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Food For The Souls
At the Sacred Spot of Apparition
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DEVOTION TO THE POOR SOULS
November has long been the month dedicated to the Poor Souls.
This month ends of liturgical year, just as purgatory is the last stage of human
existence before a soul enters heaven.
The Poor Souls are those people who died in the friendship of Christ, yet still have temporal punishment
due for their past offenses. They are
suffering and in need of our help since they can no longer gain grace for
themselves. Each time we sin, we lose
some portion of God’s grace. We also
incur a debt of pain or “penalty”. Mortal
sins incur eternal damnation. But when
forgiven in the sacrament of Penance, sanctifying grace is restored and the debt
of eternal punishment is removed.
Normally there is still temporal punishment due for these offenses. Venial sins always incur temporal
punishment, which is more or less remitted, depending on a person’s spiritual
disposition. Thus we are all sinners and
must expect to patiently suffer here on earth or suffer in purgatory.
Devotion to the Poor Souls consists of two parts. These Poor Souls
are united with us in the Mystical Body of Christ. They can pray and obtain blessings
for us here on earth. We are thus
encouraged to invoke their aid. They
have lived upon this earth and have experienced what it means to carry one’s
cross.
Secondly, we are to do everything we can to help the suffering souls. Sufferings in Purgatory are dependent on
the person’s degree of sinfulness. Pain
is Purgatory is much greater than the
worst pain on earth.
Praying for the Poor Souls can include offering our bodily pains in expiation for their sins, offering our
spiritual sufferings, disappointments and fears, and discouragements. We can offer vocal prayers like the
Rosary or novenas. We can also offer
mental prayers, such as the Stations of the Cross, or our daily meditation. Offering mortifications, such as
giving up treats or performing unpleasant tasks can also be beneficial for the
relief of the Poor Souls.
The most powerful offering we can make for the Poor Souls is the Holy Eucharist at the Sacrifice of the Mass,
Holy Communion and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Having Masses said for the suffering
souls obtains greater benefit for them than any other prayer or mortification we
may offer.
Devotion to the Poor Souls is a covenant between them and us. We pray and sacrifice for them, and they
in turn pray and suffer for us. They will
never forget our help and will continue to show their appreciation when we are
joined in our heavenly eternity.
The Church in its wisdom, has granted to Catholics the opportunity to gain Plenary Indulgences for Souls
in Purgatory. An indulgence is the
extra-sacramental remission of temporal punishment due to sin that has been
forgiven. A Plenary Indulgence is the remission of the entire temporal
punishment due to sin so that no further expiation is required in Purgatory.
From November 1st through 8th inclusively, a Plenary
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. A Plenary Indulgence,
applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, is granted to the faithful, who on
November 2nd,
the Feast of the Poor Souls, piously visit a church, public oratory, or
semipublic oratory. In visiting the
church, it is required, according to Norm 16 of the Apostolic Constitution, that
“one Our Father and the Creed be recited.”
Catholics have a great opportunity to help their suffering brethren.
They will not forget those who cared for them. Eternal rest grant unto them, O
Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
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Constant Vigil of
Prayer
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