Poor Souls in Purgatory

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines purgatory as a “purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven,” which is experienced by those “who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified” (CCC 1030). It states that “this final purification of the elect . . . is entirely different from the punishment of the damned” (CCC 1031).

This purification is necessary to attain heaven, "nothing unclean will enter the presence of God in heaven" (Rev. 21:27). Although our mortal sins may have been forgiven in confession, the temporal punishment for those sins may still remain.

St. Augustine said in The City of God that “temporary punishments are suffered by some in this life only, by others after death, by others both now and then; but all of them before that last and strictest judgment” (21:13).

Praying for the dead is a spiritual work of mercy in the Catholic Church. (CCC1032) This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: "Therefore Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin."⁶⁰⁷ From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God.⁶⁰⁸ The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead:

Let us help and commemorate them. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.⁶⁰⁹

My husband and I were in Italy this past September to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We stopped to pray for the Poor Souls in Purgatory inside Sacro Cuore di Gesù in Prati, Church of the Sacred Heart. I posted the video below. You can read more on the Catholic Travel Guide.

St. Gertrude the Great Prayers for the Souls in Purgatory Novena

St. Gertrude the Great was a Benedictine nun and mystic who was given visions from our Lord and powerful prayers to release souls from Purgatory.

Feast Day November 16th

Novena to St Gertrude