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The Holy Souls are those who have died in the state of grace but who are not yet free from all punishment due to their unforgiven venial sins and all other sins already forgiven for which satisfaction is still to be made. They are certain of entering Heaven, but first they must suffer in Purgatory. The Holy Souls cannot help themselves because for them the night has come, when o man can work (John 9:4). It is our great privilege of brotherhood that we can shorten their time of separation from god by our prayers, good works and especially, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory
My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine agony in the Garden, in Thy scourging and crowing with thorns, in the way to Calvary, in Thy crucifixion and death, have mercy on the souls in purgatory, and especially on those that are most forsaken; do Thou deliver them from the dire torments they endure; call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in paradise.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Eternal rest, etc.
Indulgence of 500 days
Picture Source
This act consists in giving to the Souls in Purgatory all our works of satisfaction, that is to say, the satisfactory value of all the works of our life and of all the suffrages which shall be given to us after our death, without reserving anything to discharge our own debts. We deposit them in the hands of the Blessed Virgin, that she may distribute them, according to her good pleasure, to those souls which she desires to deliver from Purgatory.If anyone is interested in receiving this newsletter, here is a note from their Central Office:
It is an absolute donation in favor of the souls of all that we can give them; we offer to God in their behalf all the good we do, of what kind so ever, either in thought, words or works, all that we suffer meritoriously during this life, without accepting anything that we may reasonably give them, and adding even those suffrages which we may receive for ourselves after death.
Pope Benedict XIII, Pius VI, and Pius IX, have approved this heroic act, and have enriched it with indulgences and privileges, of which the principals are as follows:
I. The Indult of a Privileged Altar, personally, every day of the year to all priests who shall have made this offering.
II. A Plenary indulgence daily, applicable only to the departed, to all the faithful, who shall have made this offering, whenever they go to Holy Communion, provided they visit a church and pray for some time for the intention of his Holiness.
III. A Plenary indulgence, every Monday, to all who hear Mass in aid of the Souls in Purgatory, provided they fulfill the other conditions mentioned above.
It is recommended that all true Christians give to the faithful departed all the fruit of their good works which are at our disposal. We cannot make better use of them, since they render them more meritorious and more efficacious, as well as obtain grace from God for expiating our own sins and shortening the term of our Purgatory, or even acquiring an entire exemption there from.”
These words express the precious advantages of the Heroic Act; and in order to dissipate all subsequent fear which might arise in the mind, we add three remarks:
I. This act leaves us perfect liberty to pray for those souls in whom we are most interested; the application of these prayers is subject to the disposition of the will of God.
II. It does not oblige under pain of mortal sin, and can at any time be revoked. It may be made without using any particular formula; it suffices to have the intention, and to make it from the heart. Nevertheless it is useful to recite the formula of offering from time to time, in order to stimulate our zeal for the relief of the Holy Souls by prayer, penance, and good works.
III. The Heroic Act does not subject us to the consequences of having to undergo a long Purgatory ourselves; on the contrary, it allows us to rely with more assured confidence on the mercy of God in our regard, as is shown by the example of St. Gertrude.
It is related that St. Gertrude made a complete donation of all her works of satisfaction in favor of the faithful departed, without reserving anything to discharge the debts which she herself might have contracted in the sight of God. Being at the point of death, and, like all the saints, considering with much sorrow the great number of her sins on the one end, on the other, remembering that she had employed all her works of satisfaction for the expiation of the sins of others, she was afflicted, lest, having given all to others and reserved nothing for herself, her soul, on its departure from this world, should be condemned to horrible suffering. In the midst of her fears our Lord appeared to her and consoled her saying: “Be reassured, my daughter, your charity towards the departed will be no detriment to you. Know that the generous donation you have made of all your works to the Holy Souls has been singularly pleasing to me; and to give you a proof thereof, I declare to you that all the pains you would have had to endure in the other life are now remitted; moreover, in recompense for your generous charity, I will so enhance the value of the merits of your works as to give you a great increase of glory in Heaven.”
Reasons for Making the Heroic Act
1. You gain many indulgences.
2. Souls are released from Purgatory; Heaven is filled with new saints who will glorify and praise God for all eternity, also on your behalf.
3. You will have the promise of Our Lord applied to you: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matt. 5, 7)
4. The Poor Souls will labor in Heaven that you may not be lost, nor suffer Purgatory at all, or at least be released from it soon.
5. The Blessed Virgin receives an increase of veneration, since she will be invoked as the Queen of the Poor Souls, and the dispenser of our merits to them. She will have a special affection for those who love and honor her in this way, both while they are in this world and after they have passed into eternity.
Formula of the Heroic Act
“O Holy and Adorable Trinity, desiring to cooperate in the deliverance of the Souls in Purgatory, and to testify my devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, I give and renounce in behalf of those Holy Souls all the satisfactory part of my works, and all the suffrages which may be given to me after my death, consigning them entirely into the hands of the most Blessed Virgin, that she may apply them according to her good pleasure to those souls of the faithful departed which she desires to deliver from their sufferings. Deign, O my God, to accept and bless this offering which I make to Thee at this moment. Amen.”
We have received emails and letters from many of you asking when we will be sending out the next newsletter. I had been in the hospital for months and am still recuperating from my surgeries. I am starting to feel stronger so we are ready to continue with the newsletter. We have received your stipends for masses for the deceased and for the souls in Purgatory which we have taken care of. We also had requests to enroll names in the Golden Book which we have done. Please continue to send us the names of your friends and relatives to be enrolled.
Many of you have also had individual masses as well as the Gregorian Masses said for the souls of your departed loved ones. We have more priests that are available to say Gregorian Masses as well as individual masses for your loved ones.
If possible try to get seven relatives and friends to each take a day of the week and pray for the relief of the Poor Souls. How quickly we could empty Purgatory!
Please check out our website and help make the Holy Souls more known. Should you have any suggestions or wish to contribute any poems or testimonies, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Friends of the Poor Souls
Established September 15, 2004
Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
Robert & Mary Ann Luetkemeyer, Coordinators
For more information, please write us at:
436 Vasey Oak Dr.
Keller, TX 76248
OR email holysouls@att.net
Friends of the Poor Souls
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Friends of the Poor Souls
Relic Badges
To have Mass offered for the Holy Souls is certainly the most efficacious way of relieving them.
"Since it is certain by the doctrine of the Catholic Church, that the souls detained in purgatory are benefited by the prayers of the faithful, and especially by the august Sacrifice of the Altar, we think we can give them no more useful and desirable pledge of our love than by everywhere increasing the offering of the pure oblation of the Most Holy Sacrifice of Our Divine Mediator, for the extinction of their pain."
Pope Leo XIII, encyclical Quod Anniversarius, 1888
My God, I offer this action of mine, and every action of my whole life, in union with the Precious Blood in all the Masses this hour being offered all over the world, or that will be offered for all time--to Thine infinite rejoicing and delight.
To the glory of the Sacred Heart and in thanksgiving for all the graces bestowed on the Sacred Humanity of Our Lord Jesus Christ:
I offer Thee the Precious Blood, O my God!
To the honour of Our Blessed Lady, and in thanksgiving for all graces bestowed on her, especially in her Immaculate Conception, Divine Maternity, and Glorious Assumption:
I offer Thee the Precious Blood, O my God!
In honour of St. Joseph, my Angel Guardian, my Patron Saint, St. Michael and the nine choirs of angels:
I offer Thee the Precious Blood, O my God!
For all the interests of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament:
I offer Thee the Precious Blood O my God!
For the conversion of sinners, the prevention of sin, help for those in their last agony or to die this day:
I offer Thee the Precious Blood, O my God!
For special graces for all whom I love, for friends and relatives, for all who have asked my prayers or whom I have promised to pray for, or who have any claim on my prayers:
I offer Thee the Precious Blood, O my God!
For all whom I have injured or disedified:
I offer Thee the Precious Blood, O my God!
For all the souls in Purgatory, especially for my own relatives and friends, all whom I have promised to pray for, or who want my prayers:
I offer Thee the Precious Blood, O my God!
For my enemies--for all who have unkind hearts for me:
I offer Thee the Precious Blood, O my God!
For all my intentions and wants, spiritual and temporal:
I offer Thee the Precious Blood, O my God!
In atonement for my sins, for the sins of the whole world, for all the wants of Holy Church:
I offer Thee the Precious Blood, O my God!
IMPRIMI POTEST:
D. MANNIX
An indulgence, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, is granted to the faithful, who devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed. The indulgence is plenary each day from the first to the eighth of November; on other days of the year it is partial.
A plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, is granted to the faithful, who on the day dedicated to the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed [November 2 {as well as on the Sunday preceding or following, and on All Saints' Day}] piously visit a church. In visiting the church it is required that one Our Father and the Creed be recited.
To acquire a plenary indulgence it is necessary also to fulfill the following three conditions: sacramental Confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the intention of the Holy Father. The three conditions may be fulfilled several days before or after the performance of the visit; it is, however, fitting that communion be received and the prayer for the intention of the Holy Father be said on the same day as the visit.
The condition of praying for the intention of the Holy Father is fully satisfied by reciting one Our Father and one Hail Mary. A plenary indulgence can be acquired only once in the course of the day.
Clipart from this siteWhy it is important to call for a priest early on to administer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick to a loved one who is near deathYou can read the entire post over at Sue's blog.
Here are some of the most important reasons :
1. The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick takes away all mortal and venial sins, even if the person is unconscious. To hear the person’s last confession and to provide them with the Viaticum ( Holy Eucharist ), prepares them for their journey to Our Lord. In addition, the apostolic pardon takes away any temporal punishment (purgatory time) that remains for the soul.
Apostolic Pardon: (to be given by a priest only): ” By the authority granted me by the Holy See, I hereby grant you full pardon and remission of all your sins: In the Name of the Father + and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
2. The devil at the time of death tempts the soul to despair by accusing it of its sins. Among other reasons, Our Lord instituted the Chaplet of Divine Mercy to drive him away at this time.
THE MASS HEALS!Gregorian Masses
By Susan Tassone
We hear stories of people who have been healed in body and we are in awe! We seldom consider how much Jesus does to heal souls suffering on earth and more so the souls suffering in Purgatory. A place where none of us have seen to which many of us could go. We need to start acting on what Our Lord and the Saints are telling us about Purgatory...
“Remember your deceased. Give them joy with the celebration of the Holy Mass.” They become our nearest, sincerest, and dearest friends here on earth and in heaven.
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the highest act of reparation, the highest form of prayer. It is the summit of our Faith. St. John Chrysostom says, “Christ is the victim that gives solace to the dead.”
So what are we doing for our dead? Who do you miss the most? Who do you wish you could have done more for? Who hurt you? Who are your enemies? Do you have family members that are into cults, not practicing their faith, do not have their children baptized? Have a Mass offered for them!
The Council of Trent states, “The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Perpetual Sacrifice, is the greatest of all suffrages for the holy souls.”
And remember to have Masses offered for yourselves as well! St. Anselm tells us that those which we hear or have offered during life are more profitable than those said for us after death.
It is an important duty of ours to pray for the dead because although they may have died in grace and in friendship with God, they may still be in need of a last purification in order to enter into the joy of heaven. Prayer for the souls of the dead can be expressed in various ways, including a visit to the cemetery. Going to these sacred places provides an auspicious occasion to reflect on the meaning of earthly life and to nourish, at the same time, hope in the blessed eternity of paradise.Pope John Paul II (All Souls Day Nov. 2, 2003)
There are a variety of ways to help the Holy Souls. We have listed them in order of effectiveness (i.e. the methods which gain the most grace with the least effort).
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
The Holy Sacrifice is the greatest help we can offer, because its effect depends on itself, and not on the piety of the priest who offers it...If we cannot have a Mass said, we should at least hear Mass for our dear departed. A Mass has infinite merit...(My Catholic Faith; 1949-1954; Sealed)
In addition to the Requiem Mass following death, a Mass for the departed may be arranged for just about any day of the year. The following are days of traditional significance for Masses for the Departed:
1. All Souls Day
2. Third (Christ's time in the tomb); Seventh (symbolic of eternal repose; St. Ambrose) and 30th (St. Ambrose)from death or burial
3. Yearly anniversary day from death or burial
4. Gregorian Mass: 30 consecutive Masses following the repose (burial) popularized by 6th Century Pope St. Gregory the Great
5. Purgatorian Society Masses: daily masses said for souls those enrolled.
Indulgences
Indulgences are very effective in relieving the Suffering Souls in purgatory.
“INVOCATIONSource: St. Michael's Center for the Blessed Virgin Mary where you can find more prayers.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine agony in the Garden, in Thy scourging and crowning with thorns, in the way to Calvary, in Thy crucifixion and death, have mercy on the souls in purgatory, and especially on those that are most forsaken; do Thou deliver them from the dire torments they endure; call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in paradise. Our Father, Hail Mary, Eternal rest, etc.
FOR ALL THE DECEASED
By Thy resurrection from the dead, O Christ, death no longer hath dominion over those who die in holiness. So, we beseech Thee, give rest to Thy servants in Thy sanctuary and in Abraham's bosom. Grant it to those, who from Adam until now have adored Thee with purity, to our fathers and brothers, to our kinsmen and friends, to all men who have lived by faith and passed on their road to Thee, by a thousand ways, and in all conditions, and make them worthy of the heavenly kingdom. Byzantine Liturgy
DE PROFUNDIS
The psalmist is crying out here from the depression that grips him because of his sense of sin. He tells God that no man could be forgiven should strict justice be demanded; but, since God is forgiving and merciful, the psalmist (Israel) will hope for redemption from iniquities. We, who know the mercy of God far better than the g Israelites, may pray this psalm with even greater trust in God. The Church uses this psalm in the liturgy as her official prayer for the souls in Purgatory. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my, voice! Let Your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication: If You, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered. I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word. My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn. More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord, For with the Lord is kindness and with Him is plenteous redemption; And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities. Psalm 130
"An indulgence is granted the Christian faithful who devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, if only momentarily, for the dead. This indulgence is applicable only to the souls in purgatory. This indulgence is a plenary one from November 1 through November 8 and can be gained on each one of these days. One the other days of the year this indulgence is a partial one.from the Pieta Prayer Book
It is therefore, a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sin."
Immortal God, holy Lord, Father and Protector of all You have created, we raise our hearts to You today for those who have passed out of this mortal life.
In Your loving mercy, Father, be pleased to receive them in Your heavenly company, and forgive the failings and faults they may have done from human frailty.
Your only Son, Christ, our Savior, suffered so cruelly that He might deliver them from the second death. By His merits may they share in the glory of His victory over sin and death.
For all the faithful who have died we pray, but in particular for those dear to us, parents, relatives, and friends. Nor do we forget all who did good to us while on earth, who helped us by their prayers, sacrifices, and example. We pray also for any who may have done us harm, and stand in special need of Your forgiveness.
May the merits and prayers of our Virgin Mother, Mary, and those of all Your angels and saints, speak for us and assist them now. We ask this in Christ's name. Amen.
Day 1
Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted. - Matthew 5:5
REFLECTION: The pain of loss and separation at death is hard to bear. Let us turn to God, the Author of Life, for comfort and consolation in sorrow. God sends us every trial for a greater good. For love of us, remember, He did not spare His only Son.
PRAYER: O Lord, God, have pity on us and the departed souls so dear to us, and relieve our pain and grief. By the suffering of Christ, our Savior, in His agony and passion have mercy on all our beloved dead. Assist us, too, to greater faith in Your goodness. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Day 2
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord! Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. - Psalm 130:1-2
REFLECTION: Let us think often of those souls suffering as they are purified of their earthly faults and failings. They endure the pain of separation from God, and yet are consoled by the certainty of their salvation. God's beauty attracts them even as the weight of their unworthiness holds them. They need and cry to us for help.
PRAYER: Have pity, O Lord, our God, on all who patiently await the joy of Your presence. Forgive their sins and failings, and in Your goodness summon them soon to You. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Day 3
Have pity on me, have pity on me, O you, my friends, for the hand of God has touched me. - Job 19:21
REFLECTION: By our offering of Mass, and our faithfulness in prayer and good works, we help those dear to us who may still remain in purgatory. Those we aid on the last stage of their journey home to God will never forget us for our help in their hour of need.
PRAYER: Lord, our God, may the merits of Jesus Christ, of His virgin Mother, and of all the saints intercede for us and assist those who still patiently await the vision of Your glory. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Day 4
We want you to be quite certain about those who have died, to make sure that you do not grieve about them, like the other people who have no hope. - 1 Thessalonians 4:12
REFLECTION: We can always be close to those we love who have died when we, ourselves, draw closer to Christ. We help them best by a useful and devout life, by the offering of Mass for them, and by constant prayer and good deeds done in their memory.
PRAYER: Help us, Lord, our God, to honor and help our beloved dead by doing Your will faithfully each day. May the merits of our Lady and the saints aid us to do so. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Day 5
It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be freed from their sins. - 2 Maccabees 12:45
REFLECTION: How easy and human it is to forget with the passing of time those we loved so dearly while they lived! We should pray for them often in gratitude for their kindness to us, and the good example they gave us in times past.
PRAYER: Come to our aid, O God, and help us to pray faithfully for our dear dead. By Your grace enable us to honor their memory by a good Christian life so that we may one day happily join them in Your Holy presence. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Day 6
In the eyes of the unwise they seemed to die, but they are at peace. - Wisdom 3:3
REFLECTION: God loves our dear departed much more than we ever can. He called them home to Himself at the time He did because it was then best for them and for us. Be consoled, then, that they are now safe in His hands where no malice or torment can touch them.
PRAYER: O Lord, our God, teach us to see Your good and gracious purpose working in all our trials and bereavement. Have mercy on our dear departed whom we commend to You, forgive them their sins and failings, and give them rest everlasting. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Day 7
Open to me the gates of righteousness that I may enter through them, and give thanks to the Lord. - Psalm 118:19
REFLECTION: Those whom we loved in life are closer to us now with God than they ever were on earth. Only a thin veil separates us from the unseen world in which they now live. Faith pierces that veil though our bodily eyes cannot. We should pray as constantly for our dear dead as they never fail to pray for us.
PRAYER: O Lord, our God, show us the reality of Your divine life, and help us to pray often in faith for and to those we love who are now with You. Please help us by the merit our Blessed Lady gained beneath Christ's cross to be patient, faithful, and loving. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Day 8
Our feet are now standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem. Since the Lord, our God, dwells here, I pray for your happiness. - Psalm 122:2, 9
REFLECTION: Those we love, who have gone before us into life, are as concerned for our welfare as we should be for theirs. Now, they see the world for what it is, a preparation for the unending bliss they enjoy. They intercede for us always.
PRAYER: O Lord, our God, by the prayers of our beloved dead may we be spared sin and trouble on our earthly journey, and may we ever be ready by obeying Your commandments to follow them home. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Day 9
When the Lord brought Zion's captives home, at first it seemed like a dream; then our mouths filled with laughter and our lips with song. - Psalm 126:1-2
REFLECTION: We should be comforted often by recalling the joy of our departed as they entered God's presence. They have gained their heart's desire and with Him everlasting happiness. They wait for us to join them there.
PRAYER: O Lord, our God, increase our faith. Inspire us to pray often for the faithful departed still being purified, and to pray to those already in the glory of Your presence. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Day 10
For we know that when the tent that we live in on earth is folded up, there is a house built by God for us in heaven, an everlasting home not made by human hands. - 2 Corinthians 5:1
REFLECTION: As we think and pray for those now dead who were close to us here below, we should remember how certain it is that we will one day join them. Now is our time to make ready.
Be with us, Lord, our God, on our earthly journey. Please guide us safely to the eternal home You have prepared for us. When our way is hard, give us a vision in faith of the splendor of that heavenly home. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Day 11
For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. - Philippians 1:21
REFLECTION: When we are ever intent on God's will, and eager for His kingdom to come, we are living worthy of the promises of Christ. When God calls us home, our work will be finished here, and He will give us Himself as our eternal reward.
PRAYER: Help us each day, O Lord, our God, to meet our daily tasks in the spirit of Christ whether our work seems important in the eyes of the world or not. Preserve us from every evil, and confirm us in doing good so that death, when it comes, will be for us the door to perpetual life with You. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Day 12
When this perishable nature has put on imperishability, and when this mortal nature has put on immortality, then the scripture will come true: Death is swallowed up in victory. Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? - 1 Corinthians 15:55
REFLECTION: Christ's Easter victory over sin and death is our assurance of our own future life of unfading glory when "death shall be no more."
PRAYER: May Your Holy Spirit ever remain with us, O Lord, our God, to keep us faithful to Your word, and always ready by enduring with Christ to share His victory over sin and death. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
