Reflections on Purgatory: Our Obligations to the Holy Souls in Purgatory (On Recommending to God the Souls in Purgatory and Gain Great Merit)

Our Obligations to the Holy Souls in Purgatory

The following reflections are taken from The Purgatorian Manual, published by the Redemptorists (Imprimatur: Cardinal Spellman, 1946).

According to St. Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Redemptorists, “The practice of recommending to God the souls in Purgatory, that He may mitigate the great pains which they suffer, and that He may soon bring them to His glory, is most pleasing to the Lord and most profitable to us. For these blessed souls are His eternal spouses, and most grateful are they to those who obtain their deliverance from prison, or even a mitigation of their torments.

When, therefore, they arrive in Heaven, they will be sure to remember all who have prayed for them. It is a pious belief that God manifests to them our prayers in their behalf, that they may also pray for us. These blessed souls are not in a state to pray for themselves, because they are, so to speak, criminals atoning for their faults. However, because they are very dear to God, they can pray for us.

“But if we wish for the aid of their prayers, it is just, it is even a duty, to relieve them by our suffrages. I say it is even a duty, for Christian charity commands us to relieve our neighbours who stand in need of our assistance. But who among all our neighbours have so great a need of our help as those holy prisoners? They are continually in that fire which torments more severely than any earthly fire. They are deprived of the sight of God, a torment more excruciating than all other pains. Among these suffering souls are relations and friends, who look to us for succour.

“Being in the condition of debtors for their sins, they cannot assist themselves. This thought should urge us forward to relieve them to the best of our ability. By assisting them [the souls in purgatory] we shall not only give great pleasure to God, but will acquire also great merit for ourselves. And, in return for our suffrages, these blessed souls will not neglect to obtain for us many graces, but particularly the grace of eternal life.”

The holy Doctor urges the faithful to do all in their power to relieve and liberate these blessed souls, by procuring Masses to be said for them, by alms, and by their own fervent prayers.

It has always been the belief of Holy Church that the faithful, united in the Communion of Saints, can mutually assist each other. As the Saints in Heaven pray for us, so must we also offer our petitions for the suffering souls in Purgatory, that God, in His goodness and mercy, may shorten their punishment, and hasten their entrance into Heaven. It is the doctrine of the Church that the faithful upon earth are able to relieve the temporal punishment of the holy souls in Purgatory.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7). Charity towards the holy souls is a mark of predestination. Those who bestow mercy upon the suffering souls shall themselves find great assistance in Purgatory. The assistance of the holy souls is also experienced in temporal wants.

“With what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again” (Matt. 7:2). Cardinal Cajetan says: “Those who forget the departed will be deprived in Purgatory of all participation in good works and devout prayers, though ever so many be offered for them, for Divine Justice is wont in this manner to punish their hardness of heart.” The faithful who do not forget the suffering souls completely, but seldom think of them, will not be deprived of intercessors entirely, but will derive very little help. Their complaints will be answered by St. Paul’s words: “He who soweth sparingly, shall also reap sparingly” (2 Cor. 9:6).

The commemoration of “All Souls” (November 2nd) was instituted by the Church as a day of special prayer for the faithful departed who are as yet deprived of the blissful contemplation of God. These holy souls endure agonizing torments, and count the lingering moments of time, while awaiting release from prison, or at least some relief in their intense pain. They have special confidence in their friends and relatives upon earth, hoping to be lovingly cherished in their memory and aided by their fervent prayers. The anniversary of All Souls should serve to revive our devotion in behalf of the suffering souls, and induce us to make ample amends for our neglect of this duty during the year.


Related articles:
HOW TO AVOID PURGATORY: It is not impossible for the ordinary Christian to avoid or notably shorten their period of expiation in Purgatory
http://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/06/how-to-avoid-purgatory.html

How to Easily Help Souls in Purgatory, and hence gain Merit and their Prayers!
http://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/08/how-to-easily-help-souls-in-purgatory.html

A TREASURE FOR ETERNAL MERIT: The Offering of the Blood of Jesus
http://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/08/a-hidden-treasure-in-offering-the-blood-of-jesus.html

JESUS, MARY, JOSEPH! (ejaculation with a seven years indulgence for each recital!)
http://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/07/jesus-mary-joseph.html

Prayers for the Souls in Purgatory

O gentle Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on them. Be not severe in Your judgments, but let some drops of Your Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames. And, Merciful Savior, send Your angels to conduct them to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen.

OFFERING OF DAILY ACTIONS FOR THE HOLY SOULS

ETERNAL Father, by virtue of Thine generosity and love, I ask that Thou accept all my actions, and that Thou dost multiply their value in favor of every soul in Purgatory. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

O MY GOD! for Your greater glory, and to imitate as closely as possible the generous Heart of Jesus, my Redeemer, and also to testify my devotion to the Blessed Virgin, my Mother, who is also the Mother of the Souls in Purgatory, I place in Her hands all my satisfactory works, as well as the fruit of all those which may be offered for my intention after my death, that She may apply them to the Souls in Purgatory according to Her wisdom and good pleasure. Amen.

O my God, I offer Thee the Precious Blood and Tears shed by Thine only-begotten Son on Calvary, and the Sorrows and Tears of His Blessed Mother, for the remission of our sins, the deliverance of the souls in Purgatory, for our Holy Mother Church, and for the conversion of sinners. Amen.

Most merciful Jesus, by the merits of Thy Holy Childhood, hasten to deliver from the pains of Purgatory the souls suffering there, particularly the soul longest in paying the debt exacted for his earthly transgressions. Graciously take him today to Paradise that he may join the heavenly choir in praising Thee, and will intercede for me in the hour of need. Amen.

Most merciful Jesus, by Thy Nativity and Holy Childhood, hasten to deliver from Purgatory the Poor Souls confined there, particularly the soul of the youngest to incur Thy displeasure, because of youthful carelessness. Graciously take him today to Thy Heavenly Throne, that he may evermore praise and glorify Thee, and will intercede for me in the hour of need. Amen.

Most gentle Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor, captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on the souls of the faithful departed. Be not severe in Thy judgments, but let some drops of Thy Most Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames, and do Thou, O merciful Savior, send Thy Angels to conduct them into a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen.

Crucified Lord Jesus, have mercy on us! And help the suffering souls in Purgatory.

DE PROFUNDIS — PSALM 129

Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
For there is forgiveness with Thee: because of Thy law, I have waited for Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath waited on His word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him plenteous redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
O Lord, grant them eternal rest,

And let the everlasting light shine upon them.

Q&A: Eating Meat on Holy Days; Saving Souls From Hell; The Creation is God's ''Video Game'' and we are His Players; Eating Healthy and How People Lived Before in Time

“Good afternoon Jerome, I have other doubts and I really wanted to clarify if possible:

1. Is it true that you should abstain from meat also on the Sabbath?

2. In the prayer of the Rosary we pray: O my Jesus, forgive us and deliver us from the fire of hell, take all souls to heaven, and help especially those who need it most.

In this part, they told me that it was this way of praying: do you help the souls of purgatory, especially the most abandoned?

What is the true prayer that must be said?

3. What did Christian families eat in the old days? because food makes us so bad because they are transgenic and high in sugar ... I wanted to offer my children a simpler diet, here in Brazil we eat rice, beans, meat, chicken, vegetables ... but with agrochemicals ... including the cost of living here is very high and the products and food are not of good quality, they are food products, industrialized.

How can I live in a simple way? to preserve health, to let go of materialism, to live in silence to sanctify my soul, and to be a good wife and mother to one day be able to save ourselves and enter into bliss.”

Hi Nataly.

1. No you don't have to abstain from meat on the Sabbath (Sunday). You never have to abstain from meats on Holy Days, even on Fridays, such as when Christmas falls on Friday.

2. Perhaps it is about purgatory, but the prayers I am familiar with all speaks of Hell. Perhaps it is just an honest beseeching to the Lord that He shall save all souls from Hell: even if this won't be possible. But certainly, if we beseech our Lord everyday with prayers like this, He will be able to save more souls from falling into Hell. That is the mystery with prayer and salvation: that we many times need to specifically ask Our Lord for the things we want and if you don't ask for it, whatever it may be, such as greater faith, hope, happiness, love, better finances etc., you might not receive it in a greater abundance, for (I suppose) according to justice, God must play this game with the devil and with us souls and they (God and Satan) have their rules like in a game that must be followed; and God cannot do any injustice against the devil just as He cannot do any injustice against man, and God many times need to receive penances, prayers and sacrifices in order to be able to achieve things in the world and in souls (or receive bonus points, so to speak) in this real game of gaining Heaven in order to apply it to others so that they may be saved or gain graces.

In The Revelations of St. Bridget of Sweden, Our Lord Jesus Christ speaks of this eternal justice between Himself and the Devil thusly: “See how hardened the lord of the world is and how mighty he is against me because of my hidden justice. I could indeed destroy him in a moment through my power, but I do no more injustice to him than to a good angel in the kingdom of Heaven. But when his time comes, and it is now approaching, I shall judge him with his followers. Therefore, my bride, may you always persevere in good deeds. Love me with all your heart. Fear nothing but me. I am namely the Lord over the devil and over all things created.” (Book 1, Chapter 34)
            Then Christ spoke to his bride and said: “Tell my friends three things. When I was bodily in the world, I adjusted my words so that good men were made stronger and more fervent in doing good things, and evil men became better, as was seen in the conversion of Magdalene, Matthew, and many others. I also adjusted my words so that my enemies were not able to refute them. For that reason, may they to whom my words are sent, work with fervor, so that through my words, the good may become more ardent in goodness, the evil repent from wickedness, and that they themselves be on guard against my enemies so that my words are not obstructed. In truth, I do no greater injustice to the devil than to the angels in Heaven. For if I wanted, I could speak my words so that the whole world hears them. I could also open up hell so that everyone may see its torments, but this would not be justice, since all men would then serve me out of fear, when they should serve me out of love. For no other than the one who has love shall enter the kingdom of Heaven. For I would be doing injustice to the devil if I took away from him one who is rightfully his, because of sin, and who is devoid of good deeds. I would also do injustice to the angel in Heaven, if I placed the spirit of an unclean man as an equal to the one who is pure and most fervent in my love.” (Book 1, Chapter 53)

Important articles and prayers on helping souls in purgatory and gaining an immense merit:

https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/06/how-to-avoid-purgatory.html

https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/08/how-to-easily-help-souls-in-purgatory.html

https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/08/a-hidden-treasure-in-offering-the-blood-of-jesus.html

That is why it is important to do all things we do for the Love of God and to apply every action for the Love of God, so that our actions may not become worthless - spiritually speaking. We apply our actions by gaining the habit of offering everything we do, preferably before doing it, such as opening a door, by saying: “For love of you, Jesus.” etc., or such as before cleaning: “For the Love of you Jesus, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for offences committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I will do this cleaning now.” etc.

“And she (Our Lady) continued:
“Sacrifice yourselves for sinners, and say many times, especially whenever you make some sacrifice [penance, or work]: O Jesus, it is for love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.’”

Also, a morning and evening prayer through which we offer all our actions of this day to God is also a valid form and most important to pray, since it is hard to think before every action that we do that we do them for God, for the salvation of souls, and for souls in purgatory etc.

Father Paul O'Sullivan recommends that the first act of every good Christian in the morning is to fall on his knees and make his Morning Offering. It can be done in this wise:

“Sacred Heart of Jesus, through the most pure hands of Mary, I offer Thee all the prayers, works and sufferings, all the actions of this day and of all my life, in union with the Masses being offered all over the world, for the intentions of Thy Sacred Heart and for the Apostleship of Prayer. Every breath I draw, every beating of my heart, every glance of my eyes, every step I take, every single act I do, I wish to be an act of love for Thee.”

Father Paul of Moll recommends the following prayer to be said in the morning, and before commencing any work or suffering:

“All that I shall do today, I shall do for the love of God, so that all my actions may be actions of love. I unite myself today with all the acts of love made to God, both in heaven and on earth.” Say quite often during the day, when you commence to do something, were it only moving a chair, opening or shutting a door, or any other action, “For love of Thee, Jesus [and Mary].” When you have to suffer anything say, “I want to suffer it for the love of Jesus [and Mary], just as Jesus [and Mary] has suffered all for love of me.” Very early one morning, Father Paul seeing a peasant who had come a long distance through a snowstorm to hear Mass in the church at Steenbrugge, said to him : “If you could see the immense merits which your courage has procured for you, you would be astonished, and you might yet increase them in a incredible measure, by saying, ‘All for the love of Jesus.’”

Even if we are like a “God” so to speak in our own video game (that is, we can do as we wish with all the possibilities available), we still need other players to do things for us in order for us to proceed; and sometimes, if we fail in the game, we make our enemy more powerful in gaining his ends instead. It is the same in this real time earthly video game: since most people on earth do nothing for God anymore, this means God will be less powerful in playing with His creatures and gaining His ends, whereas the devil is very powerful today since almost the whole world and all people is doing his will. That is why God more and more is being eliminated from the game and why it is even considered offensive to have any Christian symbolism publicly displayed in many countries.

Related article:

https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/05/how-to-become-saint-how-to-love-god-etc.html

3. If you want to live simpler, move out to the country side and buy a nice house and start to garden and grow up your own food. In this way, you will always have healthy food at hand with no chemicals added. You could also have cattle, chickens etc.

That is how people lived before in times - although without electricity and other modern stuff - and they growed their own food; and since most people were poor before in time, they did not eat meat or flesh so often. Fish was probably more common.

If you care about eating healthy food and you worry about processing procedures and chemicals, do some research on what foods are more healthy. Also, always bless all the food you buy and bless it before eating (perhaps you can bless the grocery bag also and make all things become blessed?) otherwise, try to bless each item separately that does not lie on the plate you are eating (the whole plate with everything on it can be blessed in one blessing). This should cancel all bad effects such as chemicals etc., and especially any demonic effects if some evil people (such as witches and satanists) do such things in food manufacturing places today. Perhaps much sickness is not only happening because of chemicals or changes in the food and plant buildup, but also through satanic and evil blessings.

If you want to learn how to live in silence and solitude, and be a good mother and become holy (besides living a more natural, silent and detached life in the country side), read these articles:

https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/09/without-solitude-and-silence-it-is-impossible-to-preserve-recollection-and-union-with-god.html

https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.se/2017/05/advice-to-parents-on-how-to-have-holy-children.html (note especially the "ADVICE TO PARENTS by Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)" further down that is recommended for you to read)

I hope this answers your questions!

Many blessings,

Jerome

https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/07/jesus-mary-joseph.html (ejaculation with a seven years indulgence for each recital!)

A TREASURE FOR ETERNAL MERIT: The Offering of the Blood of Jesus

“To offer to the Eternal Father the Sacred Wounds of Jesus is to offer Him His Glory, to offer Heaven to Heaven. Each time you offer to My Father the merits of My Divine Wounds, you gain an immense fortune…You must not remain poor, your Father is very rich.”

A HIDDEN TREASURE

       Appearing to one of the sisters of her community shortly after her death, St. Teresa of Avila told the sister that she would be willing to return to a life of suffering on earth until the end of time if thereby she could merit that degree of glory with which God rewards one devoutly recited “Hail Mary.” St. Paul speaks in like manner when he says: “The sufferings of this life are not to be compared with the glory to come.”

       If one short prayer is thus rewarded, what reward awaits those who offer to the Eternal Father, the Precious Blood of Jesus (or who devotedly prays the Rosary and Hail Mary frequently!). “An offering,” says Father Faber, “is more than a prayer. In prayer we are the recipients, but when we make an offering, God vouchsafes to accept something from us.” In Our Lord’s own words to Sister Mary Martha Chambon, Apostle of the Holy Wounds: “To offer to the Eternal Father the Sacred Wounds of Jesus is to offer Him His Glory, to offer Heaven to Heaven. Each time you offer to My Father the merits of My Divine Wounds, you gain an immense fortune…You must not remain poor, your Father is very rich.” She also reported that Jesus told her that “when you offer My Holy Wounds for sinners, you must not forget to do so for the souls in Purgatory, as there are but few who think of their relief…The Holy Wounds are the treasure of treasures for the souls in Purgatory.”

       If you and I, at this very moment, were standing on the threshold of eternity, we would see a limitless duration extending before us which our vision would fail to terminate. Looking on this endlessness the awful truth would come to us that the time of merit had passed forever. The saints realized this truth while yet in life, and we can see the vastness of their reward.

       Those who have passed into eternity realize that there will be no further opportunities for additional merit, for time has passed forever. If regrets were possible in Heaven, unused opportunities would be the cause, for the blessed know what greater capacity for giving accidental honor to God they would have had if they had used all their opportunities. Because of God’s mercy they have no regrets, but their status is sealed forever.

       The position of the priest in heaven must be tremendous for he offers daily a Victim-of-Infinite-Worth; and yet each one of us can offer the same Victim in a different manner by sincerely saying:

       Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus [add request].

       Just suppose that if you were to make the Seven Offerings each day; it would lake only a few minutes of time, and yet the vast merit gained would last eternally.

       What an investment!

THE PRECIOUS BLOOD AND HEAVEN

       Promises of Our Lord to Sister Mary Martha Chambon

       Those who pray with humility and who meditate on My Passion, shall one day participate in the glory of My Divine Wounds. Their members will receive from them a resplendent beauty and glory.

       The more you shall have contemplated My Painful Wounds on this earth, the higher shall be your contemplation of Them glorious in Heaven.

       The soul who during life has honored and studied the Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ and has offered Them to the Eternal Father for the Souls in Purgatory will be accompanied at the moment of death by the Holy Virgin and the Angels; and Our Lord on the Cross, all brilliant in glory, will receive her and crown her.

REFLECTIONS

Life is short and death is sure;

the hour of death remains obscure.

A soul you have, and only one;

if that be lost all hope is gone.

Waste not your time while time shall last;

for after death ’tis ever past.

The all-seeing God your Judge will be,

and heaven or hell your destiny.

All earthly things will fleet away, Eternity will ever stay.

SEVEN OFFERINGS OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD

       Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for the propagation and exaltation of my dear Mother the Holy Church, for the safety and prosperity of her visible Head, the Holy Roman Pontiff, for the cardinals, bishops and pastors of souls, and for all the ministers of the sanctuary.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus Who hath saved us by His Precious Blood! Amen.

       Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for the peace and concord of nations, for the conversion of the enemies of our holy faith and for the happiness of all Christian people.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus Who hath saved us by His Precious Blood! Amen.

       Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for the repentance of unbelievers, the extirpation of all heresies, and the conversion of sinners.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus Who hath saved us by His Precious Blood! Amen.

       Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for all my relations, friends and enemies, for the poor, the sick, and those in tribulation, and for all those for whom Thou willest I should pray, or knowest that I ought to pray.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus Who hath saved us by His Precious Blood! Amen.

       Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for all those who shall this day pass to another life, that Thou mayest preserve them from the pains of hell, and admit them the more readily to the possession of Thy Glory.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus Who hath saved us by His Precious Blood! Amen.

       Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for all those who are lovers of this Treasure of His Blood, and for all those who join with me in adoring and honoring It, and for all those who try to spread devotion to It.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus Who hath saved us by His Precious Blood! Amen.

       Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for all my wants, spiritual and temporal, for the holy souls in Purgatory, and particularly for those who in their lifetime were most devoted to this price of our redemption, and to the sorrows and pains of our dear Mother, most Holy Mary.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus Who hath saved us by His Precious Blood! Amen.

       Blessed and exalted be the Blood of Jesus, now and always, and through all eternity. Amen.

“Eternal Father, I offer Thee the wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to heal those of our souls.”

“Eternal Father, I offer Thee the wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to the suffering souls in Purgatory.”

THE HOLY SOULS WILL REPAY US MANY TIMES OVER

Now who can be in more urgent need of our charity than the souls in Purgatory? What hunger, or thirst, or dire sufferings on Earth can compare to their dreadful torments? Neither the poor, nor the sick, nor the suffering, we see around us, have such an urgent need of our help. Yet we find many goodhearted people who interest themselves in every other type of suffering, but alas, scarcely one who works for the Holy Souls.

Who can have more claim on us? Among them too, there may be our mothers and fathers, our friends and near of kin; and also our neighbour!

When souls from Purgatory are finally released from their pains and enjoy the beatitude of Heaven, far from forgetting their friends and benefactors on earth, their gratitude knows no bounds. Prostrate before the throne of God, they never cease to pray for those who helped them. By their prayers they shield their friends and benefactors from many dangers and protect them from the evils that threaten them.

To have a better understanding of Purgatory and the terrible suffering of the Poor Souls and how we can help them, read the book Purgatory – Explained by the Lives and Legends of the Saints by Father F.X. Schouppe, S.J. and the booklet How to Avoid Purgatory by Fr. Paul O’Sullivan:
https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/06/how-to-avoid-purgatory.html

PRAYER OF ST. GERTRUDE THE GREAT

“Eternal Father, I offer Thee the most Precious Blood of Jesus, with all the Masses being said all over the world this day, for the Souls in Purgatory.”

Our Lord showed St. Gertrude a vast number of souls leaving Purgatory and going to Heaven as a result of this prayer, which the Saint was accustomed to say frequently during the day.

Taken from the booklet Read Me or Rue it by Fr. Paul O’Sullivan which has the approval of the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, Portugal – March 4, 1936.

PRAYER TO JESUS, MARY, JOSEPH!

The aspiration JESUS, MARY, JOSEPH! is enriched with an indulgence of seven years for each recital (Raccolta, 274), applicable to the poor souls in purgatory. This, obviously, is a pearl among partial indulgences.

How often should we pray this aspiration? Without counting. . . or, if we prefer, on our rosary; on each bead these three names, Jesus, Mary, Joseph (you may add: save souls; have mercy on souls; or have mercy on souls in purgatory, especially those most neglected; etc.) and nothing more (that is no Creed, no Our Father, Hail Mary or Glory be to the Father). It is not a rosary, but simply a chaplet of diamonds, beautiful gems from the Orient of Divine love. It is greatly to be desired that this practice be spread over the world, flowing as a river of love in a never-ending stream from the hearts and lips of Christian people.

Since this devotional is so easy and quickly performed, it is advised that the pious reader pray at least one or two full rosary beads each day – that is, 50+ Jesus, Mary, Joseph! ejaculations – applying all the indulgences gained for the souls in purgatory and for the conversion of poor sinners.

Please contact me if you want to receive a free 1 page copy (or copies) of this article in leaflet form for your own use and/or for the distribution to others!

Litany of the Most Precious Blood

Blood of Jesus, Help Me!

In every need let me come to Thee with humble trust saying,

Blood of Jesus, help me!

In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations,

Blood of Jesus, help me!

In hours of loneliness, weariness and trials,

Blood of Jesus, help me!

In the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles and sorrows,

Blood of Jesus, help me!

When my heart is cast down by failure, at seeing no good come from my efforts,

Blood of Jesus, help me!

When others fail me, and Thy grace alone can assist me,

Blood of Jesus, help me!

When I throw myself on Thy tender love as my Father and Savior,

Blood of Jesus, help me!

When I feel impatient, and my cross irritates me,

Blood of Jesus, help me!

When I am ill, and my head and hands cannot work and I am lonely,

Blood of Jesus, help me!

Always, always in spite of weakness, falls and shortcomings, of every kind,

Blood of Jesus, help me and never forsake me.

PRAYER FOR THE DYING

O MOST MERCIFUL JESUS, Lover of souls I pray Thee,

by the agony of Thy most Sacred Heart,

and by the sorrows of Thine Immaculate Mother,

cleanse in Thine Own Blood the sinners of the whole world

who are now in their agony and who are to die this day. Amen.
HEART OF JESUS, once in agony, have pity on the dying.

EJACULATION BY ST. GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROW

O my dear Jesus, love for love, suffering for suffering, blood for blood. Thy wounds are my hope and salvation. O Mary, my sweetest Mother, thou knowest that I love thee and that I belong to thee.

PRAYER FOR A HAPPY DEATH BY ST. GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS

O Mother of Sorrows,
by the anguish and love with which thou didst stand beside the Cross of Jesus,
stand by me in my last agony.
To thy maternal heart I commend the three last hours of my life.
Offer these hours to the Eternal Father in union with the agony of our dearest Lord.
Offer frequently to the Eternal Father, in atonement for my sins,
the Precious Blood of Jesus, mingled with thy tears on Calvary,
to obtain for me the grace to receive Holy Communion
with most perfect love and contrition before my death,
and to breathe forth my soul in the actual presence of Jesus. 
Dearest Mother, when the moment of my death has come,
present me as thy child to Jesus; say to Him in my behalf:
“Son, forgive him, for he knew not what he did. Receive him this day into Thy kingdom of glory to be united with You forever. Amen.”

Related articles:

https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/06/how-to-avoid-purgatory.html

https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/07/jesus-mary-joseph.html

https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/05/heaven-opened-by-the-practice-of-the-three-hail-marys.html

How to Easily Help Souls in Purgatory, and hence gain Merit and their Prayers!

Suffering in Purgatory is greater than all suffering on Earth. Such is the doctrine of tradition, supported by theological reasoning. Tradition is expressed by St. Augustine: “That fire will be more painful than anything man can suffer in the present life.” St. Isidore speaks in the same sense. According to these testimonies and others similar to them, the least pain in Purgatory surpasses the greatest sufferings of the present life!

THE HOLY SOULS WILL REPAY US MANY TIMES OVER

Now who can be in more urgent need of our charity than the souls in Purgatory? What hunger, or thirst, or dire sufferings on Earth can compare to their dreadful torments? Neither the poor, nor the sick, nor the suffering, we see around us, have such an urgent need of our help. Yet we find many goodhearted people who interest themselves in every other type of suffering, but alas, scarcely one who works for the Holy Souls.

Who can have more claim on us? Among them too, there may be our mothers and fathers, our friends and near of kin; and also our neighbour!

When souls from Purgatory are finally released from their pains and enjoy the beatitude of Heaven, far from forgetting their friends and benefactors on earth, their gratitude knows no bounds. Prostrate before the throne of God, they never cease to pray for those who helped them. By their prayers they shield their friends and benefactors from many dangers and protect them from the evils that threaten them.

To have a better understanding of Purgatory and the terrible suffering of the Poor Souls and how we can help them, read the book Purgatory – Explained by the Lives and Legends of the Saints by Father F.X. Schouppe, S.J. and the booklet How to Avoid Purgatory by Fr. Paul O’Sullivan:

https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/06/how-to-avoid-purgatory.html

Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great

“Eternal Father, I offer Thee the most Precious Blood of Jesus, with all the Masses being said all over the world this day, for the Souls in Purgatory.”

Our Lord showed St. Gertrude a vast number of souls leaving Purgatory and going to Heaven as a result of this prayer, which the Saint was accustomed to say frequently during the day.

Taken from the booklet Read Me or Rue it by Fr. Paul O’Sullivan which has the approval of the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, Portugal – March 4, 1936.

Venerable Denis, the Carthusian, relates that the Virgin, St. Gertrude, had made a complete donation of all her works of satisfaction in favour of the faithful departed, without reserving anything wherewith 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 hand, and, 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.” (Rev. F.X. Schouppe, S.J. - The Dogma Of Purgatory: https://archive.org/details/purgatoryillustr00schouoft)

Prayer to Jesus, Mary, Joseph!

The aspiration JESUS, MARY, JOSEPH! is enriched with an indulgence of seven years for each recital (Raccolta, 274), applicable to the poor souls in purgatory. This, obviously, is a pearl among partial indulgences.

How often should we pray this aspiration? Without counting. . . or, if we prefer, on our rosary; on each bead these three names, Jesus, Mary, Joseph (you may add: save souls; have mercy on souls; or have mercy on souls in purgatory, especially those most neglected; etc.) and nothing more (that is no Creed, no Our Father, Hail Mary or Glory be to the Father). It is not a rosary, but simply a chaplet of diamonds, beautiful gems from the Orient of Divine love. It is greatly to be desired that this practice be spread over the world, flowing as a river of love in a never-ending stream from the hearts and lips of Christian people.

Since this devotional is so easy and quickly performed, it is advised that the pious reader pray at least one or two full rosary beads each day – that is, 50+ Jesus, Mary, Joseph! ejaculations – applying all the indulgences gained for the souls in purgatory and for the conversion of poor sinners.

Please contact me if you want to receive a free 1 page copy (or copies) of this article in leaflet form for your own use and/or for the distribution to others!

Related articles:

https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/06/how-to-avoid-purgatory.html
https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/07/jesus-mary-joseph.html

JESUS, MARY, JOSEPH! (ejaculation with a seven years indulgence for each recital!)

O God, come to our assistance; Jesus, Mary, Joseph please make haste to help us!

Jesus!    Mary!    Joseph!

FERVENT invocation of these blessed names gains for us access to the persons, yes, to the very hearts of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

The aspiration JESUS, MARY, JOSEPH! is enriched with an indulgence of seven years for each recital (Raccolta, 274), applicable to the poor souls in purgatory. This, obviously, is a pearl among partial indulgences. But why should so high an atoning value be attached to so short a formula?

1. To invite us to pray it unceasingly.

2. Because of the incomprehensible grandeur of the holy Names of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The name of a person is a personification of its bearer. What a glorious invocation, then, is the prayer: Jesus, Mary, Joseph! What a vast field for meditation here lies open to angels and men! Each one of these names, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, unfolds to us a world of wonders, an abyss of greatness and beauty, of grace and power.

At the sound of these names, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, which to us are so sweet and love-inspiring, all hell shrinks back in terror. The aspiration Jesus, Mary, Joseph! is a deadly flash of lighting to Satan and the devils.

The aspiration Jesus, Mary, Joseph! is a golden arrow, a fiery dart, which springs from our hearts and at the same moment blissfully wounds the hearts of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and lays them lovingly open to us and to our dear departed. Into this formula, so divine in its content, one breathes the tenderest, strongest and purest love.

How often should we pray this aspiration? Without counting. . . or, if we prefer, on our rosary; on each bead these three names, Jesus, Mary, Joseph (you may add: save souls; have mercy on souls; or have mercy on souls in purgatory, especially those most neglected; etc.) and nothing more (that is no Creed, no Our Father, Hail Mary or Glory be to the Father). It is not a rosary, but simply a chaplet of diamonds, beautiful gems from the Orient of Divine love. It is greatly to be desired that this practice be spread over the world, flowing as a river of love in a never-ending stream from the hearts and lips of Christian people. (Since it is prayed so easily and quickly by everyone, it is advised that the pious reader pray at least one or two full rosary beads each day – that is, 50+ Jesus, Mary, Joseph! ejaculations – applying all the indulgences gained for the souls in purgatory and for the conversion of poor sinners.)

The aspiration Jesus, Mary, Joseph! is an inexhaustible treasure of indulgences especially for the poor souls. With this prayer one enkindles a fire on earth which extinguishes the flames of Purgatory. If every Christian soul but knew, if the world but knew, what consolation for the poor souls is contained in the names, Jesus, Mary, Joseph!  Day and night, everywhere and without ceasing may this blessed prayer be the refrain of fervent petitions. Gather, O Christian souls, gather blessings through these heavenly names, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, for those who suffer unspeakable pains in the flames of Purgatory; beg in these sweet names, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, without ceasing.

The aspiration Jesus, Mary, Joseph! is a golden book, an inexhaustible fountain. It awakens a piety which is sweet and strong, wide, deep and full of meaning. And yet, how short and clear, how simple and wonderful is its form! It is the golden key to the hearts of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. It is a precious gem of piety. Already here on earth, but especially in heaven, this prayer will effect an intimate union of the soul, a jubilation, a true fire of love.

The aspiration Jesus, Mary, Joseph! is an inexhaustible subject for meditation. The thoughtful repetition of these names, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, so full of love and light, causes us to meditate, and from the beginning this meditation appeals to us, charms us, affects us, leads us to God and submerges us into Him. We find in these names, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, a power that urges, uplifts, stimulates, impels and quickens. Meditation on these holy names, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, fills the heart and mind, excites sublime thoughts and leads one to self-sacrificing resolutions. This method of meditation may constitute the bliss of a theologian even as it enraptures the soul of a little child. It permits all, without exception, to penetrate into the vast domain of our holy Religion and to meditate at the same time on the articles of faith, the commandments, virtues and sacraments. Like a bee that flies about in an immense garden, where perpetual spring reigns, drawing sweet nectar from bud and blossom, so we may gather heavenly thoughts and graces.

May these blessed names, Jesus, Mary, Joseph, be often on our lips during life, and may we with our dying breath sigh: Jesus, Mary, Joseph!

Closing Prayer Before Sleep

Bless, O Lord, the repose I am about to take, that with renewed strength I may be able to serve you faithfully. 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. Rising under the protection of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, and armed with the sign of the holy cross: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

THE HOLY SOULS WILL REPAY US MANY TIMES OVER

Now who can be in more urgent need of our charity than the souls in Purgatory? What hunger, or thirst, or dire sufferings on Earth can compare to their dreadful torments? Neither the poor, nor the sick, nor the suffering, we see around us, have such an urgent need of our help. Yet we find many goodhearted people who interest themselves in every other type of suffering, but alas, scarcely one who works for the Holy Souls.

Who can have more claim on us? Among them too, there may be our mothers and fathers, our friends and near of kin; and also our neighbour!

When souls from Purgatory are finally released from their pains and enjoy the beatitude of Heaven, far from forgetting their friends and benefactors on earth, their gratitude knows no bounds. Prostrate before the throne of God, they never cease to pray for those who helped them. By their prayers they shield their friends and benefactors from many dangers and protect them from the evils that threaten them.

To have a better understanding of Purgatory and the terrible suffering of the Poor Souls and how we can help them, read the book Purgatory – Explained by the Lives and Legends of the Saints by Father F.X. Schouppe, S.J. and the booklet How to Avoid Purgatory by Fr. Paul O’Sullivan:

https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/06/how-to-avoid-purgatory.html

Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great

“Eternal Father, I offer Thee the most Precious Blood of Jesus, with all the Masses being said all over the world this day, for the Souls in Purgatory.”

Our Lord showed St. Gertrude a vast number of souls leaving Purgatory and going to Heaven as a result of this prayer, which the Saint was accustomed to say frequently during the day.

Taken from the booklet Read Me or Rue it by Fr. Paul O’Sullivan which has the approval of the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, Portugal – March 4, 1936.

Venerable Denis, the Carthusian, relates that the Virgin, St. Gertrude, had made a complete donation of all her works of satisfaction in favour of the faithful departed, without reserving anything wherewith 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 hand, and, 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.” (Rev. F.X. Schouppe, S.J. - The Dogma Of Purgatory)

Please contact me if you want to receive a free 1 page copy (or copies) of this article in leaflet form for your own use and/or for the distribution to others!

Related article:

https://against-all-heresies-and-errors.blogspot.com/2017/06/how-to-avoid-purgatory.html