Why Do We Pray for the Souls in Purgatory?
Many of us focus our prayers on personal needs or those of family and friends, but the Church teaches that remembering the souls in purgatory is equally important. November is dedicated to these suffering souls and marked by the feasts of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. This season invites us to reflect on the realities of the afterlife and the powerful impact our prayers can have for those no longer among us.
Saintly Visions of Hope and Suffering
One remarkable testimony comes from Saint Francis of Rome, a holy woman blessed with mystical visions of the afterlife. According to her account, purgatory is not a place of despair but a “sojourn of hope” where souls undergo spiritual purification. Her heavenly guide revealed three distinct levels within purgatory, each corresponding to the degree of purification still needed. The deeper the soul, the more intense its suffering—often described as a vast sea of fire for those with unatoned mortal sins, and other regions marked by icy cold or searing heat. Yet, angels visit and comfort these souls, offering glimmers of divine hope amid their pain.
How Our Prayers Bring Relief
Saint Francis’ account serves as a powerful reminder of both the suffering and the hope present in purgatory. Importantly, it also shows that our prayers play a vital role in bringing relief to these souls. Father Nirenberg, another figure celebrated for his devotion, prayed the rosary daily for the departed and found his prayers answered in miraculous ways. The rosary is esteemed in Catholic tradition as a powerful prayer, rich in spiritual benefits not just for the living but also for the dead. Each prayer, mass, or sacrifice we offer can ease the longing and purification of these souls, hastening their journey to heaven.
November: A Special Time for Remembrance
As we leave the month dedicated to the rosary and enter November, the Church encourages us to unite these devotions. Participating in masses, offering the rosary, or making personal sacrifices can bring comfort and hope to souls awaiting eternal rest. Following Padre Pio’s advice, let us strive to “empty purgatory” with our prayers, interceding for those who most need our help.
May this month inspire renewed commitment in prayer and remembrance, bringing blessing and hope to both the living and the departed.
