOLY SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR. AMEN.
AFTER RECEIVING THIS PRAYER, SISTER MARY OF ST. PETER WAS GIVEN A
VISION IN WHICH SHE SAW THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS DELIGHTFULLY WOUNDED
BY THIS "GOLDEN ARROW" AS TORRENTS OF GRACES STREAMED FROM IT FOR THE
CONVERSION OF SINNERS.
REPARATION PRAYER
ETERNAL FATHER, TURN AWAY THY ANGRY GAZE FROM OUR GUILTY PEOPLE WHOSE
FACE HAS BECOME UNSIGHTLY IN THINE EYES. LOOK INSTEAD UPON THE FACE OF
THY BELOVED SON, FOR THIS IS THE FACE OF HIM IN WHOM THOU ART WELL
PLEASED. WE NOW OFFER THEE THIS HOLY FACE, COVERED WITH SHAME AND
DISFIGURED BY BLOODY BRUISES IN REPARATION FOR THE CRIMES OF OUR AGE
IN ORDER TO APPEASE THINE ANGER, JUSTLY PROVOKED AGAINST US. BECAUSE
THY DIVINE SON, OUR REDEEMER, HAS TAKEN UPON HIS HEAD ALL THE SINS OF
HIS MEMBERS, THAT THEY MIGHT BE SPARED, WE NOW BEG OF THEE, ETERNAL
FATHER, TO GRANT US MERCY. AMEN.
AN ASPIRATION TO THE ETERNAL FATHER TO BE FREQUENTLY RECITED DURING

THE DAY

ETERNAL FATHER, WE OFFER YOU THE HOLY FACE OF JESUS, COVERED WITH
BLOOD, SWEAT, DUST AND SPITTLE, IN REPARATION FOR THE CRIMES OF
COMMUNISTS, BLASPHEMERS, AND FOR THE PROFANERS OF THE HOLY NAME AND OF
THE HOLY DAY. AMEN.
PRAYER TO REPRODUCE THE IMAGE OF GOD IN OUR SOULS

OUR LORD TOLD SISTER MARY OT ST. PETER THAT THE IMAGE OT HIS HOLY FACE
IS LIKE A DIVINE STAMP WHICH, IT APPLIED TO SOULS, THROUGH PRAYER, HAS
THE POWER OF IMPRINTING ANEW WITHIN THEM THE IMAGE OT GOD.

I SALUTE THEE, I ADORE THEE, AND I LOVE THEE, OH ADORABLE FACE OF MY
BELOVED JESUS, AS THE NOBLE STAMP OF DIVINITY!
COMPLETELY SURRENDERING MY SOUL TO THEE, I MOST HUMBLY BEG THEE TO
STAMP THIS SEAL UPON US ALL, SO THAT "THE IMAGE OF GOD MAY ONCE MORE
BE REPRODUCED BY ITS IMPRINT IN OUR SOULS. AMEN.
LITANY OF THE HOLY FACE OF JESUS
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.

JESUS CHRIST, HAVE MERCY ON US.
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.
JESUS CHRIST, HAVE MERCY ON US.
HOLY VIRGIN MARY,
PRAY FOR US.
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE MARY AND JOSEPH WORSHIPED WITH

PROFOUNDEST REVERENCE,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE IS THE MASTERPIECE OF THE HOLY GHOST, IN

WHICH THE FATHER WAS WELL PLEASED,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE RAVISHED WITH JOY THE ANGELS, SHEPHERDS
AND MAGI IN THE STABLE OF BETHLEHEM,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE WOUNDED WITH A DART OF LOVE THE AGED
SIMEON AND THE PROPHETESS ANNA IN THE TEMPLE,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE WAS BATHED IN TEARS IN THY HOLY INFANCY,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE AT THE AGE OF TWELVE ASTONISHED THE
DOCTORS IN THE TEMPLE,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE IS WHITE WITH PURITY AND RUDDY WITH
CHARITY,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE IS MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN THE SUN, BRIGHTER
THAN THE MOON AND MORE BRILLIANT THAN THE STARS,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE IS LOVELIER THAN THE ROSES OF SPRING,

HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD, SILVER AND
GEMS,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE WINS ALL HEARTS BY ITS CHARMS AND GRACE,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE IS MOST NOBLE IN ITS HEAVENLY FEATURES,

HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE IS CONTEMPLATED BY THE ANGELS,

HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE IS THE SWEET DELIGHT OF THE SAINTS,

HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE WAS THE JOY OF THY VIRGIN MOTHER AND THY
FOSTER-FATHER,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE IS THE INEFFABLE MIRROR OF THE DIVINE

PERFECTIONS,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, THE BEAUTY OF WHOSE ADORABLE FACE IS EVER ANCIENT AND EVER
NEW,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, THE MODESTY AND MILDNESS OF WHOSE ADORABLE FACE ATTRACTS BOTH
JUST AND SINNERS,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE APPEASETH THE DIVINE WRATH,

HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE IS THE TERROR OF THE EVIL SPIRITS,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE IS THE TREASURE OF GRACE AND BLESSINGS,

HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE WAS EXPOSED TO THE INCLEMENCY OF THE

WEATHER IN THE WILDERNESS,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE WAS BATHED WITH SWEAT IN THY JOURNEYS AND
SCORCHED WITH THE HEAT OF THE SUN,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, THE EXPRESSION OF WHOSE ADORABLE FACE IS WHOLLY DIVINE,

HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE GAVE A HOLY KISS AND BLESSING TO THE
LITTLE CHILDREN,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE SORROWED AND WEPT AT THE GRAVE OF

LAZARUS,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O JESUS, WHOSE ADORABLE FACE WAS BRILLIANT AS THE SUN AND RADIANT WITH
GLORY ON MOUNT TABOR,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
V. THE LIGHT OF THY FACE HAS BEEN SHED UPON US, O LORD.
R. THOU HAST GIVEN JOY TO OUR HEARTS.
O ADORABLE FACE, WORTHY OF ALL REVERENCE, VENERATION AND WORSHIP,

HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, SORROWFUL AT THE SIGHT OF JERUSALEM AND SHEDDING

TEARS OVER THAT UNGRATEFUL CITY,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, BOWED TO THE EARTH IN THE GARDEN OF OLIVES AND

COVERED WITH CONFUSION FOR OUR SINS,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, BATHED IN A BLOODY SWEAT,

HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, KISSED BY THE TRAITOR JUDAS,

HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, WHOSE SANCTITY AND MAJESTY SMOTE THE SOLDIERS WITH
FEAR AND CAST THEM TO THE GROUND,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, STRUCK BY AN INFAMOUS SERVANT, BLINDFOLDED AND

PROFANED BY THE SACRILEGIOUS HANDS OF THINE ENEMIES,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, DENIED WITH SPITTLE AND BRUISED BY SO MANY BUFFETS

AND BLOWS,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, WHOSE DIVINE LOOK WOUNDED THE HEART OF PETER WITH
REPENTANCE, SORROW AND LOVE,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, HUMBLED FOR US AT THE TRIBUNALS OF JERUSALEM,

HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, WHICH DIDST PRESERVE THY SERENITY WHEN PILATE

PRONOUNCED THE FATAL SENTENCE,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, COVERED WITH SWEAT AND BLOOD AND FORCED INTO THE MIRE
UNDER THE WEIGHT OT THE CROSS,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, THE BROW CROWNED WITH DEEP AND PIERCING THORNS,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, WIPED WITH A VEIL BY A PIOUS WOMAN ON THE WAY TO

CALVARY,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, RAISED ON THE INSTRUMENT OF THE MOST SHAMEFUL

PUNISHMENT,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, WHOSE EYES SHED TEARS OF BLOOD,

HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, WHOSE MOUTH WAS TORMENTED WITH VINEGAR AND GALL,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, WHOSE HAIR AND BEARD WERE PLUCKED OUT BY

EXECUTIONERS,
HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, DISFIGURED LIKE THE FACE OF A LEPER,

HAVE MERCY ON US!
O ADORABLE FACE, WHOSE INCOMPARABLE BEAUTY WAS OBSCURED UNDER THE

FEARFUL CLOUD OF THE SINS OF THE WORLD,*
O ADORABLE FACE, COVERED WITH THE SAD SHADES OF DEATH,*
O ADORABLE FACE, WASHED AND ANOINTED BY MARY AND THE HOLY WOMEN, AND
COVERED WITH A SHROUD,*
O ADORABLE FACE, ENCLOSED IN THE SEPULCHRE,*
O ADORABLE FACE, ALL RESPLENDENT WITH GLORY AND BEAUTY ON THE DAY OF
THY RESURRECTION,*
O ADORABLE FACE, ALL DAZZLING WITH LIGHT AT THE MOMENT OF THINE

ASCENSION,*
O ADORABLE FACE, HIDDEN IN THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR,*
O ADORABLE FACE, WHICH WILL APPEAR AT THE END OF TIME IN THE CLOUDS,
WITH GREAT POWER AND MAJESTY,*
O ADORABLE FACE, WHICH WILL CAUSE SINNERS TO TREMBLE WITH TERROR,*
O ADORABLE FACE, WHICH WILL FILL THE JUST WITH JOY FOR ALL ETERNITY,*
V. O LORD, SHOW US THY FACE,

R. AND WE SHALL BE SAVED.
LAMB OF GOD, WHO TAKEST AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD:

SPARE US, O LORD!

GRACIOUSLY HEAR US, O LORD!

HAVE MERCY ON US, O LORD!
LET US PRAY:
I SALUTE THEE, I ADORE THEE, I LOVE THEE, O ADORABLE FACE OF JESUS, MY

BELOVED, NOBLE SEAL OF THE DIVINITY! WITH ALL THE POWERS OF MY SOUL, I
APPLY MYSELF TO THEE, AND MOST HUMBLY PRAY THEE TO IMPRINT IN US ALL
THE FEATURES OF THY DIVINE COUNTENANCE. R. AMEN.
WE BESEECH THEE, O ALMIGHTY AND MERCIFUL GOD, GRANT TO US AND TO ALL

WHO VENERATE THE COUNTENANCE OF THY DEARLY BELOVED SON, ALL DISFIGURED
BY OUR SINS, THE GRACE TO BEHOLD IT THROUGHOUT ETERNITY IN THE GLORY
OF ITS MAJESTY.
THROUGH THE SAME JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, WHO IS, WITH THEE AND THE HOLY
SPIRIT, EVERY ONE GOD, WORLD WITHOUT END. R. AMEN.
O MY JESUS! CAST UPON US A LOOK OF MERCY; TURN THY FACE TOWARD EACH OF
US AS THOU DIDST TO VERONICA; NOT THAT WE MAY SEE IT WITH OUR BODILY
EYES, FOR THIS WE DO NOT DESERVE, BUT TURN IT TOWARD OUR HEARTS, SO
THAT REMEMBERING THEE, WE MAY EVER DRAW FROM THIS FOUNTAIN OF STRENGTH
THE VIGOR NECESSARY TO SUSTAIN THE COMBATS OF LIFE. AMEN.
DEVOTION TO THE HOLY FACE
ACCORDING TO TRADITION, WHILE OUR LORD WAS ON HIS WAY TO CALVARY THE
COMPASSIONATE WOMAN VERONICA OFFERED HIM A VEIL WITH WHICH TO WIPE HIS
FACE AND ON THIS VEIL HE LEFT THE IMPRINT OF HIS FEATURES. THIS LED TO
WIDESPREAD DEVOTION TO THE HOLY FACE IN THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES.
OUR CHIEF REASONS FOR HONORING THE ADORABLE FACE OF JESUS ARE TO OFFER
RESPECTFUL LOVE AND HOMAGE TO THAT FACE SO DISFIGURED IN THE PASSION;
TO MAKE REPARATION FOR BLASPHEMY AND THE NEGLECT OF A CHRISTIAN
OBSERVANCE OF SUNDAY; TO PRAY FOR THE CONVERSION OF THOSE WHO PROFANE
THE LORD'S DAY.
PROMISES MADE BY OUR LORD TO THOSE WHO HONOR HIM THROUGH THIS
DEVOTION.
BESIDES HAVING THE APPELLATION, "THE LITTLE FLOWER OF JESUS", SAINT

THERESE WAS ALSO CALLED "THERESE OF THE HOLY FACE". SHE IS NUMBERED IN
THE GALAXY OF THOSE REPARATRICES, WHO WERE SO DEVOTED TO THE HOLY FACE
OF OUR LORD. IN THE MEASURE THAT THERESE SPENT HERSELF IN THIS
REPARATION OFFERED TO JESUS, OUR LORD WAS NOT LAGGING IN THE MORE
ABUNDANT MEASURE OF GRACES WHICH HE REVEALED SO OFTEN TO THOSE LOVING
SOULS WHO PRACTICED THIS DEVOTION. HE PROMISED ST.MECHTILDIS THAT
THOSE WHO HONOR HIM IN THIS MANNER WILL ALWAYS BE HIS SPECIAL CARE:
"NONE OF THESE PERSONS SHALL EVER BE SEPARATED FROM ME".
TO ST. GERTRUDE HE PROMISED, THAT BY THE RESEMBLANCE TO HIS FACE, THEY

WILL SHINE MORE THAN OTHERS IN HEAVEN. ON THE TWENTY-NINTH OF OCTOBER
IN THE YEAR 1845, OUR LORD MADE THE FOLLOWING PROMISES TO SISTER MARIE
DE SAINT-PIERRE, A CARMELITE NUN, WHO DIED IN THE ODOR OF SANCTITY:
"AS WITH A COIN UPON WHICH IS IMPRINTED THE FACE OF A REIGNING

SOVEREIGN, ONE CAN PURCHASE MATERIAL THINGS, SO THEY WHO OFFER MY FACE
TO MY FATHER, WILL PURCHASE AS WITH A CELESTIAL COIN, ALL FAVORS FROM
HEAVEN." A FEW DAYS LATER OUR LORD APPEARED TO THE SAME NUN AND MADE
ANOTHER PROMISE: "IN THE MEASURE THAT YOU MAKE REPARATION FOR THE
STAINS OF BLASPHEMY CAST BY THE WICKED AGAINST MY HOLY FACE, I IN TURN
WILL IMPRINT MY DIVINE FEATURES IN YOUR SOUL AND WILL CLEANSE ALL THE
STAINS FROM IT, AND MAKE IT AS BEAUTIFUL AS IT WAS AT THE TIME OF
BAPTISM."
IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR, ON THE TWENTIETH OF MARCH, OUR LORD AGAIN

APPEARED TO THE ABOVE MENTIONED CLIENT, AND PROMISED THAT HE WOULD
DEFEND AT THE HEAVENLY THRONE THE CAUSE OF THOSE WHO DEFEND HIS HONOR
THROUGH THIS DEVOTION OF REPARATION, BY WORD, PRAYER OR WRITING. THAT
FURTHER IN THE HOUR OF DEATH HE WOULD RENEW IN THEM THE IMAGE OF GOD,
WHICH WAS EFFACED BY SIN.
ON THE TWENTY-SECOND OF NOVEMBER, 1846, OUR LORD FURTHER PROMISED HER

THAT IN OFFERING HIS HOLY FACE TO HIS HEAVENLY FATHER, THEY SHALL
APPEASE HIS ANGER, AND SHALL BE A FRUITFUL INSTRUMENT IN OBTAINING
PARDON AND CONVERSION FOR SINNERS, AND THAT HE WOULD PLEAD WITH HIS
FATHER TO GRANT ALL THEIR PETITIONS.
FINALLY ON THE TWENTY-SEVENTH OF OCTOBER, 1847, OUR LORD AGAIN ASSURED

HER, THAT THEY LIKE THE SAINTLY VERONICA, SHALL WIPE HIS ADORABLE FACE
OUTRAGED BY SIN, "AND IN TURN I WILL IMPRINT MY DIVINE IMAGE ON THEIR
SOUL". IMBUED WITH THESE SENTIMENTS, AND URGED BY THESE PROMISES OF
OUR LORD, SAINT THERESE BECAME A ZEALOUS CLIENT OF THIS BEAUTIFUL
DEVOTION, AND COMPOSED A PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE HOLY FACE, TO WHICH
HAS BEEN ATTACHED AN INDULGENCE OF THREE HUNDRED DAYS, BY THE SOV.
PONTIFF, PIUS X.
PRAYER TO THE HOLY FACE

(COMPOSED BY ST. TERESA)
O JESUS, WHO IN THY CRUEL PASSION DIDST BECOME "REPROACH OF MEN AND
THE MAN OF SORROWS", I WORSHIP THY DIVINE FACE. ONCE IT SHONE WITH THE
BEAUTY AND SWEETNESS OF THE DIVINITY; NOW FOR MY SAKE IT IS BECOME AS
THE FACE OF A "LEPER!" YET IN THAT DISFIGURED COUNTENANCE I RECOGNIZE
THY INFINITE LOVE, AND I AM CONSUMED WITH THE DESIRE OF LOVING THEE
AND OF MAKING THEE LOVED BY ALL MANKIND.
THE TEARS THAT STREAMED IN SUCH ABUNDANCE FROM THY EYES, ARE TO ME AS
PRECIOUS PEARLS WHICH I DELIGHT TO GATHER, THAT WITH THEIR INFINITE
WORTH I MAY RANSOM THE SOULS OF POOR SINNERS.
O JESUS, WHOSE FACE IS THE SOLE BEAUTY THAT RAVISHES MY HEART, I MAY
NOT BEHOLD HERE UPON EARTH THE SWEETNESS OF THY GLANCE, NOR FEEL THE
INEFFABLE TENDERNESS OF THY KISS.
I BOW TO THY WILL--BUT I PRAY THEE TO IMPRINT IN ME THY DIVINE

LIKENESS, AND I IMPLORE THEE TO SO INFLAME ME WITH THY LOVE, THAT IT
MAY QUICKLY CONSUME ME, AND THAT I MAY SOON REACH THE VISION OF THY
GLORIOUS FACE IN HEAVEN! AMEN. (INDULGENCE 300 DAYS EACH TIME-- PLUS
X, 1906).
ACT OF REPARATION TO THE HOLY FACE OF JESUS
I ADORE AND PRAISE THEE, O MY DIVINE JESUS, SON OF THE LIVING GOD, AND
I DESIRE TO MAKE SATISFACTION FOR ALL THE OUTRAGES WHICH I, THE MOST
MISERABLE OF THY CREATURES, HAVE OFFERED THEE IN ALL THE MEMBERS OF
THY BLESSED BODY, AND PARTICULARLY IN THY ADORABLE FACE.
HAIL, WORSHIPFUL FACE, DISFIGURED BY SPITTLE AND HARDLY TO BE

RECOGNIZED THROUGH THE CRUEL TREATMENT WHICH THOU DIDST RECEIVE FROM
THE IMPIOUS JEWS.
I SALUTE THEE, O BLESSED EYES, ALL BATHED IN TEARS, WHICH THOU DIDST
SHED FOR OUR SALVATION.
I SALUTE THEE, O BLESSED EARS, ASSAILED BY BLASPHEMIES, INSULTS, AND

CRUEL MOCKERIES.
I SALUTE THEE, O BLESSED MOUTH, FILLED WITH GRACES AND TENDERNESS FOR
POOR SINNERS, BUT EMBITTERED WITH VINEGAR AND GALL BY THE MONSTROUS
INGRATITUDE OF THAT PEOPLE WHOM THOU DIDST CHOOSE FROM AMONG ALL
NATIONS.
IN REPARATION FOR ALL THESE IGNOMINIES, I OFFER THEE ALL THE HOMAGE
WHICH IS GIVEN THEE IN THAT HOLY PLACE WHERE THOU ART PLEASED TO BE
HONORED WITH A SPECIAL WORSHIP, UNITING MYSELF THEREWITH.
AT THE SIGHT OF THY MOST HOLY FACE DEAR JESUS, SO DISFIGURED BY

BRUISES, I CRY OUT WITH ST. AUGUSTINE: "LORD JESUS IMPRESS UPON MY
HEART THY SACRED WOUNDS, THAT I MAY READ THEREIN AT ONCE THY SORROW
AND THY LOVE; THY SORROW, IN ORDER TO SUFFER EVERY AFFLICTION FOR
THEE".
O SORROWFUL JESUS, WHEN CASTING OURSELVES BEFORE THY ADORABLE FACE TO

ASK THEE FOR THE GRACES OF WHICH WE HAVE NEED, WE ASK THEE ABOVE ALL
TO ORDER THE INTERIOR FEATURES OF OUR SOULS THAT WE MAY NEVER REFUSE
THEE AUGHT THAT THOU THYSELF DESIRESTS OF US THROUGH THY HOLY
COMMANDMENTS.
PRAISE BE TO THEE, O JESUS CHRIST, FOR THE MOST SACRED GRIEF OF THY
ADORABLE FACE. BY THIS SACRED GRIEF AND BY THY MOST SACRED PASSION
PARDON ALL THE SINS I HAVE COMMITTED AGAINST THEE, IN THOUGHT, WORD,
AND DEED, AND ALL NEGLIGENCE IN THY SERVICE, AND ALL SENSUALITY FOR
WHICH I HAVE BEEN TO BLAME WHETHER ASLEEP OR AWAKE.
GRANT THAT I MAY BE ABLE TO RECALL WITH DEVOTION THY MOST PITIFUL
PAINS SUFFERED IN THY SACRED FACE. GRANT ME THE GRACE TO MORTIFY MY
BODY, AND SO TO OFFER A PLEDGE OF MY GRATITUDE TO THEE, WHO LIVEST AND
REIGNEST FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.
ACTS OF EJACULATION
MY SURE SALVATION IS THE CROSS.

I WILL EVER HIGHLY REVERE THE CROSS;
THE CROSS OF OUR LORD ASSISTS ME,
THE CROSS GIVES ME CERTAIN PROTECTION.
(INDULGENCE 300 DAYS, ONCE A DAY. PLUS IX, 1874.)
LORD, I THANK THEE FOR HAVING DIED ON THE CROSS FOR MY SINS. AMEN.
(INDULGENCE 300 DAYS, ONCE A DAY. BENED. XV, 1918.)
MOST GENTLE JESUS, THOU ALONE ART OUR SALVATION. THEREFORE WE BESEECH
THEE, FORSAKE US NOT IN OUR NEEDS AND DISTRESS. BUT FOR THE SAKE OF
THE AGONY OF THY SACRED HEART AND THE SORROWS OF THY IMMACULATE
MOTHER, COME TO THE AID OF THY SERVANTS, WHOM THOU HAST REDEEMED BY
THY PRECIOUS BLOOD. AMEN.
(INDULGENCE 100 DAYS ONCE A DAY. -- PLUS IX, 1874.)
ST.GERTRUDE IS INSEPARABLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVOTION TO THE SACRED

HEART. THE PIERCED HEART OF JESUS EMBODIED FOR HER THE DIVINE LOVE,
AN INEXHAUSTIBLE FOUNTAIN OF REDEMPTIVE LIFE. HER VISIONS AND
INSIGHTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE HEART OF JESUS ARE VERY ENLIGHTENING.
IN ONE SUCH INTELLECTUAL VISION, SHE PERCEIVED THE UNCEASING LOVE OF
CHRIST FOR US IN TWO PULSATIONS OF HIS HEART - ONE ACCOMPLISHED THE
CONVERSION OF SINNERS, THE OTHER THE SANCTIFICATION OF THE JUST. JUST
AS OUR OWN FAITHFUL HEART KEEPS RIGHT ON WHETHER WE ADVERT TO IT OR
NOT, THESE PULSATIONS WILL ENDURE TILL THE END OF TIME DESPITE THE
VICISSITUDES OF HISTORY.
OUR LORD WISHES PEOPLE TO PRAY FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY. HE ONCE
SHOWED GERTRUDE A TABLE OF GOLD ON WHICH WERE MANY COSTLY PEARLS. THE
PEARLS WERE PRAYERS FOR THE HOLY SOULS. AT THE SAME TIME THE SAINT
HAD A VISION OF SOULS FREED FROM SUFFERING AND ASCENDING IN THE FORM
OF BRIGHT SPARKS TO HEAVEN.
IN ONE VISION, OUR LORD TELLS GERTRUDE THAT HE LONGS FOR SOMEONE TO
ASK HIM TO RELEASE SOULS FROM PURGATORY, JUST AS A KING WHO IMPRISONS
A FRIEND FOR JUSTICE'S SAKE HOPES THAT SOMEONE WILL BEG FOR MERCY FOR
HIS FRIEND. JESUS ENDS WITH:
"I ACCEPT WITH HIGHEST PLEASURE WHAT IS OFFERED TO ME FOR THE POOR
SOULS, FOR I LONG INEXPRESSIBLY TO HAVE NEAR ME THOSE FOR WHOM I PAID
SO GREAT A PRICE. BY THE PRAYERS OF THY LOVING SOUL, I AM INDUCED TO
FREE A PRISONER FROM PURGATORY AS OFTEN AS THOU DOST MOVE THY TONGUE
TO UTTER A WORD OF PRAYER."
IN ANOTHER VISION SHE WAS GIVEN THE PRAYER WHICH OUR LORD TOLD HER
WOULD RELEASE 1000 SOULS FROM PURGATORY EVERY TIME IT IS SAID WITH
LOVE AND DEVOTION.
"ETERNAL FATHER, I OFFER YOU THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF THY DIVINE
SON, JESUS CHRIST, IN UNION WITH THE MASSES SAID THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
TODAY, FOR ALL THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY, FOR SINNERS EVERYWHERE,
THOSE IN THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH, IN MY HOME, AND IN MY FAMILY."
TO HER WAS GRANTED THE PRIVILEGE OF SEEING OUR LORD'S SACRED HEART.
THE GRACES FLOWING FROM IT APPEARED LIKE A STREAM OF PUREST WATER
FLOWING OVER THE WHOLE WORLD. IN MANY OF THE VISIONS OF THE SACRED
HEART, WE FIND ST JOHN THE BELOVED DISCIPLE PRESENT--HE WHO LEANED
BACK AGAINST JESUS' CHEST AT THE LAST SUPPER. ON HIS OWN FEAST DAY,
ST JOHN APPEARED AND PLACED GERTRUDE NEAR THE WOUNDED SIDE OF THE
SAVIOR, WHERE SHE COULD HEAR THE PULSATIONS OF THE SACRED HEART. "WHY
IS IT, O BELOVED OF GOD," SHE ASKED HIM, "THAT YOU WHO RESTED ON HIS
BOSOM AT THE LAST SUPPER HAVE SAID NOTHING OF WHAT YOU EXPERIENCED
THEN?" ST JOHN TOLD HER, "IT WAS MY TASK TO PRESENT TO THE FIRST AGE
OF THE CHURCH THE DOCTRINE OF THE WORD MADE FLESH WHICH NO HUMAN
INTELLECT CAN EVER FULLY COMPREHEND. THE ELOQUENCE OF THAT SWEET
BEATING OF HIS HEART IS RESERVED FOR THE LAST AGE IN ORDER THAT THE
WORLD GROWN COLD AND TORPID MAY BE SET ON FIRE WITH THE LOVE OF GOD."
THESE VISIONS CONTINUED UNTIL THE END OF HER LIFE. JESUS SAID TO HER
AT THE LAST: "COME, MY CHOSEN ONE, AND I WILL PLACE IN YOU MY
THRONE."
SAINT GERTRUDE WAS "THE GREAT" BECAUSE OF HER SINGLE-HEARTED LOVE FOR
THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND THE SOULS IN PURGATORY. THOUGH SHE WAS
NEVER FORMALLY CANONIZED, POPE CLEMENT XII IN 1677 DIRECTED THAT HER
FEAST BE OBSERVED THROUGHOUT THE CHURCH. IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE
THAT SAINT TERESA OF AVILA HAD A GREAT DEVOTION TO GERTRUDE.
THE RELIEF OF THE POOR SOULS

THIS BOOKLET IS OUT-OF-PRINT AND NO LONGER AVAILABLE AS FAR AS WE CAN
ASCERTAIN,
ALTHOUGH THE CLASSICS IN CATHOLIC LITERATURE AND DEVOTIONS ARE MAKING
A COMEBACK.
WE PROVIDE IT FOR YOU IN PLAIN TEXT [IN BLACK] EXACTLY AS PUBLISHED IN
1931, INCLUDING THE FORMER RACCOLTA INDULGENCE DAYS, WITH ONE
EXCEPTION: THE DE PROFUNDIS, WHICH IS ON PAGE 41 OF THE BOOKLET WILL
BE PRINTED AFTER THE INSIDE COVER PAGES SINCE THE PAGE NUMBERS WILL
NOT BE GIVEN BECAUSE EVERYONE USES DIFFERENT FONTS AND SIZES WHEN
PRINTING SO THE PAGE NUMBERS WOULD NOT NECESSARILY CORRESPOND.
LINKS ARE IN EITHER BLUE, GREEN, OR GOLD.
INCLUDED WITH THE NOVENA, ARE MANY PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS FOR THE HOLY
SOULS,ALONG WITH THE HEROIC ACT.
AFTER THE COVER AND INSIDE PAGES IS THE LIST OF CONTENTS.
NOVENA FOR THE RELIEF OF THE POOR SOULS IN PURGATORY
"HE THAT STOPPETH HIS EAR AGAINST THE CRY OF THE POOR, SHALL ALSO CRY
HIMSELF AND SHALL NOT BE HEARD." (PROV. XXI, 13.)
"MAY THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS BE LOVED EVERYWHERE!"
"OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART,PRAY FOR US!"
"ST.JOSEPH, MODEL AND PATRON OF THOSE WHO LOVED THE SACRED HEART OF
JESUS, PRAY FOR US!"
FIRST DAY: EXISTENCE OF PURGATORY
PREPARATORY PRAYER:
ACT OF FAITH: MY GOD, I BELIEVE IN YOU, BECAUSE YOU ARE TRUTH ITSELF;
I FIRMLY BELIEVE THE TRUTHS REVEALED TO THE CHURCH.
ACT OF HOPE: MY GOD, I HOPE IN YOU, BECAUSE YOU ARE INFINITELY GOOD.
ACT OF CHARITY: MY GOD, I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART, AND ABOVE ALL
THINGS, BECAUSE YOU ARE INFINITELY PERFECT; AND I LOVE MY NEIGHBOR AS
MYSELF, FOR THE LOVE OF YOU.
(INDULGENCE OF 7 YEARS, 7 QUARANTINES, EACH TIME. BENEDICT XIV,

JANUARY 28, 1761. PLENARY ONCE A MOUTH, IF SAID EVERY DAY. BENEDICT
XIII, JANUARY 15, 1728.)
MEDITATION: THERE IS A PLACE FOR THE PURIFICATION OF SOULS, WHICH,

AFTER DEATH, ARE YET STAINED WITH VENIAL SINS, OR HAVE NOT YET
ENTIRELY SATISFIED FOR THEIR PARDONED SINS. THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH
TEACHES IT. I BELIEVE IT FIRMLY. BY THE LIGHT OF THE FLAMES OF
PURGATORY, I UNDERSTAND BETTER YOUR HOLINESS, YOUR JUSTICE, YOUR
MERCY, O MY GOD! "WHO SHALL ASCEND INTO THE MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD? OR
WHO SHALL STAND IN HIS HOLY PLACE? THE INNOCENT IN HANDS, AND CLEAN OF
HEART." (PSALM 23 IN THE VULGATE OR PSALM 24 IN THE HEBREW.) "THERE
SHALL NOT ENTER INTO HEAVEN ANYTHING DEFILED." (APOCALYPSE 21.) FOR
YOU ARE HOLY! HOLY! HOLY! O LORD, INSPIRE MY SOUL WITH THE HORROR OF
SIN! GRANT ME THE GRACE TO ATONE FOR MY FAULTS HERE BELOW! YOU ARE
JUST, O LORD, AND YOUR JUDGMENTS ARE RIGHT. WHO WILL DARE TO SAY: "DO
NOT CONDEMN ME: TELL ME WHY YOU JUDGE ME SO?"' (JOB 10:2.) "TO YOU
ONLY HAVE I SINNED, AND HAVE DONE EVIL BEFORE YOU." (PSALM 50:6 IN THE
VULGATE OR PSALM 51:4 IN THE HEBREW.) I HAVE DESERVED ETERNAL
PUNISHMENT, BUT YOUR MERCY WILL FOLLOW ME INTO THE DEPTH OF DEATH, AND
I WILL BE SPARED.
OH, PURGATORY! WHERE REIGNS HOPE! THERE I WILL SAY WITH THE PROPHET:
"WHEN I WAS IN DISTRESS YOU HAVE ENLARGED ME!" (PSALM 4:1.) IF THERE
WERE NO PURGATORY, WHERE WOULD SO MANY LAZY, NEGLIGENT, IMMORTIFIED
SOULS GO? "BLESSED BE THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE
FATHER OF MERCIES, AND THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT, WHO COMFORTS US IN ALL
OUR TRIBULATION." (2 CORINTH 1:3- 4.)
PRACTICE: TO PRAY THE DIVINE HEART OF JESUS THAT HE DEIGN TO ENKINDLE

MANY SOULS WITH AN ARDENT CHARITY FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY.
RESOLUTION: EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE, I WILL PRAY OR DO SOME GOOD WORK FOR
THE
"POOR SOULS."
EXAMPLE: IT IS RELATED IN THE ACTS OF SAINT PERPETUA, MARTYR, THAT,

BEING THROWN INTO PRISON, SHE WAS FAVORED WITH A VISION. SHE SAW HER
YOUNG BROTHER, DINOCRATES, IN A DARK PLACE. HE WAS SURROUNDED BY
FLAMES, THIRSTY, HIS FACE WAS UGLY, PALE, COVERED WITH AN ULCER, WHICH
CAUSED HIS DEATH, WHEN SEVEN YEARS OLD. SHE PRAYED FERVENTLY FOR HIM
DURING SEVEN DAYS, AND THEN HE APPEARED TO HER IN A VERY DIFFERENT
CONDITION. HE WAS BRIGHT, CLOTHED WITH A BEAUTIFUL WHITE DRESS, AND
THERE WAS NO ULCER ON HIS FACE. SHE UNDERSTOOD THAT HE HAD BEEN
DELIVERED.
DE PROFUNDIS. OUT OF THE DEPTHS.

(PSALM 129 IN THE VULGATE; PSALM 130 IN THE HEBREW.) "OUT OF THE
DEPTHS".
OUT OF THE DEPTHS, I HAVE CRIED TO YOU, O LORD: LORD HEAR MY VOICE.
LET YOUR EARS BE ATTENTIVE, TO THE VOICE OF MY SUPPLICATION. IF YOU, O
LORD, WILL MARK INIQUITIES; LORD, WHO SHALL STAND IT? FOR WITH YOU
THERE IS MERCIFUL FORGIVENESS: AND BY REASON OF YOUR LAW, I HAVE
WAITED FOR YOU, O LORD.
MY SOUL HAS RELIED ON HIS WORD: MY SOUL HAS HOPED IN THE LORD. FROM
THE MORNING-WATCH EVEN UNTIL NIGHT, LET ISRAEL HOPE IN THE LORD.
BECAUSE WITH THE LORD THERE IS MERCY: AND WITH HIM PLENTIFUL
REDEMPTION. AND HE SHALL REDEEM ISRAEL, FROM ALL HIS INIQUITIES.
V. ETERNAL REST GIVE UNTO THEM, O LORD.

R. AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
V. FROM THE GATE OF HELL.

R. DELIVER THEIR SOULS, O LORD.
V. MAY THEY REST IN PEACE.

R. AMEN.
V. O LORD, HEAR MY PRAYER.

R. AND LET MY CRY COME UNTO YOU.
V. THE LORD BE WITH YOU.

R. AND WITH YOUR SPIRIT.
(INDULGENCE OF 50 DAYS, THREE TIMES A DAY, TO ALL WHO SAY THE DE

PROFUNDIS WITH THE VERSICLE AND RESPONSE. "REQUIEM AETERNAM (ETERNAL
REST)." LEO XIII., FEBRUARY 3, 1888.)
LET US PRAY:
O GOD, THE CREATOR AND REDEEMER OF ALL THE FAITHFUL, WE BESEECH YOU TO
GRANT TO THE SOULS OF YOUR SERVANTS, MEN AND WOMEN, THE REMISSION OF
THEIR SINS, SO THAT BY OUR PRAYERS THEY MAY OBTAIN PARDON FOR WHICH
THEY LONG, O LORD, WHO LIVES AND REIGNS, WORLD WITHOUT END. AMEN.
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE. AMEN.
LET US PRAY FOR OUR DEPARTED PARENTS:
O GOD, WHO HAS COMMANDED US TO HONOR OUR FATHER AND MOTHER, HAVE PITY
ON THEM, DELIVER THEM FROM THE PAINS WHICH THEY HAVE DESERVED, AND
GRANT THAT I MAY SEE THEM IN THE GLORY OF HEAVEN. THROUGH OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST. AMEN.


R. AMEN.
SECOND DAY: PAINS OF PURGATORY
PREPARATORY PRAYER:
MEDITATION: LET US GO WITH OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL TO PURGATORY, TO THAT

PLACE WHERE THE DIVINE JUSTICE PURIFIES SOULS BEFORE THEY ARE ADMITTED
INTO HEAVEN.
THERE WE WILL MEET AGAIN OUR PARENTS AND OUR FRIENDS. HAD THIS
DEVOTION NO OTHER ADVANTAGE THAN THAT OF REMINDING US OF OUR DEPARTED
ONES, WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL TO GOD FOR SUCH A CONSOLATION.
OH, MY FATHER! OH, MY MOTHER! OH, BROTHERS! OH, SISTERS! OH, FRIENDS!
I HAD FORGOTTEN YOU! WHAT DO YOU SUFFER, BELOVED SOULS? WHAT SHALL I
DO TO DELIVER YOU?
OUR PAINS, THEY REPLY, ARE BEYOND DESCRIPTION. WHEN SEPARATED FROM OUR
BODY, WE SAW THE FACE OF GOD, OUR SUPREME GOOD, THE INFINITE
PERFECTION. THEN WOULD WE RUSH INTO HIS BOSOM, BUT WE WERE DRIVEN BACK
BY HIS JUSTICE AND OUR AWARENESS OF OUR UNWORTHINESS! WE WERE
BANISHED! OH, NO! ON EARTH BELOW, YOU WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND OUR PAIN,
OUR GRIEF, BECAUSE WE ARE SEPARATED FROM GOD! YOUR TROUBLES, YOUR
SORROWS, ARE THE MERE SHADOW OF OUR AFFLICTION. BUT WE SUFFER THROUGH
OUR FAULT. IF WE WOULD RETURN TO OUR FORMER PLACE ON EARTH, WE WOULD
BE GLAD TO ACCEPT THE HARDEST MORTIFICATION IN EXCHANGE FOR PURGATORY.
"HAVE PITY ON ME, HAVE PITY ON ME, AT LEAST YOU MY FRIENDS, BECAUSE
THE HAND OF THE LORD HATH TOUCHED ME!" (JOB 19:21.) APPEASE THE DIVINE
JUSTICE WITH YOUR GOOD WORKS, PAY OUR DEBTS, HASTEN THE DAY WHEN WE
SHALL ENTER INTO HEAVEN, AND THEN WE WILL RETURN OUR GRATITUDE
FOREVER.
PRACTICE: ENCOURAGE ALL THE WORKS ESTABLISHED FOR THE RELIEF OF THE
SOULS IN PURGATORY.
RESOLUTION: AT NIGHT, IN THE EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE, I WILL

QUESTION MYSELF: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TODAY FOR THE RELIEF OF POOR
SOULS?
EXAMPLE: THE SOUL OF A PIOUS LADY, DECEASED AT LUXEMBURG, APPEARED ON

ALL SAINTS' DAY TO A YOUNG GIRL OF GREAT PIETY, TO BEG THE ASSISTANCE
OF HER PRAYERS. WHEN THE LATTER WAS GOING TO CHURCH, WHEN APPROACHING
THE HOLY RAILS, SHE WAS FOLLOWED BY THE SOUL. OUTSIDE THE CHURCH, IT
COULD NOT BE SEEN. AS THE YOUNG GIRL INQUIRED THE REASON FOR IT, SHE
WAS ANSWERED: "YOU CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW PAINFUL IT IS TO BE AWAY FROM
GOD. I AM ATTRACTED TO GOD BY IMPETUOUS TRANSPORTS, BY INTOLERABLE
ANXIETY, AND I AM CONDEMNED TO LIVE FAR AWAY FROM HIM. MY SORROW IS SO
INTENSE, THAT THE ARDOR OF FIRE, WHICH SURROUNDS ME, IS A LESSER
SUFFERING. TO SOOTHE MY PAIN, GOD, IN HIS MERCY, HAS ALLOWED ME TO
COME INTO THIS CHURCH, AND TO ADORE HIM, VEILED UNDER THE HOST, UNTIL
I MIGHT SEE HIM FACE TO FACE IN HEAVEN." SHE ENTREATED THE YOUNG GIRL
TO PRAY FOR HER DELIVERANCE. IT WAS DONE WITH SO MUCH FERVOR, THAT, ON
THE 10TH OF DECEMBER, THE SOUL APPEARED, AS BRIGHT AS THE SUN, GOING
TO HEAVEN.

DEPTHS".



R. AMEN.


LET US PRAY:
LET US PRAY FOR OUR BENEFACTORS AND FRIENDS: O GOD, WHO BESTOWS
FORGIVENESS AND SALVATION, WE ADDRESS YOUR CLEMENCY THAT, THROUGH THE
INTERCESSION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY AND OF ALL THE SAINTS, THE
SOULS OF OUR DEPARTED BRETHREN, RELATIVES AND BENEFACTORS, MAY BE
ADMITTED INTO THE ETERNAL GLORY. THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. AMEN.

R. AMEN.
THIRD DAY: THE PAIN OF LOSS
PREPARATORY PRAYER:
MEDITATION: DURING THE LONG CAPTIVITY, GOD'S PEOPLE, SITTING ON THE

SHORES OF THE EUPHRATES, MOANED AND CRIED IN REMEMBERING SION. SO THE
SOULS IN PURGATORY, PLAINTIVE AND DOLEFUL, LONG FOR THE JOYS OF THE
HEAVENLY MANSION. THEY HAVE HAD A GLIMPSE OF ITS GLORY AND HAPPINESS,
BUT BECAUSE THEY WERE TOO MUCH ATTACHED TO EARTHLY PLEASURES, THEY
WILL BE DEPRIVED, PERHAPS FOR A LONG TIME, OF THE CELESTIAL JOYS. THEY
REMEMBER ALL THE NEGLIGENCE OF THEIR FORMER LIFE, WHICH NOW OBSTRUCTS
THEIR WAY TO HEAVEN. WHAT SORROWS! WHAT REMORSES! BECAUSE THEY HAVE
PREFERRED A MOMENT OF PLEASURE TO THE ENJOYMENT OF HEAVEN. THEN THE
POOR, DESOLATE SOULS ACCUSE THEMSELVES, SAYING WITH THE PROPHET: "I
KNOW MY INIQUITY, AND MY SIN IS ALWAYS BEFORE ME." (PSALM 50:5 IN THE
VULGATE OR PSALM 51:3 IN THE HEBREW.)
SINCE GOD HAS GRANTED US THE POWER OF PAYING THE DEBTS OF THE "POOR
SOULS" WITH OUR WORKS, LET US APPRECIATE THIS IMMENSE PRIVILEGE. A
NOBLE HEART SHOULD BE DELIGHTED IN RELIEVING THE POOR, IN CONSOLING
THE AFFLICTED, IN BRINGING PEACE AND HAPPINESS TO THOSE WHO SUFFER.
SUCH IS THE PRIVILEGE OF THOSE WHO ASSIST THE SOULS SUFFERING IN
PURGATORY, BECAUSE THEY DELIVER THEM FROM THE HARDEST CAPTIVITY AND
THEY OPEN TO THEM THE GATES OF HEAVEN.
MOREOVER, OUR CHARITABLE DEEDS FOR THE "POOR SOULS" WILL SECURE FOR US
THE GRATITUDE OF GOD HIMSELF. "WHEN," SAID OUR LORD TO HIS HOLY
SERVANT GERTRUDE, "A SOUL IS LIBERATED BY YOUR PRAYERS, I ACCEPT IT,
AS IF I HAD BEEN MYSELF LIBERATED FROM CAPTIVITY, AND I WILL ASSUREDLY
REWARD YOU ACCORDING TO THE ABUNDANCE OF MY MERCY."
PRACTICE: PERFORM TODAY AN ACT OF MORTIFICATION OR OBEDIENCE FOR THE

RELIEF OF THE "POOR SOULS."
RESOLUTION: BE FAITHFUL IN LITTLE THINGS. EVERYTHING IS GREAT WHICH IS
DONE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.
EXAMPLE: AT THE CLOSE OF SEPTEMBER, 1870, THERE DIED AT GH , . . . . ,

FRANCE, A BANKER, RENOWNED FOR HIS PIETY AND HIS CHARITY. BY DIVINE
PERMISSION, HIS SOUL APPEARED TO HIS DAUGHTER, A MEMBER OF A
SISTERHOOD IN BELGIUM, TO IMPLORE THE ASSISTANCE OF HER PRAYERS. AT
FIRST, HE WAS SEEN SURROUNDED BY FLAMES, SAYING: "HAVE PITY ON YOUR
FATHER, MY CHILD! IF PURGATORY WERE KNOWN, EVERYONE WOULD STRIVE TO
ESCAPE ITS TORMENTS." SOMETIMES HE WOULD LOUDLY COMPLAIN: "I THIRST! I
THIRST!"
FERVENT PRAYERS WERE OFFERED FOR HIM AT THE CONVENT, AND HE APPEARED
AGAIN, ENVELOPED IN A DARK CLOUD, BUT FREE FROM FIRE. HE SAID TO HIS
DAUGHTER: "IT SEEMS THAT I AM HERE DURING A CENTURY. MY GREAT
SUFFERING NOW IS THE THIRST FOR THE VISION OF GOD AND THE ENJOYMENT OF
HIS PRESENCE. I RUSH TO HIM AND I AM INCESSANTLY REPULSED INTO THE
ABYSS BECAUSE I HAVE NOT YET PAID ALL MY DEBT TO THE DIVINE JUSTICE."
PRAYERS WERE CONTINUED AND ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT, HE WAS SEEN IN A HALO
OF LIGHT, AND ADDRESSING HIS DAUGHTER, SAID: "MY PAINS ARE OVER. I OWE
THIS FAVOR TO THE PRAYERS OFFERED FOR ME. I COME TO THANK YOU AND YOUR
COMMUNITY. I WILL NOT FORGET YOU IN HEAVEN."

DEPTHS".



R. AMEN.

LET US PRAY:
LET US PRAY FOR BISHOPS AND PRIESTS DECEASED: O GOD, WHO HAS DEIGNED
TO RAISE TO THE PONTIFICAL OR SACERDOTAL DIGNITY YOUR SERVANTS N. N.,
GRANT US THE GRACE OF ENJOYING WITH THEM ETERNAL FELICITY. THROUGH OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST. AMEN.


R. AMEN.
FOURTH DAY: THE PAIN OF SENSE
PREPARATORY PRAYER:
MEDITATION: THE PAIN OF LOSS, THE DEPRIVATION OF THE VISION OF GOD,

CONSTITUTES THE SUPREME SUFFERING IN PURGATORY. TO THIS SUFFERING OF
DEPRIVATION, OTHER SUFFERINGS OF A POSITIVE NATURE ARE ADDED. THESE
ARE CONDITIONED BY THE NUMBER AND GRAVITY OF THE SINS, WHICH CALL FOR
EXPIATION AND WE HAVE EVERY REASON TO CONCEIVE OF THEM AS ALIKE
TERRIBLE AND PROLONGED. THOUGH THE CHURCH HAS NOT PRONOUNCED ANY
DECISION ON THIS POINT, IT IS THE OPINION OF ITS DOCTORS THAT THE
SOULS IN PURGATORY ARE TORMENTED BY FIRE, WHICH PENETRATES THEM AND
BURNS THEM AS GOLD IN THE CRUCIBLE (PROVERBS 17:3) UNTIL IT HAS
REDUCED THEM TO SUCH A DEGREE OF PURITY, THAT THEY MAY BE WORTHY TO
APPEAR BEFORE GOD.
WHEN A FIRE IS RAGING, EVERYBODY IS EXCITED. THE PEOPLE RUSH TO THE

SPOT AND EVERYONE TRIES TO SAVE THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY SURROUNDED BY
THE TERRIBLE ELEMENT. WHY ARE WE UNMOVED AT THE SIGHT OF SO MANY SOULS
WHO ARE TORMENTED IN THE FIRE OF PURGATORY AND WHO CLAIM OUR
ASSISTANCE? LET US NOT ABANDON THEM.
PRACTICE: LET US PRAY OUR LORD TODAY TO APPLY THE MERIT OF HIS DEATH
ON THE CROSS TO THE SOULS IN PURGATORY.
RESOLUTION: I WILL OBSERVE THE ABSTINENCE AND FAST PRESCRIBED BY THE

CHURCH, UNLESS PREVENTED BY SICKNESS.
EXAMPLE: TWO SPANISH MONKS, BOUND TOGETHER BY A LONG AND WARM

FRIENDSHIP, AGREED THAT: IF GOD WOULD ALLOW IT, THE ONE WHO SHOULD DIE
FIRST, WOULD APPEAR TO THE OTHER TO MAKE KNOWN HIS CONDITION IN THE
OTHER WORLD. SOME TIME LATER, ONE OF THEM DIED, AND APPEARED TO HIS
FRIEND, SAYING: "I AM SAVED, BUT CONDEMNED TO SUFFER IN PURGATORY. IT
IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DESCRIBE SUCH TORMENTS. WILL YOU ALLOW ME TO GIVE YOU
A SENSIBLE DEMONSTRATION?" THEN HE PLACED HIS HAND ON THE TABLE AND
IMPRINTED ON IT A MARK AS DEEP AS IF IT HAD BEEN MADE BY A RED HOT
IRON. THIS TABLE WAS PRESERVED AT ZAMORA (SPAIN) UP TO WITHIN THE LAST
CENTURY.

DEPTHS".



R. AMEN.

LET US PRAY:
LET US PRAY FOR A DECEASED MAN: HEAR, O LORD, THE PRAYERS WHICH WE
ADDRESS TO YOUR MERCY, AND GRANT US THAT THE SOUL OF YOUR SERVANT N.
N., WHICH IS GONE INTO ANOTHER WORLD, BE RECEIVED INTO THE ABODE OF
LIGHT AND HAPPINESS TO ENJOY THE FELICITY OF THE SAINTS. THROUGH OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST. AMEN.


R. AMEN.
THE FIFTH DAY: DURATION OF PURGATORY
PREPARATORY PRAYER:
MEDITATION: HOW LONG DO THE PAINS LAST IN PURGATORY? NOBODY KNOWS. GOD
HAS ALLOWED SOME SOULS TO APPEAR TO THEIR FRIENDS AND BENEFACTORS TO
ANNOUNCE THEIR DEPARTURE FOR HEAVEN, BUT IT SELDOM HAPPENED, AND WE
CANNOT DRAW ANY CONCLUSION FROM SUCH CASES. THE PERIOD OF CONFINEMENT
IN PURGATORY IS PROBABLY MUCH LONGER THAN WE ARE INCLINED TO THINK.
OH! HOW MUCH COMBUSTIBLE MATTER -- HOW MANY IMPERFECTIONS, VENIAL SINS
AND TEMPORAL PUNISHMENTS DUE TO MORTAL AND VENIAL SINS -- DO YOU THINK
THEY TOOK WITH THEM TO BE CANCELLED IN THE FLAMES OF PURGATORY?
CENTURIES MAY PASS UNTIL DIVINE JUSTICE IS SATISFIED AND THE POOR SOUL
IS SO PURIFIED AS TO BE ADMITTED TO THE VISION OF GOD. THE VENERABLE
SAINT BEDE RELATES THAT IT WAS REVEALED TO SAINT DRITHELM, A GREAT
SERVANT OF GOD, THAT THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO SPEND THEIR WHOLE LIVES IN
THE STATE OF MORTAL SIN, AND ARE CONVERTED ONLY ON THEIR DEATH BED,
ARE DOOMED TO SUFFER THE PAINS OF PURGATORY TO THE DAY OF LAST
JUDGMENT; FATHER FABER, COMMENTING ON THIS SUBJECT, SAYS VERY JUSTLY:
"WE ARE NOT TO LEAVE OFF TOO SOON PRAYING FOR OUR PARENTS, FRIENDS OR
RELATIVES, IMAGINING WITH A FOOLISH AND UNENLIGHTENED ESTEEM FOR THE
HOLINESS OF THEIR LIVES, THAT THEY ARE FREED FROM PURGATORY MUCH
SOONER THAN THEY REALLY ARE!"
LET US CONSIDER THE PURITY, WHICH IS NECESSARY TO A SOUL, BEFORE BEING

ADMITTED INTO THE PRESENCE OF GOD! LET US REMEMBER THE MULTITUDE OF
OUR VENIAL SINS, AND SEE WHAT LIGHT PENANCE WE HAVE DONE FOR THEM. ON
THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, THE BOOK OF OUR DEEDS WILL BE OPENED, AND THEN WE
WILL BE OBLIGED TO PAY THE LAST FARTHING. HOW GUILTY WE ARE IN
ABANDONING SO EASILY THE SOULS WHO NEED OUR ASSISTANCE SO MUCH! THE
SAINTS ARE WISER. SAINT MONICA, THE MOTHER OF SAINT AUGUSTINE, WAS
DEAD FOR TWENTY YEARS, AND SHE WAS STILL REMEMBERED BY HER SON IN THE
HOLY SACRIFICE. SAINT AMBROSE PROMISED SOLEMNLY AND PUBLICLY TO PRAY,
DURING HIS ENTIRE LIFE, FOR THE SOUL OF THEODOSIUS THE GREAT, EMPEROR
OF ROME.
AND SUPPOSING THAT WE HAD DELIVERED THE SOULS OF OUR RELATIVES AND
FRIENDS, HAVE WE EMPTIED THE PRISON OF PURGATORY? HOW MANY POOR,
ABANDONED SOULS LINGER IN SUCH HORRIBLE PAINS, IMPLORING THE
ASSISTANCE OF SOME CHARITABLE HEART. CARDINAL SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE
HAS AFFIRMED THAT: "SOME SOULS WOULD SUFFER IN PURGATORY TILL THE DAY
OF JUDGMENT, IF THEY WERE NOT RELIEVED BY THE PRAYER OF THE CHURCH."
THEREFORE, HE AUTHORIZES THE FOUNDATION OF MASSES TO BE SAID IN
PERPETUITY.
PRACTICE: WOULD IT NOT BE A HOLY THOUGHT TO FORM, AMONG RELATIVES AND

FRIENDS, AN ASSOCIATION OF SEVEN MEMBERS, SO THAT, EACH WOULD EMPLOY A
DAY OF THE WEEK FOR THE RELIEF OF THE "POOR SOULS."
RESOLUTION: EACH TIME I HEAR THE CLOCK STRIKE, I WILL SAY:

EXAMPLE: SISTER DENIS, ONE OF THE FIRST MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF THE
VISITATION, WAS A ZEALOUS PROMOTER OF THE DEVOTION OF THE "POOR
SOULS." IT WAS REVEALED TO HER THAT A PRINCE, ONE OF HER RELATIVES,
HAD BEEN CONDEMNED TO SUFFER IN PURGATORY UNTIL THE DAY OF JUDGMENT.
SHE OFFERED HERSELF AS A VICTIM FOR THE RELIEF OF THIS SOUL. ON HER
DEATH-BED, SHE SAID TO THE MOTHER-SUPERIOR THAT SHE HAD OBTAINED FOR
THE POOR SOUL THE REMITTANCE OF SOME HOURS OF HIS PAIN. AS THE
SUPERIOR WONDERED AT THIS FACT, SHE REPLIED: "O MOTHER, TIME IN
PURGATORY IS NOT COUNTED AS ON EARTH; YEARS PASSED HERE IN SORROW, IN
POVERTY, IN SICKNESS, IN SUFFERING, ARE NOTHING, IF WE COMPARE THEM
WITH ONE HOUR IN PURGATORY!"
DEPTHS".



R. AMEN.


LET US PRAY:
LET US PRAY FOR A DECEASED WOMAN WE HUMBLY REQUEST YOU, O LORD, TO

GRANT MERCY TO THE SOUL OF YOUR SERVANT, N. N., IN ORDER THAT, BEING
DELIVERED FROM THE CONTAGION OF SIN, SHE MAY ENTER INTO ETERNAL
SALVATION. THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. AMEN.


R. AMEN.
THE SIXTH DAY: OBLIGATION OF ASSISTING THE "POOR SOULS."
PREPARATORY PRAYER:
MEDITATION: THE SOULS IN PURGATORY CANNOT HELP THEMSELVES; THEY ARE

UNABLE TO SHORTEN THEIR CAPTIVITY. THIS REASON ALONE SHOULD URGE US TO
COME TO THEIR ASSISTANCE.
AFTER DEATH THERE IS NO MORE PLACE FOR MERCY, THE TIME FOR JUSTICE
COMMENCES. THE SOUL IS NO LONGER FREE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL,
THEREFORE SHE CANNOT OBTAIN ANY MERIT AND HER SUFFERINGS ARE ACCOUNTED
ONLY AS A PAYMENT FOR HER DEBTS. ALAS! TO BE CONDEMNED TO SUCH
SUFFERINGS, TO BE AFFLICTED PERHAPS DURING CENTURIES! HOW BAD IT IS
FOR THOSE "POOR SOULS!"
COULD WE SEE AN UNFORTUNATE MAN, LYING ON THE ROAD, WOUNDED, BLEEDING

AND WOULD WE PASS AND ABANDON HIM! WE HOLD THE KEY OF A PRISON,
CROWDED WITH PRISONERS; THEY CRAVE FOR LIBERTY AND SHALL WE LEAVE THEM
IN THEIR PITIABLE SITUATION! SO WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM THE MERCY OF GOD
THE PRIVILEGE OF LIBERATING THE SOULS DETAINED IN PURGATORY. WE MAY
SAY THAT WE ARE THE PROVIDENCE OF THE DEAD; WE, AND WE ALONE, MAY OPEN
THE GATES OF HEAVEN TO THE SOULS WHO ARE LONGING FOR THEIR
DELIVERANCE. IT IS THE TEACHING OF THE CHURCH, THAT THE PRAYER OF THE
LIVING CAN BE APPLIED TO THE SOULS IN PURGATORY. AS YOUR PRAYERS
ASCEND TO HEAVEN, GRACES COME DOWN AS A REFRESHING SHOWER, BRINGING TO
THE SOULS FORGIVENESS, LIBERTY, AND GLORY. THE SUPPLICATIONS OF MARY
AND MARTHA OBTAINED THE RESURRECTION OF LAZARUS. LET US ADDRESS OUR
PRAYERS TO THE HEART OF JESUS, AND WE WILL DELIVER FROM THEIR PAINS
OUR DEAR DEPARTED ONES. SHALL WE NOT BE GUILTY IF WE DO NOT EMPLOY OUR
CREDIT IN FAVOR OF THE UNFORTUNATE PRISONERS IN PURGATORY?
PRACTICE: SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM RECOMMENDED TO EVERY CHRISTIAN FAMILY

THAT THEY HAVE A BOX AT SOME CONVENIENT PLACE IN THE HOUSE AND THAT
THEY PUT INTO IT PENNIES, WHICH WILL BE USED TO HAVE MASSES SAID FOR
THE "POOR SOULS."
RESOLUTION: PRAY TODAY FOR THE MOST ABANDONED SOULS.
EXAMPLE: AT THE BENEDICTINE MONASTERIES, WHEN ONE OF THE MONKS DIED,

HIS ORDINARY MEALS ARE DISTRIBUTED AMONG THE POOR DURING THIRTY DAYS.
IN THE YEAR 830, WHEN A TERRIBLE PLAGUE WAS RAGING, MANY RELIGIOUS
DIED. THE ABBOT BLESSED RABANUS MAURUS GAVE THE ORDER TO DISTRIBUTE
THE ALMS, ACCORDING TO THE ANCIENT USAGE, BUT THE PROCURATOR DID NOT
OBEY. ONE NIGHT THE STINGY MONK, HAVING BEEN DELAYED BY HIS WORK, TO
SHORTEN HIS WAY TO HIS CELL, PASSED THROUGH THE CHAPTER ROOM. THERE HE
WAS SURROUNDED BY ALL THE MONKS, RECENTLY DEAD, WHO WHIPPED HIM,
LEAVING HIM HALF DEAD ON THE FLOOR. EARLY THE NEXT MORNING HE WAS
FOUND BY THE RELIGIOUS, WHO WERE GOING TO THE CHAPEL. HE RELATED THE
EVENT, MADE HIS CONFESSION, RECEIVED THE LAST RITES AND DIED TWO DAYS
AFTERWARDS.

DEPTHS".



R. AMEN.


LET US PRAY:

LET US PRAY: WE HUMBLY BESEECH YOU, O LORD, TO RELEASE THE SOULS OF
YOUR SERVANTS, IN ORDER THAT THEY MAY OBTAIN THE GLORY OF THE
RESURRECTION AND THAT THEY MAY BE JOINED TO THE SAINTS AND ELECT IN
HEAVEN. THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. AMEN.


R. AMEN.
THE SEVENTH DAY: CRUELTY OF THOSE WHO ABANDON THE "POOR SOULS"
PREPARATORY PRAYER:
MEDITATION: OUR LORD REPROVED THE CRUELTY OF THE RICH MAN, WHO REFUSED
EVEN THE CRUMBS OF HIS TABLE TO POOR LAZARUS, WHILE HE HIMSELF WAS
FEASTING SUMPTUOUSLY EVERY DAY. ARE THEY NOT IMITATING THE WICKED
RICH, WHO STAND UNMOVED, SEEING THE SUFFERINGS OF THE "POOR SOULS?"
THOSE UNFORTUNATES, WHO APPEAL TO OUR COMPASSION, ARE NOT STRANGERS.
AMONG THEM, THERE ARE OUR PARENTS, OUR BENEFACTORS, OUR FRIENDS. NOT
LONG AGO, THEY WERE LIVING AMONG US IN THE SAME HOUSE. WE BEAR THEIR
NAMES, WE INHERITED THEIR LANDS; AND WE FORGOT THEM! WE ABANDON THEM!
THEY MAY SAY WITH JOB: "MY KINSMEN HAVE FORSAKEN ME, AND THEY THAT
KNEW ME HAVE FORGOTTEN ME. THEY THAT DWELL IN MY HOUSE, AND MY MAID-
SERVANTS, HAVE COUNTED ME AS A STRANGER, AND I HAVE BEEN LIKE AN ALIEN
IN THEIR EYES." (JOB 19:15.) TO FORGET THE DEAD IS A CRIME. SOLEMN
PROMISES WERE MADE AT THE DEATH-BED. A CHILD HAS SAID TO HIS FATHER
AND TO HIS MOTHER DYING: I WILL NOT FORGET YOU! BUT WHERE IS THE SIGN
OF THIS REMEMBRANCE? DOES IT PRAY FOR THEM? PERHAPS A VAGUE, SHADOWY
REMEMBRANCE OF THE DEPARTED COMES TO ITS MIND, BUT WHERE IS THE PROFIT
TO THE "POOR SOULS?" USELESS AND VAIN COMPASSION! EMPTY LOVE! WHERE
ARE THE WORKS, ALMS, AND HOLY MASSES TO ASSIST, TO RELIEVE, TO DELIVER
THE "POOR SOULS?" THOSE WHO FORGET THEM WILL ALSO BE ABANDONED! "WITH
WHAT MEASURE YOU METE, IT SHALL BE MEASURED TO YOU AGAIN." (SAINT
MATTHEW 7:22.)
PRACTICE: AFTER THE EVENING ANGELUS SAY: OUR FATHER AND HAIL MARY,
ONCE; OR THE DE PROFUNDIS (OUT OF THE DEPTHS - FOR THE WORDS SEE THE
INTRODUCTION), AS A DAILY TRIBUTE TO THE "POOR SOULS."
RESOLUTION: I WILL ENDEAVOR TO PROPAGATE DEVOTION TO THE "POOR SOULS."
EXAMPLE: A POOR SERVANT-GIRL HAD THE PIOUS CUSTOM OF HAVING A MASS

SAID EVERY MONTH FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY, AND SHE PRAYED ESPECIALLY
FOR THE SOUL THAT WAS NEAREST TO HEAVEN. AFTER A LONG, PROTRACTED
ILLNESS, SHE WAS LEAVING THE HOSPITAL AND SETTING OUT IN SEARCH OF A
POSITION. ON HER WAY SHE PASSED A CHURCH AND, REMEMBERING THAT HER
MONTHLY MASS HAD NOT BEEN SAID, SHE ENTERED THE SACRISTY, REQUESTING
THE PRIEST TO SAY THIS MASS. WHEN SHE LEFT THE CHURCH, A YOUNG MAN
CAME UP TO HER. HE WAS TALL AND PALE, AND OF A NOBLE DEMEANOR. "MY
GOOD GIRL," HE SAID, "I THINK YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A POSITION." "YES,"
SAID THE GIRL, SOMEWHAT SURPRISED. "WELL," SAID THE YOUNG MAN, "IF YOU
GO TO MRS. N. (HERE HE NAMED THE STREET AND NUMBER), I THINK YOU WILL
FIND A GOOD PLACE;" AND SUDDENLY HE DISAPPEARED AMONG THE CROWD OF
PASSERSBY. THE GIRL WENT, FOUND THE HOUSE, WAS INTRODUCED, AND
PRESENTED HER PETITION. "BUT," SAID THE LADY OF THE HOUSE, "WHO COULD
HAVE SENT YOU HERE? NOBODY KNOWS THAT I NEED A SERVANT." SUDDENLY THE
GIRL, LOOKING AT THE WALL, NOTICED A PORTRAIT. "LOOK HERE, MADAM,"
SAID SHE, POINTING TO THE PICTURE, "THAT IS THE EXACT LIKENESS OF THE
MAN WHO TOLD ME TO COME HERE." AT THESE WORDS, THE OLD LADY TURNED
PALE. "AH!" SAID SHE, "THAT IS THE PORTRAIT OF MY SON, WHO DIED TWO
YEARS AGO. YOU SHALL HENCEFORWARD REMAIN WITH ME, NOT AS A SERVANT-
GIRL, BUT AS MY DAUGHTER, AND WE WILL ALWAYS PRAY TOGETHER FOR THE
"POOR SOULS" IN PURGATORY."

DEPTHS".



R. AMEN.


LET US PRAY:
LET US PRAY: MAY OUR PRAYERS BE PROFITABLE, O LORD, TO THE SOULS OF

YOUR SERVANTS, THAT BEING ABSOLVED FROM THEIR SINS, THEY MAY HAVE A
SHARE IN THE FRUITS OF REDEMPTION. THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
AMEN.


R. AMEN.
THE EIGHTH DAY: THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS
PREPARATORY PRAYER:
MEDITATION: HOW GRAND AND CONSOLING IS THE DOCTRINE OF THE COMMUNION

OF SAINTS! WHILE WE, IN THIS WORLD, ARE STRUGGLING FOR THE CELESTIAL
CROWN, AND ASSIST OUR BRETHREN IN PURGATORY, WE ARE PROTECTED BY THOSE
WHO ARE TRIUMPHING IN HEAVEN. WE FORM, IN REALITY, BUT ONE AND THE
SAME FAMILY HERE BELOW, IN PURGATORY, AND IN HEAVEN. IF A MEMBER OF
OUR BODY IS SUFFERING, ALL OTHER MEMBERS COME TO ITS ASSISTANCE. GOD
LOVES THE SOULS IN PURGATORY AS HIS DEAR SPOUSES. HE WOULD OPEN TO
THEM THE GATES OF HEAVEN, BUT THERE ARE BARRIERS. LET US PRESENT TO
HIS JUSTICE OUR PRAYERS, OUR GOOD WORKS, AND THE OBSTRUCTION WILL BE
REMOVED; GOD WILL BE SATISFIED.
IT IS OFTEN AN OBLIGATION OF JUSTICE TO PRAY FOR THE POOR SOULS, BUT

IT IS ALWAYS A DUTY IMPOSED BY CHARITY AND BY THE COMPASSION THAT WE
OWE TO ONE ANOTHER.
THERE ARE IN PURGATORY SOULS ABANDONED EVEN BY THEIR PARENTS AND THEIR
FRIENDS, AND FOR WHOM NO ONE CARES. FORGOTTEN IS THEIR LIFE, NO
THINKING OF IT ANYMORE; FORGOTTEN IS THEIR NAME; FORGOTTEN IS THEIR
GRAVE, WHICH IS VISITED NO MORE; FORGOTTEN IS THEIR SOUL, WHICH IS
LINGERING IN THE FIRE OF PURGATORY. HOW THEIR PAIN IS INCREASED BY
SUCH NEGLECT; THEY MAY SAY WITH THE PROPHET: "I AM FORGOTTEN AS ONE
DEAD FROM THE HEART. I AM BECOME AS A VESSEL THAT IS
DESTROYED." (PSALM 30:13 IN THE VULGATE OR PSALM 31:12 IN THE HEBREW.)
PRACTICE: LET US PRAY OFTEN AND DO SOME GOOD WORKS FOR THE MOST
ABANDONED SOULS. LET US BE TO THEM LIKE A FATHER, A MOTHER, A SISTER,
A FRIEND.
RESOLUTION: TO OFFER THE ABANDONMENT OF OUR LORD JESUS, IN HIS

PASSION, FOR THE MOST ABANDONED SOULS.
EXAMPLE: CATHERINE OF CORTONA WAS HARDLY EIGHT YEARS OLD WHEN HER
FATHER DIED. ONE DAY HE APPEARED TO HER, WRAPT IN FIRE. "MY DAUGHTER,"
SAID HE, "I WILL BE PLUNGED IN FIRE TILL YOU HAVE DONE PENANCE FOR
ME." THEN THE CHILD, WITH A RARE COURAGE, DECIDED TO PRACTICE THE
HARDEST MORTIFICATIONS, IN ORDER TO PAY THE SPIRITUAL DEBTS OF HER
FATHER. SHE SUCCEEDED. HER FATHER APPEARED AGAIN, AS BRIGHT AS A
SAINT, SAYING: "GOD HAS ACCEPTED YOUR SUFFRAGES AND YOUR SATISFACTORY
WORKS, MY DAUGHTER. I AM GOING TO ENJOY ETERNAL HAPPINESS. DO NOT
CEASE TO OFFER YOURSELF AS A VICTIM FOR THE SALVATION OF SUFFERING
SOULS. THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD."

DEPTHS".


R. AMEN.


LET US PRAY:
LET US PRAY FOR THOSE WHO REST IN THE CEMETERY: O GOD, BY WHOSE MERCY
THE SOULS OF THE DEPARTED REST IN PEACE, WE BESEECH YOU TO GRANT TO
YOUR SERVANTS, AND TO ALL WHO REST IN THE LORD, THE FORGIVENESS OF
THEIR SINS, AND LIFE EVERLASTING. THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. AMEN.

R. AMEN.
THE NINTH DAY: BENEFIT OF THE DEVOTION TO THE "POOR SOULS."
PREPARATORY PRAYER:
MEDITATION: THIS NOVENA IS COMING TO A CLOSE. DO WE UNDERSTAND THE
BENEFITS AND THE CONSOLATION DERIVED FROM DEVOTION TO THE HOLY SOULS?
DO WE NEED STRONGER MOTIVES TO INCREASE OUR ZEAL? THEN LET US CONSIDER
THAT: NOTHING IS MORE GLORIOUS TO GOD, NOTHING GIVES MORE HONOR TO HIS
HOLY NAME, NOTHING REJOICES HIS HEART MORE, NOTHING IS MORE PLEASING
TO HIM THAN CHARITY FOR THE "POOR SOULS."
TO OPEN HEAVEN TO THE POOR SOULS IS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF THOSE

WHO PRAISE AND GLORIFY GOD, THE NUMBER OF HEARTS THAT LOVE HIM. "SUCH
A WORK," SAYS BOURDALOUE, "IS AN APOSTOLATE MORE NOBLE, MORE
MERITORIOUS THAN THE CONVERSION OF SINNERS, AND EVEN OF HEATHENS."
HOW WE WILL PLEASE THE HEART OF JESUS, WHO LOVES THE SOULS REDEEMED BY
HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD! HE WOULD WILLINGLY COME INTO THIS WORLD AGAIN AND
OFFER HIMSELF FOR THEIR DELIVERANCE; BUT ALL JUSTICE MUST BE
ACCOMPLISHED, AND THE DEBTS OF THE SOULS MUST BE PAID. THEREFORE, HE
HAS INSPIRED HIS CHURCH WITH THE PRACTICE OF PRAYING FOR THE DEAD
EVERY TIME THE HOLY SACRIFICE IS OFFERED.
THE BLESSED VIRGIN IS THE QUEEN OF PURGATORY AND WILL BE HIGHLY

GRATIFIED WHEN WE CONTRIBUTE TO THE RELIEF OF THE "POOR SOULS."
SAINT JOSEPH, THE PATRON OF A HAPPY DEATH, WILL ALSO PRESENT OUR
REQUESTS TO THE LORD, WHO HAS BEEN CALLED HIS SON. HE WILL REPAY US
GENEROUSLY IF WE COME TO THE RESCUE OF THE SUFFERING SOULS.
WHAT JOY AMONG THE SAINTS IN HEAVEN WHEN THEY WILL SEE ANOTHER ELECT
-- A SOUL COMING OUT OF PURGATORY! HER GUARDIAN ANGEL, THE HOLY
PATRON, WILL WELCOME AND CONGRATULATE HER! IT WILL BE A GREAT JOY IN
HEAVEN. THE SAINTS KNOW THE BENEFACTORS OF THE "POOR SOULS," AND THEY
WILL, IN RETURN, PROTECT THEM.
WE HAVE ALREADY SAID THAT THE SAINTS IN PURGATORY WILL REMEMBER THEIR
BENEFACTORS. NO, THEY CANNOT FORGET THEM! THEY WILL ATTENTIVELY
PROVIDE FOR THEM IN NEEDS BOTH TEMPORAL AND SPIRITUAL. THEY WILL
PROTECT US AND DEFEND US IN TROUBLES, IN DANGERS, IN TEMPTATIONS. ON
OUR DEATHBED, THEY WILL SURROUND US. AT THE TRIBUNAL OF GOD, THEY WILL
BE OUR ADVOCATES; AND, IF WE ARE CAST INTO PURGATORY, THEY WILL COME
TO VISIT US, TO CONSOLE US, UNTIL THE DAY OF OUR ENTRANCE INTO A
GLORIOUS ETERNITY.
PRACTICE: GIVE ALMS TO THE POOR; INSURE YOUR SOUL WITH PRAYERS AND
GOOD DEEDS AGAINST THE FIRE OF PURGATORY. MONEY WILL BE USELESS AT THE
HOUR OF DEATH, BUT YOUR GOOD WORKS WILL FOLLOW YOU.
RESOLUTION: I WILL NEVER MISS THE OPPORTUNITY OF ASSISTING THE "POOR

SOULS."
EXAMPLE: A PIOUS LADY WAS PRAYING FOR THE RECOVERY OF HER HEALTH. SHE
HAD EXHAUSTED EVERY MEANS AND MADE NOVENAS AFTER NOVENAS TO THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, TO SAINT JOSEPH, ET CETERA, WITHOUT SUCCESS. BUT
SHE WAS ADVISED TO COMMENCE NOVENAS FOR THE RELIEF OF THE "POUR SOULS"
IN PURGATORY. SHE DID SO AND ENTIRELY RECOVERED. SHE WAS ACCUSTOMED TO
SAY: "ALL THAT I ASK THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF THE "POOR SOULS" I
OBTAIN EASILY. WITH THEM I AM NEVER DISCOURAGED, AND I HOPE AGAINST
HOPE."

DEPTHS".



R. AMEN.


LET US PRAY:
LET US PRAY FOR ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED: O GOD, CREATOR AND REDEEMER
OF ALL MEN, WE BESEECH YOU TO GRANT TO THE SOULS OF YOUR SERVANTS THE
REMISSION OF THEIR SINS, SO THAT BY OUR PRAYERS THEY MAY OBTAIN THE
INDULGENCE FOR WHICH THEY LONG, O LORD, WHO REIGNS AND LIVES, WORLD
WITHOUT END. AMEN.


R. AMEN.
THE PRACTICE OF THIS NOVENA IS ESPECIALLY AND EARNESTLY RECOMMENDED TO

THOSE WHO MOURN THE DEATH OF THEIR PARENTS AND FRIENDS. THEY SHOULD
COMMENCE IT ON THE VERY DAY OF THE DEATH OF THE PERSON AND CONTINUE IT
DURING THE NINE FOLLOWING DAYS. IT WILL BE A CONSOLATION FOR THEM AND
A RELIEF FOR THE DEAR DEPARTED ONE.
LET US PRAY FOR ALL THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED:
O GOD, CREATOR AND REDEEMER OF ALL MEN, WE BESEECH THEE TO GRANT TO

THE SOULS OF THY SERVANTS THE REMISSION OF THEIR SINS, SO THAT BY OUR
PRAYERS THEY MAY OBTAIN THE INDULGENCE FOR WHICH THEY LONG. O LORD,
WHO REIGNS AND LIVES, WORLD WITHOUT END. AMEN.

R. AMEN.
(300 DAYS EACH TIME FOR VV. AND RR., APPLICABLE ONLY TO THE DEAD. PIUS
X., FEB. 13, 1908.)
THE PRACTICE OF THIS NOVENA IS ESPECIALLY AND EARNESTLY RECOMMENDED TO

THOSE WHO MOURN THE DEATH OF THEIR PARENTS AND FRIENDS. THEY SHOULD
COMMENCE IT ON THE VERY DAY OF THE DEATH OF THE PERSON, AND CONTINUE
IT DURING THE NINE FOLLOWING DAYS. IT WILL BE A
CONSOLATION FOR THEM AND A RELIEF FOR THE DEAR DEPARTED ONE.

THE POOR SOULS IN PURGATORY:
A PRAYER
FOR THE POOR SOULS FOR EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK.
SUNDAY
O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, I PRAY THEE, BY THE PRECIOUS BLOOD WHICH THY
DIVINE SON JESUS SHED IN THE GARDEN, DELIVER THE SOULS IN PURGATORY,
AND ESPECIALLY THAT SOUL AMONGST THEM ALL WHICH IS MOST DESTITUTE OF
SPIRITUAL AID; AND VOUCHSAFE TO BRING IT TO THY GLORY, THERE TO PRAISE
AND BLESS THEE FOREVER. AMEN.
OUR FATHER. HAIL MARY. DE PROFUNDIS.
MONDAY
DIVINE SON JESUS SHED IN HIS CRUEL SCOURGING, DELIVER THE SOULS IN
PURGATORY, AND THAT SOUL ESPECIALLY AMONGST THEM ALL WHICH IS NEAREST
TO ITS ENTRANCE INTO THY GLORY; THAT SO IT MAY FORTHWITH BEGIN TO
PRAISE AND BLESS THEE FOREVER. AMEN.
TUESDAY
DIVINE SON JESUS SHED IN HIS BITTER CROWNING WITH THORNS, DELIVER THE
SOULS IN PURGATORY, AND IN PARTICULAR THAT ONE AMONGST THEM ALL WHICH
WOULD BE THE LAST TO DEPART OUT OF THOSE PAINS, THAT IT MAY NOT TARRY
SO LONG A TIME BEFORE IT COMES TO PRAISE THEE IN THY GLORY AND BLESS
THEE FOREVER. AMEN.
WEDNESDAY
DIVINE SON JESUS SHED IN THE STREETS OF JERUSALEM, WHEN HE CARRIED THE
CROSS UPON HIS SACRED SHOULDERS, DELIVER THE SOULS IN PURGATORY AND
ESPECIALLY THAT SOUL WHICH IS RICHEST IN MERITS BEFORE THEE THAT SO,
IN THAT THRONE OF GLORY WHICH AWAITS IT, IT MAY MAGNIFY THEE AND BLESS
THEE FOREVER. AMEN.
THURSDAY
O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, I PRAY THEE, BY THE PRECIOUS BODY AND BLOOD OF
THY DIVINE SON JESUS, WHICH HE GAVE WITH HIS OWN HANDS UPON THE EVE OF
HIS PASSION TO HIS BELOVED APOSTLES TO BE THEIR MEAT AND DRINK, AND
WHICH HE LEFT TO HIS WHOLE CHURCH TO BE A PERPETUAL SACRIFICE AND THE
LIFE-GIVING FOOD OF HIS OWN FAITHFUL PEOPLE, DELIVER THE SOULS IN
PURGATORY, AND ESPECIALLY THAT ONE WHICH WAS MOST DEVOTED TO THIS
MYSTERY OF INFINITE LOVE, THAT IT MAY WITH THE SAME THY DIVINE SON,
AND WITH THY HOLY SPIRIT, EVER PRAISE THEE FOR THY LOVE THEREIN IN
ETERNAL GLORY. AMEN.

FRIDAY
O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, I PRAY THEE BY THE PRECIOUS BLOOD WHICH THY
DIVINE SON SHED ON THIS DAY UPON THE WOOD OF THE CROSS, ESPECIALLY
FROM HIS MOST SACRED HANDS AND FEET, DELIVER THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
AND IN PARTICULAR THAT SOUL FOR WHICH I AM MOST BOUND TO PRAY; THAT NO
NEGLECT OF MINE MAY HINDER IT FROM PRAISING THEE IN THY GLORY AND
BLESSING THEE FOREVER. AMEN.
SATURDAY
O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, I BESEECH THEE. BY THE PRECIOUS BLOOD WHICH

GUSHED FORTH FROM THE SIDE OF THY DIVINE SON JESUS IN THE SIGHT OF,
AND TO THE EXTREME PAIN OF HIS MOST HOLY MOTHER, DELIVER THE SOULS IN
PURGATORY, AND ESPECIALLY THAT ONE AMONGST THEM ALL WHICH WAS THE MOST
DEVOUT TO HER; THAT IT MAY SOON ATTAIN UNTO THY GLORY, THERE TO PRAISE
THEE IN HER, AND HER IN THEE, WORLD WITHOUT END. AMEN.
(100 DAYS ONCE A DAY. LEO XII., NOY 18, 1826.)
SHORT AND EFFICACIOUS PRAYER

FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
O MOST COMPASSIONATE JESUS, HAVE MERCY ON THE SOULS, DETAINED IN

PURGATORY, FOR WHOSE REDEMPTION THOU DIDST TAKE UPON THEE OUR NATURE
AND ENDURE A BITTER DEATH. MERCIFULLY HEAR THEIR SIGHS, LOOK WITH PITY
ON THE TEARS, WHICH THEY NOW SHED BEFORE THEE, AND BY VIRTUE OF THY
PASSION, RELEASE THEM FROM THE PAINS DUE UNTO THEIR SINS. O MOST
MERCIFUL JESUS, LET THY PRECIOUS BLOOD REACH DOWN INTO PURGATORY AND
REFRESH AND REVIVE THE CAPTIVE SOULS, WHICH SUFFER THERE. STRETCH
FORTH UNTO THEM THY STRONG RIGHT HAND, AND BRING THEM FORTH INTO THE
PLACE OF REFRESHMENT, LIGHT, AND PEACE. AMEN.
BLESSED SOULS! WE HAVE PRAYED FOR YOU! WE ENTREAT YOU, WHO ARE SO DEAR
TO GOD, AND SO CERTAIN OF NEVER LOSING HIM, TO PRAY FOR US MISERABLE
SINNERS, THAT ARE IN DANGER OF BEING DAMNED AND OF LOSING GOD FOREVER.
PIOUS EXERCISE
IT CONSISTS IN MEDITATING DEVOUTLY ON THE PASSION AND IN SAYING FOR

THE SOULS IN PURGATORY: PATER AND AVE FIVE TIMES AND THE VERSICLE:
V. TE ERGO QUAESUMUS, TUIS FAMULIS SUBVENI, QUOS PRETIOSO SANGUINE

REDEMISTI.
R. WE THEREFORE BESEECH THEE, HELP THY SERVANTS, WHOM THOU HAST
REDEEMED WITH THY PRECIOUS BLOOD.
(300 DAYS INDULGENCE ONCE A DAY. A PLENARY INDULGENCE IF IT IS SAID

EVERY DAY DURING A MONTH. PIUS VII. BR., FEB. 8, 1817.)
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD
V. REQUIEM AETERNAM DONA EIS, DOMINE.

R. ET LUX PERPETUA LUCEAT EIS.

R. AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON
THEM.
(50 DAYS EACH TIME, APPLICABLE ONLY TO THE DEAD. LEO XIII, BR. MARCH
22, 1902.)
V. REQUIEM AETERNAM DONA EIS, DOMINE.

R. ET LUX PERPETUA LUCEAT EIS.
V. REQUIESCANT IN PACE. R. AMEN.
V. MAY THEY REST IN PEACE. R. AMEN.
PRAYER
FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
ALMIGHTY GOD, WITH WHOM DO LIVE THE SOULS OF THE PERFECT, AND IN WHOSE
HOLY KEEPING ARE PLACED THE SOULS OF THOSE THAT DEPART HENCE IN AN
INFERIOR DEGREE OF THY GRACE, THEY BEING BY THEIR IMPERFECT CHARACTER
RENDERED UNWORTHY OF THY PRESENCE, AND THEREFORE DETAINED IN A STATE
OF GRIEF AND SUSPENDED HOPES, AS WE BLESS THEE FOR THE SAINTS ALREADY
ADMITTED TO THY GLORY, SO WE HUMBLY OFFER OUR PRAYERS FOR THY
AFFLICTED SERVANTS, WHO CONTINUALLY WAIT AND SIGH FOR THE DAY OF THEIR
DELIVERANCE. PARDON THEIR SINS, SUPPLY THEIR WANT OF PREPARATION AND
WIPE AWAY THE TEARS FROM THEIR EYES, THAT THEY MAY SEE THEE, AND IN
THY GLORIOUS SIGHT ETERNALLY REJOICE, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, OUR LORD.
AMEN.
HEROIC ACT OF CHARITY
THIS HEROIC ACT OF CHARITY IN BEHALF OF THE SOULS IN PURGATORY

CONSISTS IN THE VOLUNTARY OFFERING MADE FOR THEIR RELIEF, OF ALL OUR
WORKS OF SATISFACTION DURING LIFE, AS WELL AS OF ALL SUFFRAGES WHICH
MAY BE OFFERED FOR US AFTER DEATH. THIS OFFERING WE PLACE IN THE HANDS
OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THAT SHE MAY DISTRIBUTE ITS MERITS TO
THOSE HOLY SOULS WHOM IT IS HER GOOD PLEASURE TO DELIVER FROM THE
PAINS OF PURGATORY.
LET IT BE UNDERSTOOD, HOWEVER, THAT WE OFFER HEREBY ONLY THE SPECIAL
AND PERSONAL PORTION OF THE SATISFACTORY MERIT OF OUR GOOD WORKS, SO
THAT WE ARE NOT PREVENTED FROM OFFERING OUR GOOD WORKS, PRAYERS, THE
HOLY SACRIFICE OF MASS, ETC., FOR OTHER INTENTIONS. IT IS ALSO TO BE
REMEMBERED THAT, THOUGH THIS ACT IS SOMETIMES CALLED A VOW, YET IT
INDUCES NO OBLIGATION BINDING UNDER SIN.
THE FOLLOWING INDULGENCES WERE GRANTED TO THOSE WHO MAKE THIS HEROIC
OFFERING: POPE BENEDICT XIII., AUG. 23, 1728, MADE THE FIRST GRANT OF
INDULGENCES FOR THIS ACT. PIUS VI, DEC. 12, 1788, AFTERWARDS CONFIRMED
IT, AND PIUS IX. AGAIN RENEWED AND SPECIFIED THE INDULGENCES IN A
DECREE DATED SEPTEMBER 30, 1852, NOVEMBER 20, 1854; PIUS X., FEB. 20,
1907.
I. ALL PRIESTS WHO TAKE THIS VOW, HAVE THE INDULT OF A PRIVILEGED
ALTAR, PERSONALLY, EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR, AT WHATEVER ALTAR THEY
CELEBRATE MASS FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED.
II. ALL THE FAITHFUL WHO HAVE MADE THIS OBLIGATION, CAN GAIN A PLENARY
INDULGENCE, APPLICABLE ONLY TO THE SOULS IN PURGATORY, EVERY TIME THEY
RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION, PROVIDED THEY VISIT A CHURCH OR PUBLIC ORATORY
AND PRAY ACCORDING TO THE INTENTION OF HIS HOLINESS.
III. ALL THE FAITHFUL, WHO HAVE MADE THIS OBLIGATION, CAN APPLY A
PLENARY INDULGENCE TO THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED EVERY MONDAY, BY HEARING
MASS FOR THIS INTENTION, PROVIDED THEY GO TO HOLY COMMUNION AND VISIT
SOME CHURCH AND PRAY TO THE INTENTION OF THE SOVEREIGN PONTIFF.
IV. ALL INDULGENCES GRANTED, OR TO BE GRANTED, EVEN THOUGH NOT STATED
AS APPLICABLE TO THE DEPARTED WHEN GAINED BY THOSE WHO HAVE MADE THIS
OBLIGATION, CAN BE APPLIED TO THE SOULS IN PURGATORY.
V. FOR THOSE WHOSE DUTIES PREVENT THEIR HEARING MASS ON MONDAY, THE
MASS HEARD ON SUNDAY IS SUFFICIENT TO GAIN THE INDULGENCE NO. III.
FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT YET APPROACH THE HOLY TABLE, OR WHO ARE UNABLE TO
RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION, SOME OTHER GOOD WORK MAY BE APPOINTED BY
CONFESSORS, AUTHORIZED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE BISHOPS, TO GAIN THE
PLENARY INDULGENCE AS ABOVE.
FORM OF OBLATION
O ETERNAL AND MOST MERCIFUL FATHER, ACCEPT THE OBLATION WHICH I MAKE
TO THEE, IN UNION WITH THE MOST SACRED HEART OF THY DIVINE SON JESUS,
OF ALL THE MERITS OF THE LIFE, SUFFERINGS, AND DEATH OF THE SAME
JESUS, OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, IN BEHALF OF THE SOULS, SUFFERING IN
PURGATORY. I OFFER TO THEE, O HEAVENLY FATHER, FOR THEIR DELIVERANCE
FROM SUFFERING, FOR THEIR ADMISSION TO THE JOYS OF HEAVEN, THE
INFINITE MERITS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS, THE IMMENSE AND
SUPERABUNDANT MERITS OF THE EVER-BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, OF ALL THE HOLY
MARTYRS, AND OF ALL THE SAINTS IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH.
I OFFER, ALSO, AND RESIGN ENTIRELY, IN FAVOR OF THOSE SUFFERING SOULS,

ALL MY SATISFACTORY WORKS, AND THOSE OF OTHERS APPLIED TO ME IN LIFE
OR DEATH, AND AFTER MY PASSAGE TO ETERNITY; AND IN ORDER TO RENDER
THIS POOR OFFERING OF MINE MORE ACCEPTABLE TO THEE, AND MORE
BENEFICIAL TO THE SOULS FOR WHOM I MAKE IT, I UNITE IT TO THE INFINTE
AND MOST PLEASING HOMAGE WHICH THE DIVINE HEART OF JESUS IS
CONTINUALLY PAYING TO THY MAJESTY. I PLACE IT IN THE MOST PURE HANDS
OF MARY IMMACULATE, THAT SHE MAY PRESENT IT TO THEE, AS A PLEASING
HOLOCAUST, AND DISTRIBUTE ACCORDING TO HER GOOD PLEASURE THE GRACES,
FAVORS AND RELIEF OBTAINED FROM THY INFINITE MERCY.
NOTE.---IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO MAKE USE OF THE SET FORMULA, SINCE IN

ORDER TO SHARE IN THE SAID INDULGENCE NO MORE IS REQUIRED THAN A
HEART-FELT ACT OF THE WILL.
THE ROSARY FOR THE POOR SOULS
IT IS A PRACTICE EARNESTLY RECOMMENDED TO ALL PERSONS WHO DESIRE TO

ASSIST THE "POOR SOULS." IT IS SAID ON ANY ORDINARY BEADS.
ON THE CROSS: DE PROFUNDIS OR PATER AND AVE.
ON THE LARGE BEADS: V. ETERNAL REST GIVE TO THEM, O LORD. R. AND LET
PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
ACT OF FAITH: MY GOD, I BELIEVE IN THEE, BECAUSE THOU ART TRUTH

ITSELF.
ACT OF HOPE: MY GOD, I HOPE IN THEE BECAUSE THOU ART INFINITELY GOOD.
ACT OF CHARITY: MY GOD, I LOVE THEE WITH MY WHOLE HEART AND ABOVE ALL
THINGS, BECAUSE THOU ART INFINITELY PERFECT.
(7 YEARS AND 7 QUARTINES EACH TIME. BENEDICT XIV., JAN 28, 1756.
PLENARY, ONCE A MONTH, IF SAID EVERY DAY. BENEDICT XIII., JAN. 15,
1728.)
(PLENARY, IN ARTICULO MORTIS---AT THE POINT OF DEATH---IF FREQUENTLY
USED DURING LIFE. BENEDICT XIV., JAN 28, 1756.)
ON THE SMALL BEADS: SWEET HEART OF JESUS, BE MY LOVE.
(300 DAYS ONCE A DAY. LEO XIII., MAY 21, . 1892.)
SWEET HEART OF MARY, BE MY SALVATION.
(300 DAYS EACH TIME. PIUS IX., SEPT. 30, 1852. PLENARY, ONCE A MONTH.)
AT THE END: JESUS, MEEK AND HUMBLE OF HEART, MAKE MY HEART LIKE UNTO
THINE.
(300 DAYS EACLT TIME. PIUS IX., PRO MA. JAN. 25, 1868; PIUS X., SEPT.
15, 1905.)
OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART, PRAY FOR US.
(100 DAYS EACH TIME. PIUS X., BR. JULY 9, 1904.)
ST. JOSEPH, MODEL AND PATRON OF THOSE WHO LOVE THE SACRED HEART OF
JESUS, PRAY FOR US.
(100 DAYS ONCE A DAY. LEO XIII., DEC. 19, 1891.)
DO NOT FORGET

THAT, BY ALL MEANS, THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF MASS IS THE MOST EFFICACIOUS
MEANS TO HELP, TO RELIEVE, TO DELIVER THE "POOR SOULS" IN PURGATORY.
THREE THOUSAND DAYS OF INDULGENCES FOR THE RELIEF OF THE "POOR SOULS"
IN PURGATORY TO BE OBTAINED BY SAYING THE FOLLOWING EJACULATIONS:
1. THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.
(50 DAYS EACH TIME. PIUS IX., JULY 28, 1863.)
2. THE SIGN OF THE CROSS IF MADE WITH HOLY WATER.
(100 DAYS EACH TIME. PIUS IX., MARCH 23, 1866.)
3. MAY THE HEART OF JESUS BE LOVED EVERYWHERE.
(100 DAYS ONCE A DAY, PIUS IX., PRO MA., SEPT. 23, 1860.)
4. PRAISED BE JESUS CHRIST FOREVERMORE.
(50 DAYS EACH TIME. CLEMENT XIII., SEPT. 5, 1759.)
5. JESUS, MEEK AND HUMBLE OF HEART, MAKE MY HEART UNTO THINE.
(300 DAYS EACH TIME. PIUS IX. PRO MA., JAN. 25, 1868. PIUS X., SEPT.
15, 1905.)
6. SWEET HEART OF MY JESUS, MAKE ME LOVE THEE EVER MORE AND MORE!
(300 DAYS EACH TIME. PLENARY, ONCE A MONTH. PIUS IX., NOV. 26, 1876.)
7. HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD OF HOSTS, EARTH IS FULL OF THY GLORY,
GLORY BE TO THE FATHER, GLORY BE TO THE SON, GLORY BE TO THE HOLY
GHOST.
(100 DAYS ONCE A DAY, AND THREE TIMES ON SUNDAY, AND DURING THE OCTAVE
OF THE HOLY TRINITY. CLEMENT XIV., JUNE 6, 1769.)
8. SWEET HEART OF JESUS, BE MY LOVE.
(300 DAYS ONCE A DAY. LEO XIII., MAY 21, 1892.)
9. SWEETEST JESUS, BE TO ME NOT A JUDGE BUT A SAVIOR.
(50 DAYS EACH TIME. PLUS IX., AUG. 11, 1851.)
10. MY JESUS, MERCY!
100 DAYS EACH TIME. PLUS IX., SEPT. 24, 1846.)
11. O JESUS, MY GOD, I LOVE THEE ABOVE ALL THINGS.
(50 DAYS EACH TIME. PLUS IX., PRO MA., MAY 7, 1854.)
12. SWEET HEART OF MARY, BE MY SALVATION!
(300 DAYS EACH TIME. PIUS IX., SEPT. 30, 1852.)
13. BLESSED BE THE HOLY AND IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE MOST BLESSED
VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF GOD.
(300 DAYS EACH TIME. LEO XIII., BR. SEPT. 10, 1878.)
14. OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART, PRAY FOR US.
(100 DAYS EACH TIME. PLUS X., BR. JULY 9, 1904.)
15. BLESSED AND PRAISED EVERY MOMENT BE THE MOST HOLY AND DIVINE
SACRAMENT.
(100 DAYS ONCE A DAY, THREE TIMES ON THURSDAY, AND DURING THE OCTAVE
OF CORPUS CHRISTI. PLUS VI., MEM. MAY 24, 1776.)

16. MAY THE HEART OF JESUS, IN THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT, BE PRAISED,
ADORED, AND LOVED WITH GRATEFUL AFFECTION, AT EVERY MOMENT, IN ALL THE
TABERNACLES OF THE WORLD, EVEN TO THE END OF TIME. AMEN.
(100 DAYS ONCE A DAY. PIUS IX., PRO MA., FEB. 23, 1868.)
17. THE CROSS IS MY SURE SALVATION. THE CROSS I EVER ADORE [BY THIS IS
MEANT TO VENERATE---WEB MASTER]. THE CROSS OF MY LORD WITH ME. THE
CROSS IS MY REFUGE.
(300 DAYS ONCE A DAY. PLUS IX., PR. MA. JAN. 21, 1874.)
18. O MARY, WHO DIDST ENTER THE WORLD FREE FROM STAIN, DO THOU OBTAIN
FOR ME FROM GOD, THAT I MAY PASS OUT OF IT FREE FROM SIN.
(100 DAYS ONCE A DAY. PIUS IX., BFS. MARCH 27, 1863.)
19. ETERNAL FATHER, I OFFER THEE THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST IN
SATISFACTION FOR MY SINS, AND FOR THE WANTS OF THE HOLY CHURCH.
(100 DAYS EACH DAY. PIUS VII., RES. SEPT. 22. 1817.)
20. MAY THE MOST JUST, MOST HIGH, AND MOST ADORABLE WILL OF GOD BE IN
ALL THINGS DONE, PRAISED, AND MAGNIFIED FOR EVER.
(100 DAYS ONCE A DAY. PIUS VII., MAY 19, 1818.)
21. ETERNAL FATHER, WE OFFER THEE THE BLOOD, PASSION, AND DEATH OF
JESUS CHRIST, AND THE SORROWS OF THE MOST HOLY MARY AND ST. JOSEPH, IN
PAYMENT FOR OUR SINS, IN SUFFRAGE FOR THE HOLY SAINTS IN PURGATORY,
FOR THE WANTS OF OUR HOLY MOTHER THE CHURCH, AND FOR THE CONVERSION OF
SINNERS. AMEN.
(100 DAYS ONCE A DAY. PIUS IX., PRO MA. APRIL, 1860.)
22. ANGEL OF GOD, MY GUARDIAN DEAR! TO WHOM HIS LOVE COMMITS ME HERE,
EVER THIS DAY BE AT MY SIDE, TO LIGHT AND GUARD, TO RULE AND GUIDE.
AMEN.
(100 DAYS EACH TIME. PLUS VI., BR. OCT. 2, 1795.)
23. MY LOVING JESUS, OUT OF THE GRATEFUL LOVE I BEAR THEE, AND TO MAKE
REPARATION FOR MY UNFAITHFULNESS TO GRACE, I (N. N.) GIVE THEE MY
HEART, AND CONSECRATE MYSELF WHOLLY TO THEE; AND WITH THY HELP I
PROPOSE NEVER TO SIN AGAIN.
(100 DAYS ONCE A DAY. PLUS VII., MEM. JUNE 9, 1807.)
24. ST. JOSEPH, MODEL AND PATRON OF THOSE WHO LOVE THE SACRED HEART OF
JESUS, PRAY FOR US.
(100 DAYS ONCE A DAY. LEO XIII., DEC. 19, 1891.)
25. DEAR LORD JESUS, GRANT THEM (HIM OR HER) ETERNAL REST.
(300 DAYS EACH TIME. PIUS X. OFF. MARCH.)

The Manual of Purgatory

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What are the different days of the novena about?

What are the different days of the novena about?

What do some saints say about the assistance received from souls in purgatory?

What do some saints say about the assistance received from souls in purgatory?

CONTENTS:

WE PRESENT THIS SMALL TREATISE TO PIOUS PERSONS, ENTREATING THEM TO

MANY SAINTS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS WONDERFUL ASSISTANCE.

NOVENA FOR THE RELIEF OF THE POOR SOULS IN PURGATORY

PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS FOR THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY

AN INTERCESSORY PRAYER OF THE CHURCH MILITANT FOR THE CHURCH SUFFERING

O FATHER OF MERCIES! THINE ANGER WITHHOLD;THESE WORKS OF THY HAND IN

O TENDER REDEEMER! THEIR MISERY SEE;DELIVER THE SOULS THAT WERE

O SPIRIT OF GRACE! O CONSOLER DIVINE!

O MOTHER OF MERCY! DEAR SOOTHER IN GRIEF!LEND THOU TO THEIR TORMENTS A

THE HOLY SOULS SUFFERING IN THE PRISON OF PURGATORY ARE INCAPABLE OF

MERCIFUL LORD JESUS, GRANT THEM ETERNAL REST. AMEN

PRAYER FOR THE POOR SOULS

MY GOD!I RECOMMEND TO THEE THE SOULS OF MY RELATIONS,MY BENEFACTORS,MY

THE CHURCH SUFFERING

PURGATORY AND SUFFRAGES FOR THE DEAD

I. THE NATURE AND EXISTENCE OF PURGATORY, 1. PURGATORY IS THE PLACE

2.SINCE IT IS IN OUR POWER TO HELP THE SUFFERING SOULS,WE SHOULD BE

SERMON:PURGATORY (BY THE VERY REV. P.A. SHEEHAN, D.D.)

THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS

THERE IS NOT IN THIS WORLD ANYTHING SO BEAUTIFUL AS THE DEATHBED OF A

THE REASON FOR PURGATORY

THE SUFFERINGS OF PURGATORY

I EXHORT YOU, THEREFORE, DEAR BELOVED, TO PRAY FOR THE SOULS IN

LITANY OF THE DEAD

LORD HAVE MERCY ON US.

O GOD THE SON, REDEEMER OF MANKIND,DELIVER THE SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL

O GOD THE HOLY GHOST,PERFECTOR OF THE ELECT,ACOMPLISH THE BLISS OF THE

BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, WHO, BY THE SPECIAL PRIVILEGE OF GRACE,WAST

BLESSED PROPHETS, WHO, AFTER PATIENTLY AWAITING THE ARRIVAL OF THE

BLESSED SAINTS, WHO, AT THE GLORIOUS RESURRECTION OF OUR SAVIOR, WERE

O HOLY SAINTS, WHO, BEING FREED FROM ALL IRREGULAR ATTACHMENT TO

BE MERCIFUL, O LORD, AND PARDON THEIR SINS.

FROM THY DISPLEASURE, PROVOKED BY NEGLIGENCE AND INGRATITUDE,

FROM THE PAINS OF PURGATORY, SO JUSTLY INFLICTED UPON UNEXPIATED SINS,

FROM THE TORMENTS INCOMPARABLY GREATER THAN THE BITTEREST ANGUISH OF

BY THE MULTITUDE OF THY MERCIES, EVER COMPASSIONATE TO HUMAN

BY THY VICTORIOUS DESCENT INTO HELL, TO BREAK THE CHAINS OF DEATH,

BY THY GLORIOUS RESURRECTION FROM THE TOMB, TO OPEN THE KINGDOM OF

BY THY TRIUMPHANT ASCENSION INTO HEAVEN, TO LEAD CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE,

BY THY DREAD COMING TO JUDGE THE WORLD,

WE SINNERS: BESEECH THEE TO HEAR US.

THAT IT PLEASE THEE TO SHORTEN THE TIME OF THEIR EXPIATION, AND TO

THAT IT PLEASE THEE TO ACCEPT, IN ATONEMENT FOR THEIR SINS, THE

V. GIVE THEM, O LORD, ETERNAL REST:

GRANT TO THY SERVANTS DEPARTED,O LORD,WE BESEECH THEE,THY MERCY,THAT

INDULGENCED PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY

MY LOVING JESUS,I,ALFONSO MARÍA,GIVE THEE MY HEART,AND I CONSECRATE

(300 DAYS INDULGENCE, ONCE A DAY.)

MAY THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS BE LOVED EVERYWHERE. AMEN.

(100 DAYS' INDULGENCE, ONCE A DAY.)

MAY THE HEART OF JESUS IN THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT, BE PRAISED,

(100 DAYS INDULGENCE ONCE A DAY.)

JESUS, MY GOD, I LOVE THEE ABOVE ALL THINGS. AMEN.

(50 DAYS' INDULGENCE, EACH TIME.)