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NOVEMBER
MONTH OF THE HOLY SOULS
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   De Profundis Prayers and other Devotions for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
Daily Thoughts and Prayers for Our Beloved Dead
 For November 1 and November 2 there is a special plenary indulgence when one fulfills the "Toties Quoties" Prayers. From noon on All Saints Day through midnight of All Souls Day* the Catholic faithful, as often as they visit a church to pray for the dead, reciting six times during each visit the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be for the intentions of Holy Mother Church may gain a plenary indulgence applicable only to the souls in Purgatory, under the usual conditions of making a good Confession within a week before or after, worthily receiving Holy Communion within the week and having the right intention of heart. This is called the Toties Quoties Indulgence. * If one is not able to fulfill it on November 1 and 2, one may substitute the following Saturday and Sunday under the same conditions and circumstance.
CMRI has provided a handout with more information on these November indulgences.
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Thanks to the kind permission of Mary Immaculate Queen Press, we reproduce for each day in November the respective De Profundis Prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory with Daily Thoughts and Prayers for Our Beloved Dead. It is called such for Psalm 129 is said daily and applies to those souls exiled from Heaven for however so long. These prayers carry an Imprimatur from Patrick Cardinal Hayes of New York. You can order the booklets for .50 each from Mary Immaculate Queen Center, 8504 N. St. Michael's Road, Spokane, WA 99217-9333. There is a different short prayer for each day followed by Psalm 129. Jean Baptiste Gergeres, a Catholic theologian and author of the 19th century, states:"When we love, we remember, and this memory, this effect of love, is not a barren thought. It resolves itself into DEEDS for the loved one. Why, when sorrow is united with faith, should not our sad memories resolve themselves into sentiments sweet and precious to the soul? To recall the features, the accents, the manners and the sentiments of a loved one is still to see him, to hear him, to touch him and to associate him with the joys and sorrows which he formerly shared." O Jesus, Thou suffered and died that all mankind might be saved
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 THIRTIETH DAY - November 30
"Prayer directly offered for the Soul in Purgatory in the petition of a child beseeching God to be kind and merciful. Could such a prayer, offered from the heart , fail to move God? Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. Most gentle Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor souls in Purgatory, have mercy on the souls of the Faithful Departed. Be not severe in Thy Judgments, but let some drops of Thy Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames and do Thou, O merciful Savior, send Thy angels to conduct them to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen.
TWENTY-NINTH DAY - November 29
"We must never cease to interest ourselves in the Souls in Purgatory. The honor and glory of God, and our own salvation is concerned with their release.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. Most merciful Jesus, by Thy Nativity and Holy Chidlhood, deliver from Purgatory all the Holy Souls confined there. Particularly the soul of the youngest to incur Thy displeasure because of youthful carelessness. Take him today to Thy Heavenly Throne, that he may evermore praise and glorify Thee and will intercede for me at the hour of need.
TWENTY-EIGHTH DAY - November 28
In Purgatory, the just and loving soul loses sight of everything but the purity of God, which it loves and the necessity of making itself worthy of this purity. This suffering is so intense, because it is ignorant of the length of its exile from the sight of God.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. Jesus meek and humble of Heart, hear our prayers in behalf of the souls suffering in Purgatory, particularly those paying the debt exacted for pride. Release them from their pain today, that they may evermore glorify Thee in Heaven and intercede for us in the hour of need.
TWENTY-SEVENTH DAY - November 27
"Let us accept without a murmur all that God sends us. Every morning let us offer God in half of the Souls in Purgatory all our prayers and good works and we shall help them immeasurably.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. Most merciful Jesus, by the merits of Thy Holy Childhood, deliver from the pains of Purgatory all the Holy Souls, particularly the soul longest in paying the debt exacted for his imperfections on earth. 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.
TWENTY-SIXTH DAY - November 26
"It costs us very little to help the faithful departed. We are obliged to pray - to assist at Mass, to receive the Sacraments - to give alms, and to fast on the days appointed. If we are in the state of grace, and offer these works for the Holy Souls, they are acceptable to God and speed their relief.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. Most merciful Jesus, release the Souls in Purgatory from the results of their imperfections, especially the soul suffering there through my bad example. Take him today to Thy Heavenly Throne, that he may join the Saints in praise of Thee and will intercede for me in my hour of need.
TWENTY-FIFTH DAY - November 25
One of the saddest facts of life is that the living soon forget the dead. We forget when we live: we are forgotten when we die. St. Monica, on her deathbed, pleaded with her son, St. Augustine: "Lay my body anywhere, only this I beg of you: remember me at the altar of God."Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. Most merciful Jesus, lover of Souls. We pray Thee, by the agony of Thy most Sacred Heart, and by the sorrows of Thy Immaculate Mother, wash with Thy Blood the Souls in Purgatory. Deliver them from their pains, that they may join the Heavenly Chorus in praising Thee and interceding for us at the hour of need.
TWENTY-FOURTH DAY - November 24
"If we deliver a soul from Purgatory, what a joy it is to be able to say to oneself: "A holy soul truly loves God for me and in my name." We create protectors in all the souls for whom we pray, even though we have not yet obtained their deliverance."Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. Most merciful Jesus, Whose loving Heart was ever burdened with the sorrows of others, look down with pity on the souls of our beloved ones in Purgatory. Hear their cries, and grant that they may soon enjoy everlasting rest with Thee in Heaven. Amen.
TWENTY-THIRD DAY - November 23
When, by our prayers, we release a soul from Purgatory, we have not only won his gratitude, but the gratitude of his Guardian Angel, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom his soul was consecrated, and of God Himself Who is enabled through us to sooner shower His blessings on it.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. Most beloved Jesus, if I could but say "There is a soul in Heaven at this time that owes to me its release from Purgatory, a soul that speaks to God for me, that glorifies God for me, that loves Thy Blessed Mother for me. If it were thus how happy I should be." Release from the pains of Purgatory the soul careless and hurried in prayer. Take him to the joys of Heaven, that he may evermore praise Thee and intercede for me at the hour of need.
TWENTY-SECOND DAY - November 22
"Let us never cease our prayers for the faithful departed. St. Francis de Sales often said: "I fear the good opinion which my friends have formed of me: they will believe me in Heaven and leave me to suffer."Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. Most merciful Jesus, have mercy on the Souls in Purgatory. For us, Thou didst become Man, and suffer to die. By the merits of Thy agony and death, release the faithful departed from their pains, that they may enjoy everlasting bliss in Heaven.
TWENTY-FIRST DAY - November 21
To find ourselves forgotten on earth by those whom we love, and who have loved us is a cruel trial - but to find ourselves in Purgatory - forgotten by all whom we loved and helped on earth, must be a most painful sorrow.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O my God, infinitely just, hear our prayers in reparation for the souls suffering in Purgatory for want of charity. Release them from their pains that they may evermore praise Thee and intercede at Thy Judgment Seat for us at the hour of our death.
TWENTIETH DAY - November 20
He whom we mourn is in Heaven, safe from all miseries and he awaits us. Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. Most merciful Jesus, by the merits of Thy five wounds, hear our prayers in behalf of the faithful departed now awaiting Thy word in Purgatory. Grant, O Lord, to show particular mercy to the soul that did most to propagate the devotion to Thy Sacred Heart while on earth. Speed his journey to Heaven, that he may join Thy angels in praising Thee forever.
NINETEENTH DAY - November 19
"We have loved her during life, let us not abandon her until we have conducted her by our prayers in the House of the Lord" - St. Ambrose.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O Lord Jesus, graciously hear the pleas of the Holy Souls. By the merits of Thy Passion and Death release them from the pains of Purgatory. Particularly the soul most devoted to Your Virgin Mother, that he may evermore praise Thee in Heaven and intercede for me.
EIGHTEENTH DAY - November 18
Your loved one, whom God has called to Himself, does not cease to cherish you. Purified in Purgatory, made more loving by union with God, he continues to be with more light and strength, all that he was to you on earth.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. Mother of Mercy, thy power is so great that thy Divine Son will refuse thee nothing. Implore Him, therefore, to release from the pains of Purgatory, our parents, friends and benefactors, that they may join the Heavenly Chorus in praising Him and in interceding for us.
SEVENTEENTH DAY - November 17
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." When we stand before God in the hour of judgment, will we not welcome the Holy Souls who will throng about His throne to plead our cause, if we have shown ourselves merciful and compassionate toward them in their hour of need.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O Lord Jesus Christ, relieve the sufferings of Thy departed servants, that they may not languish in Purgatory because of our neglect and thoughtlessness. Deliver them from their pains that they may praise Thee forever in Heaven and intercede for us when the hour of death draws near.
SIXTEENTH DAY - November 16
St. Paul, in his Epistle to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 11: 13-15), tells us, "Every man's work shall be manifest, for the day of the Lord shall declare it, because it shall be revealed in fire. And fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If a man's work burn, he shall suffer loss; but he shall be saved, yet so as to fire."Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O Lord Jesus, have mercy on the Souls in Purgatory who suffer because of some slight human frailty. Deliver them from their agonies, that they may forevermore praise and glorify Thee in Heaven. Amen.
FIFTEENTH DAY - November 15
Death cannot destroy the affection your loved ones bore for you in life, but that affection is now sweeter, purer, more constant. United with God in Heaven, or offering atonement to Him in Purgatory, they love us with a deeper, everlasting love.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O Lord Jesus, deign to harken to the voice of the Souls in Purgatory. Grant them remission of their sins because of the love they bore Thee, and bring them with Thee to Heaven, that they may forever praise Thee.
FOURTEENTH DAY - November 14
Prayers for the Faithful departed are more acceptable to God than prayers for the living: for the suffering souls are in the greatest need and cannot help themselves.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O Lord Jesus, shower down on us Thy divine graces and blessings. Unite our will to Thine, and make our prayers more acceptable to Thee, and more beneficial to the Souls in Purgatory who cry out. Have pity on me, for the Hand of God has touched me.
THIRTEENTH DAY - November 13
St. Ambrose tells us: "All that we give through charity to the Souls in Purgatory is changed into grace for us, and after our death we will find the merit of it increased a hundredfold."Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O Lord Jesus Christ, grant to the souls of the faithful departed, the full remission of their sins. Be mindful, most merciful Savior, of that Soul in Purgatory who was most devoted to Thee in the Holy Eucharist. Shorten the moment of his deliverance, that he may glorify Thee, and aid me in my journey toward Eternity.
TWELFTH DAY - November 12
They are not strangers who implore our help - they are our own; our parents, brothers and friends. They are the devoted hearts, who loved us so tenderly and for us so earnestly toiled and suffered. Now that they are gone from our midst, does not our heart reproach us for not having sufficiently shown our affection in the past?Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O Lord Jesus Christ, have compassion on Thy Church Suffering. Temper Thy justice with pity and open the gates of Heaven for the Souls in Purgatory, that they may praise and glorify Thee forever. Amen.
ELEVENTH DAY - November 11
St. Francis de Sales tells us: "Devotion to the Souls in Purgatory contains in itself all the works of mercy, which supernaturalized by a spirit of Faith, should merit us Heaven."Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O Lord Jesus Christ, deliver the souls of the faithful departed from the flames of hell, and let Thine angels bring them into the holy light. We offer Thee, O Lord, a sacrifice of prayer and praise, accept them in behalf of all the Souls in Purgatory, that they may pass from death to life everlasting with Thee in Heaven.
TENTH DAY - November 10
The soul that we release from Purgatory is under a particular obligation to us, both because of the singular benefit it receives from entering all the sooner into the glory, and also because of the terrible sufferings from which it is delivered. Thus it is bound to obtain for its benefactors perpetual graces and blessings.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O Lord Jesus, by the merits of the sorrows of Thy Virgin Mother, release from Purgatory the soul that is dearest to Thee. Place it today in Heaven, that in union with the angels and Thy Blessed Mother it may forever praise Thee.
NINTH DAY - November 9
The just die members of the Church and so continue. They remain united with us as well as with God by Faith, Hope and Charity. Therefore we should assist them as one member assists another.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O Lord Jesus Christ, by Thy terrible agony in the Garden, we beseech Thee to have pity on the Souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul who has the most to suffer through us. Deliver it from the torments, that it may join the Heavenly throng in forever glorifying Thee.
EIGHTH DAY - November 8
Despite the sorrowful farewells and vows of undying remembrance, the dead are all too soon universally forgotten. "Forgotten is all my life, which never a word recalls; forgotten is my name which no one utters; forgotten is my tomb, which no one visits; forgotten is my death, which no one mourns."Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O God, Who hast commanded us to honor our father and our mother, in Thy loving kindness have mercy on the souls of my parents. Forgive them their sins, and grant that I may see them face to face amid the joys of life everlasting. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SEVENTH DAY - November 7
The Souls in Purgatory appreciate the things of God more fully than we. Enlightened by divine love, they understand the respect and obedience which God merited from them, and the ingratitude and baseness of their sins.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O Lord Jesus Christ, Whose adorable Heart sighs for the love and happiness of Thy banished children, we beseech Thee to remember the souls of Thy servants for whom we pray: Command them, we beg of Thee, to be received by Thy holy Angels and with them eternal happiness and glory in Heaven. Amen.
SIXTH DAY - November 6
The Souls in Purgatory appreciate the things of God more fully than we. Enlightened by divine love, they understand the respect and obedience which God merited from them, and the ingratitude and baseness of their sins.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. Most beloved Jesus, by the merits of Thy five wounds, hear the pleas and release from the torments of Purgatory the faithful soul that did the most good on earth. Place it today at Thy Heavenly throne that it may join in honoring Thee and in guiding me to live according to its dictates.
FIFTH DAY - November 5
In consideration of our future prayers, God deigns to grant to a dying sinner good dispositions which secure him the salvation of his soul.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O my God, I offer Thee the Blood shed by Thine only begotten Son on Calvary; the sorrows 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 forgiveness of sinners.
FOURTH DAY - November 4
Death separates us; it breaks the earthly tie which binds us one to another, but it cannot break the spiritual tie which unites one souls to another - one heart to another.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O Lord Jesus Christ, the merits of Thy Precious Blood, deign to succour and release the Souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul that is most abandoned. Place it today in Heaven that in union with the angels and Thy Blessed Mother, it may praise Thee forever. Amen.
THIRD DAY - November 3
The souls of the Just do not leave us; if we desire it they still remain with us, affording us an indescribable but very effective solace. Let us recall them frequently by our prayers, by our aspirations and by our good works which will help them and will help us to gain Heaven.Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. Most compassionate Jesus! Thou art our salvation, our life and our resurrection. We implore Thee, therefore, do not forsake us in our needs and afflictions, but by the agony of Thy most Sacred Heart, and by the sorrows of Thy Immaculate Mother, succour Thy servants, whom Thou hast redeemed by Thy most Precious Blood. Toties Quoties IndulgenceUntil midnight tonight* the Catholic faithful, as often as they visit a church to pray for the dead, reciting six times during each visit the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be for the intentions of Holy Mother Church, may gain a plenary indulgence applicable only to the souls in Purgatory, under the usual conditions of making a good Confession within a week before or after, worthily receiving Holy Communion within the week and having the right intention of heart. This is called the Toties Quoties Indulgence. * This same plenary indulgence may also be gained from noon on Sunday, November 2nd until midnight November 3rd, but only by those who did not gain it on the preceding November 1st and 2nd. In other words it's either All Saints Day or All Souls Day or Saturday and Monday, not both.
SECOND DAY - November 2
Is not the memory of the dead sweet to the heart, and is it not consoling to gather about us in thought the family dispersed by death? Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. Most compassionate Jesus, have mercy on the souls in Purgatory, for whose redemption Thou didst take upon Thyself the nature of mankind and die an ignominious death. Mercifully hear their pleadings - look with pity on the tears which they now shed before Thee and by virtue of their passion release them from the pain due unto their sins. Most pitiful Jesus, let Thy Precious Blood flow down into Purgatory and refresh and revive the captive souls suffering there. Stretch out unto them Thy strong right hand, and lead them to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen. Toties Quoties IndulgenceUntil midnight tonight* the Catholic faithful, as often as they visit a church to pray for the dead, reciting six times during each visit the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be for the intentions of Holy Mother Church, may gain a plenary indulgence applicable only to the souls in Purgatory, under the usual conditions of making a good Confession within a week before or after, worthily receiving Holy Communion within the week and having the right intention of heart. This is called the Toties Quoties Indulgence. * This same plenary indulgence may also be gained from noon on Sunday, November 2nd until midnight November 3rd, but only by those who did not gain it on the preceding November 1st and 2nd. In other words it's either All Saints Day or All Souls Day or Saturday and Monday, not both.
FIRST DAY - November 1
During this month our foremost thought is to recall to mind our beloved dead. We shall think of you, pray with you, labor with you, and shall give to the poor for the repose of your soul, that portion of the fruits of our daily labors which was formerly yours. Pray: One Our Father, Three Hail Mary's, one Gloria and De Profundis (Psalm 129)DE PROFUNDISOut of the depths, I have cried to Thee, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
R. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand it?
R. For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
R.From the morning watch even until night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him plenteous redemption.
R. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
R.and let perpetual light shine upon them:
May they rest in peace
R.Amen. O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of the faithful departed, the full remission of all their sins, that through the help of pious supplications they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired, Who lives and reignest world without end. Amen. See the requirements for fulfilling the "Toties Quoties" Plenary Indulgence from noon on November 1 until midnight at the end of All Souls Day.
CMRI has provided a handout with more information on these November indulgences.
Below are the Nine Pious Invocations for the Holy Souls in Purgatory followed by the Litany for the Poor Souls. This is taken in part from Our Lady of Rosary Library and the cards are available for .02 each at Our Lady of the Rosary Library, 11721 Hidden Creek Rd., Prospect, KY 40059. See olrl.org. Nine Pious Invocations for the Souls in Purgatory We are also encouraged to pray for those closest to being released and the invocations below are specifically for those who sought to imitate Jesus. 1. O Lord Jesus, by the merits of the chalice of Thy Precious Blood which Thou didst present to Thine Apostles at the Last Supper, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul that is most devoted to the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. Place it today in Heaven, that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother it may praise Thee forever. Amen. My Jesus, Mercy! 2. O Lord Jesus, by the Precious Blood which Thou didst shed in the Garden of Olives, deign to help release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul that is most abandoned. Place it in Heaven today, that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother it may praise Thee forever. Amen. My Jesus, Mercy! 3. O Lord Jesus, by the Precious Blood which Thou didst shed during Thy scourging, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particulary the soul that did most good during life. Place it in Heaven today, that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother it may praise Thee forever. Amen. My Jesus, Mercy! 4. O Lord Jesus, by the Precious Blood which Thou didst shed during Thy crowning of thorns, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul that was most devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Place it today in Heaven, that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother it may praise Thee forever. Amen. My Jesus, Mercy! 5. O Lord Jesus, by the Precious Blood which Thou didst shed in the carrying of the Cross, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul that is suffering because of my bad example. Place it in Heaven today, that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother it may praise Thee forever. Amen. My Jesus, Mercy! 6. O Lord Jesus, by the Precious Blood which flowed from Thy sacred wounds, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the souls of those to whose care Thou didst confide me on earth. Place them in Heaven today, that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother they may praise Thee forever. Amen. My Jesus, Mercy! 7. O Lord Jesus, by the merits of the Precious Blood which flowed from Thy Sacred Heart, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the souls that did most to propagate devotion to Thy Most Sacred Heart. Place them in Heaven today, that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother it may praise Thee forever. Amen. My Jesus, Mercy! 8. O Lord Jesus, by the merits of Thy holy resignation on the Cross, design to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul that hath most to suffer through me. Place it in Heaven today that united with the Angels and Thy Blessed Mother it may praise Thee forever. Amen. My Jesus, Mercy! 9. O Lord Jesus, by the merits of the tears shed by the Blessed Virgin Mary at the foot of Thy Cross, deign to help and release the souls in Purgatory, particularly the soul that is dearest to Thee. Place it in Heaven today, that united with the Angels and thy Blessed Mother, it may praise Thee forever. Amen. My Jesus, Mercy! LET US PRAY O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants and handmaids departed, the remission of all their sins, that through pious supplications they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired; who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Litany for the Poor Souls in Purgatory O Jesus, Thou suffered and died that all mankind might be saved and brought to eternal happiness. Hear our pleas for further mercy on the souls of:
My dear parents and grandparents, My Jesus, Mercy!
My brothers and sisters and other near relatives, My Jesus, Mercy!
My godparents and sponsors of Confirmation, My Jesus, Mercy!
My spiritual and temporal benefactors, My Jesus, Mercy!
My teachers and spiritual advisors, My Jesus, Mercy!
My friends and neighbors, My Jesus, Mercy!
All for whom love or duty bids me pray, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who have suffered disadvantage or harm through me, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who have offended me, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those whose release from Purgatory is near at hand, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who desire most to be united with Thee, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those true priests and religious of the Catholic Church, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those defenders of the Holy Faith, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who died on the battlefield, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who fought for their country, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who were buried at sea, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who died of apoplexy, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who died of heart attacks, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who suffered and died of cancer, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who died suddenly in accidents, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who died without the last rites of the Church, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who did not receive a proper Requiem and burial, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who endure the greatest sufferings, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those whose release from Purgatory is most remote, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who are least remembered, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who are most deserving on account of their services to the Church, My Jesus, Mercy!
The rich who are now the most destitute, My Jesus, Mercy!
The mighty who are now powerless, My Jesus, Mercy!
The once spiritually blind who now see their folly, My Jesus, Mercy!
The frivolous who spent their time in idleness, My Jesus, Mercy!
The poor who did not seek the treasures of Heaven, My Jesus, Mercy!
The tepid who devoted so little time to prayer, My Jesus, Mercy!
The indolent who neglected to perform good works, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those of little faith who neglected the frequent reception of the Sacraments, My Jesus, Mercy!
The habitual sinners who owe their salvation to a miracle of grace, My Jesus, Mercy!
Parents who failed to watch over their children, My Jesus, Mercy!
Superiors who were not solicitous for the salvation of those entrusted to them, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who strove for worldy riches and pleasures, My Jesus, Mercy!
The worldly minded who failed to use their wealth & talent in the service of God, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who witnessed the death of others, but would not think of their own, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who did not provide for the life hereafter, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those whose sentence is severe because of the great things entrusted to them, My Jesus, Mercy!
The most abandoned popes, kings, and rulers who veered from the Faith, My Jesus, Mercy!
The most abandoned bishops and their counselors who veered from the Faith, My Jesus, Mercy!
The most abandoned priests and religious who veered from the Faith, My Jesus, Mercy!
Those who shall die within the next twenty-four hours, My Jesus, Mercy!
Finally, my own poor soul when I shall have to appear before Thy judgment seat, My Jesus, Mercy!
LET US PRAY Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them: For evermore with Thy Saints, because Thou art gracious. May the prayer of Thy suppliant people, we beseech Thee, O Lord, benefit the souls of Thy departed servants and handmaids; that Thou mayest both deliver them from all their sins, and make them to be partakers of Thy redemption. Amen. Eternal Rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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Daily Pilgrimage to Purgatory
Origin of the Daily Pilgrimage to Purgatory
With the Permission of the Superiors
Purpose
The purpose of this Daily Pilgrimage to Purgatory is to obtain relief and deliverance from Purgatory for
the Holy Souls. Its secondary aim is to attain personal holiness, convert sinners, and acquire necessary
spiritual and temporal graces.
Background
In the writings of Saint Margaret Mary, we find the following exhortation:
"In union with the divine Heart of Jesus make a short pilgrimage to Purgatory at
night. Offer Him all your activities of the day and ask Him to apply His merits to
the suffering souls. At the same time, implore them to obtain for you the grace to
live and die in the love and friendship of this divine Heart. May He never find in
you any resistance to His holy will, or any wish to thwart His designs in your regard.
Fortunate will you be, if you succeed in obtaining deliverance for some of these
imprisoned souls, for you will gain as many friends in heaven."
This pious practice, which Saint Margaret Mary recommended to her novices for the octave of All
Souls, was introduced to the members of the Arch-confraternity of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in the
year 1885. Since then, many of the faithful have made this pilgrimage daily. Our worldwide Arch-
confraternity, therefore, would seem to have been chosen by divine Providence to obtain comfort and
deliverance for many souls in Purgatory.
In a letter of recommendation, given on January 5, 1884, his Eminence, Cardinal Monaco la Valette,
Vicar General of His Holiness, sanctioned the propagation of the "Daily Pilgrimage to Purgatory". On
October 8 of the following year, his successor, Cardinal Parochi deigned not only to honor us with a
letter of approbation, but also delivered a splendid sermon on this practice in the church of Our Lady of
the Sacred Heart in Rome, in which it had been introduced. May it please the divine Heart of Jesus to
use this booklet as a means of spreading this work of sympathetic love for all the Holy Souls. May this
most benevolent of hearts extend the fullness of His graces and blessings to all who, in any way, assist
in its circulation.
A Daily Pilgrimage deserves to be propagated. My Christian friends who read these lines, priests,
religious, or devout lay people, help to spread this devotion. It is so simple, and requires so little effort.
You will be rewarded for it. Let at least one tiny drop of water trickle into Purgatory every day. If
everyone does this, many souls will be released, and a refreshing stream of grace will flow without
ceasing through that prison of fire.
The table on the next page describes not only how important and advantageous "A Daily
Pilgrimage into Purgatory" can be but also how easy that pilgrimage can be.
Advantages of a Daily Pilgrimage
A DAILY
PILGRIMAGE IS:
A DAILY PILGRIMAGE TO PURGATORY:
SHORT
Requires little more of your time than an ordinary prayer, a religious
thought, or a devout ejaculation.
EASY
Can be practiced by anyone without effort, regardless of age or state of
life, at any time, and in any place.
COMFORTING
Requires no more than: 1) to descend in spirit for a few moments into
Purgatory, 2) to petition God to send light, relief and peace to the holy
souls to relieve them of their sufferings, and 3) to hasten the hour of their
deliverance.
HOLY
Is in accordance with the wishes of the Sacred Heart and increases His
honor. He is our companion on this pilgrimage. We share in his love and
receive from Him light, relief, and peace for the suffering souls.
GENEROUS
Offers to the Sacred Heart every meritorious deed performed in the
course of our day. This places our prayers, mortifications, good works,
alms, and suffrages of every kind at His disposal on behalf of the Holy
Souls.
INEXHAUSTIBLE
Implores Our Lord and Savior to apply to the Holy Souls the infinite
merits of His Life, His Passion, and His Death. It also implores the
Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and all The Saints to apply the merits
of their lives and suffering.
EFFICIENT
Relieves the sufferings of these holy souls so well, that they long for this
new "remedy." This is what Saint Margaret Mary calls devotion to the
Sacred Heart.
MERITORIOUS
Increases our own merits in the same measure as the pious thoughts it
inspires, the good disposition it creates, and the acts of virtue it prompts.
CONSTANT
Occurs during every moment of the day and night. Somewhere on earth
members of the Arch-confraternity of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
pray for our departed friends according to our intention via an
uninterrupted sequence of holy Masses, Stations of the Cross, good
works, prayers and indulgences. Those whose death we mourn will never
be forgotten.
CHURCH APPROVED
Approved by many bishops. His Eminence, the Cardinal Vicar of his
Holiness, has recommended it twice in a most explicit manner. The Holy
Father himself has deigned to bestow the richest privileges upon the altar
of the Holy Souls in the Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in
Rome.
FAVORED BY GOD
Numerous spiritual and temporal favors have manifested, again and
again, how pleasing this practice is to the Sacred Heart. One may use it
with confidence as a means of obtaining the conversion of a sinner, the
restoration of health, or a special grace. Very effective also is the
promise to promote this devotion if a petition is heard. If the Lord
rewards in this life the gift or a cup of cold water, given in His name to
the poor, He certainly will reward, even more generously, the help
offered for His sake to the Holy Souls.
SALUTARY
Ensures the perpetual gratitude of the Holy Souls, who will pray for us,
especially after their entrance into eternal happiness; in particular will
they endeavor to obtain for us the grace of a happy death.
Preparing for a Daily Pilgrimage to Purgatory
(Any of the following acts or a similar act will suffice.)
Prayer
O Saint Margaret Mary, whom the Lord has chosen to reveal to the whole world all the treasures hidden
in his merciful heart of Love! O thou who hast heard how the Holy Souls in Purgatory begged for this
new remedy, the devotion to the Sacred Heart which relieves them so effectively of their torments! O
thou who hast set free so many of these poor prisoners by practicing this devotion: obtain for us the
grace to make this Pilgrimage worthily in the company of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Amen.
Unite your own intentions with those of the faithful who make this pilgrimage daily.
Consecration of the Day
Divine Heart of Jesus, in making this pilgrimage with Thee as my Companion, I consecrate to Thee all
my thoughts, words and actions of the entire day. I pray Thee to unite my small merits with Thine and
to apply them to the Holy Souls, especially the soul of Thy servant, N.
Likewise, do I entreat you, holy souls, to help me obtain the grace to persevere in love and loyalty
toward the Sacred Heart, by submitting readily and without complaint to whatever designs He may have
in my regard.
Offering
Eternal Father, we offer Thee the Blood, Passion and Death of Jesus Christ and the sorrows of the most
holy Mary and Saint Joseph in payment for our sins, in suffrage for the holy souls in Purgatory, for the
wants of our Holy Mother the Church and for the conversion of Sinners. Amen.
Ejaculations
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere. 300 days
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, pray for us. 300 days
Saint Joseph, model and patron of those who love the Sacred Heart, pray for us. 300 days, Plenary
Indulgence, once a month
Preparatory Meditation
Let us, for a moment, in company with the Sacred Heart, descend in spirit into the consuming flames of
Purgatory.
How many of these souls are beginning their painful imprisonment this very moment! I know many of
them have been there for a long time and shall be there for a longer time to come! And what a holy
legion almost entirely purified and cleansed at the present moment, shall rise to heaven this very day!
How happy the Holy Souls are! They are friends of God and they have escaped hell forever.
Eventually, they are certain to obtain eternal happiness. Yet, they are still miserable. They must still
suffer temporal punishment for sins that have been already forgiven. The gates of their heavenly
fatherland are still closed to them; they are sentenced to expiating fire.
Behold them in their present plight! Listen to their lamentations! Speak a word of friendship and
sympathy to them and hasten to their assistance!
S U N D A Y
Holy soul in Purgatory, is there anything you regret when you think of your life on earth?
"I deeply regret wasted time. I did not consider it so precious, so fleeting, or so irretrievable. Wasted
time made my life worth only half of what is might have been. Oh, I wish I had only realized it then! If
only I could return to earth, how differently I would use the time given me! Oh, Precious, Time! Today
I know how to appreciate you. You were purchased with the blood of Christ! You were given to me for
the sole purpose of loving God, sanctifying myself, and edifying my neighbor. Alas, I abused you by
sinning. I craved vanity, pleasures, and trifles. I dreamed dreams that now cause me bitter reproaches
and remorse. Precious, Time Wasted, Time How heavily you weigh upon me now! How it grieves me to have lost you through my own fault! Fleeting time passes so quickly on earth, but drags...
so slowly in this prison of fire, in this place of excruciating torments ! Formerly, years seemed like days
to me. My whole life vanished like a dream. Hours now seem like years, and days like centuries. I
must now suffer, weep, and wait, until I redeem the last minute of wasted time. Oh, how long shall my
exile last! Oh, irretrievable, Time! I relied on my last years on earth to do penance; but the thread of
my life was severed at a moment when I expected it least! Oh, precious, Time! You were given to me
to acquire treasures and graces without number, but now you are lost for me forever."
"You, who still live on earth, do not waste the gift of time, which has cost Jesus such a high price, and
for which you too will have to suffer in Purgatory if you imitate our carelessness. You, who are
privileged to live during a time which is pre-eminently devoted to the Sacred Heart, during these last
centuries when He has revealed to the world His love in its fullness: intercede for us that we may obtain
the merits of at least one of these days, in which His grace is so freely and abundantly offered you."
Pious Exercises
Resolution. Today I will do everything possible to assist the souls of priests, religious and all those in
Purgatory who have been faithful to this devotion all their lives. I also recommend myself to those who
are entering heaven at this moment
Thought for the Day. The sufferings of the souls in Purgatory are so great that a single day appears to
them like a thousand years.
Exercise. Use a few moments of your time to make ejaculations in honor of the divine Heart for the
comfort and consolation of the Holy Souls.
Special Intention. Implore the divine Heart of Jesus to grant relief to the most forsaken soul in
Purgatory.
Motive. The greater the abandonment of a soul, the greater will be its gratitude towards you. That soul
will obtain for you the privilege that God will never abandon you through withdrawal of His grace, and
you will never abandon God by committing sin.
Prayers (any Prayers for the Holy Souls May be Used). Oh Lord God Almighty, I pray Thee, by the
Precious Blood that Thy divine Son Jesus shed in the garden, deliver the souls in Purgatory and
especially that soul which is most destitute of spiritual aid; and vouchsafe to bring it to Thy glory, there
to praise and bless Thee forever. Amen.
Our Father Hail Mary . . .
The Faithful who devoutly offer prayers for the Holy Souls, with the intention of doing so for 7 or 9
successive days, may obtain an indulgence of 3 years once each day.
A plenary indulgence on the usual condition at the end of their 7 or 9 days of prayer.
De Profundis Psalm 129. Out of the depths I have cried unto Thee, O Lord. Lord hear my voice. Let
Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If Thou, O Lord, shall mark our iniquities, O
Lord, who can abide it? For with Thee there is mercy; and by reason of Thy law, I have waited on Thee,
O Lord. My soul hath waited on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord. From the morning watch
even unto night, let Israel hope in the Lord. For with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him is plentiful
redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
3 years; 5 years every day in November. Plenary indulgence once a month.
Ejaculation. Sweet Heart of Jesus, make me love Thee ever more and more.
300 days. Plenary indulgence once a month.
M O N D A Y
Holy Souls in Purgatory, is there anything you regret when you think of your life on earth?
"I deeply regret my extravagance in the use of earthly possessions. My fortune, my health, my talent,
my position in the world, the influence I had, my relatives, my servants, in a word, everything could
have been of spiritual benefit to me if only I had known how to use it for the greater honor of the
Divine Heart. How many graces could I have drawn upon myself! This I neglected to do, and at the
hour of my death, all my possessions have come to naught. Oh, were I but rich today in these my
former possession! Would that I could use them to hasten even for one moment, the hour of my
deliverance; to increase, even by one degree, the glory which God has in store for me; to awaken if only
in one soul now living in the world, the devotion to the divine Heart of Jesus."
"My friends, your fortunes are still at your disposal. Use them for the support of your neighbor by
generously giving alms to the poor. Use them for the greater honor of God as pious offerings designated
for the propagation of the devotion to His Sacred Heart throughout the world.
Pious Exercises
Resolution. Today I will do everything possible to assist the souls of the faithful departed from all parts
of Europe. I also recommend myself to those who are entering heaven at this moment.
Thought for the day. "The gates of heaven are opened by alms." (Saint John Chrys. home 32 in Ep.
ad Heb.)
Exercise. Give alms for the propagation of the devotion to the divine Heart of Jesus.
Special Intention. Pray for the soul that is nearest to heaven.
Motive. The closer a soul is to the end of its sufferings, the more ardently it will long for union with the
Sacred Heart. Remove, therefore, by your prayers, the obstacles still in its way. In return, it will obtain
for you the grace to sever the ties that now prevent you from giving yourself entirely to God.
Prayer. O Lord God Almighty, I pray Thee, by the Precious Blood which Thy divine Son Jesus shed in
His cruel scourging, deliver the souls in Purgatory, and that soul especially which is nearest to its
entrance into Thy glory; that so it may forthwith begin to praise and bless Thee forever. Amen.
Our Father Hail Mary . . .
The Faithful who devoutly offer prayers for the Holy Souls, with the intention of doing so for 7 or 9
successive days, may obtain an indulgence of 3 years once each day.
A plenary indulgence on the usual condition at the end of their 7 or 9 days of prayer.
Ejaculation. Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation!
300 days. Plenary indulgence once a month.
T U E S D A Y
Holy Souls in Purgatory, is there anything you regret when you think of your life on earth?
"I deeply regret my neglect of so many splendid graces. I was offered graces in such abundance at
every moment of my life and with such loving admonitions: spiritual regeneration, vocation and
sacraments; word of God, holy inspirations and good examples; graces to protect me in danger, to help
me in temptations; the grace of forgiveness for my sins, and indulgences so easily gained. What an
incalculable number of the most incredible graces! Some of them I refused. Others I accepted with
coldness. Unfortunately, I misused most of them. I preferred earthly possessions to the eternal. How I
deceived myself! Oh, could I but for one moment quench my thirst at the fountains of mercy flowing
from the Sacred Heart! Unfortunately, sinner, spurn those fountains as I spurned them."
"You, who behold the inexhaustible stream of graces flow by, why do you not draw from it a few drops
for yourself!"
Consider what Saint Margaret Mary says: "It is certain that everyone on earth could obtain salutary
graces without number, if he but had a grateful love for Jesus Christ, such as is manifested by those who
love and venerate His Sacred Heart."
Pious Exercises
Resolution. Today I will do everything possible to assist the souls of the faithful departed from all parts
of Asia, particularly from Palestine and from countries infested with idolatry, schism and heresy. I also
recommend myself to those who are entering heaven at this moment.
Thought for the day. "The benefit of a single grace is greater than all the material value of the whole
world." (Saint Thomas 1, 2P, 113alXad.2.)
Exercise. To relieve the Holy Souls of their sufferings, I shall offer them today, by way of suffrage, the
benefit of some indulgence gained by prayers or some devotional exercise in honor of the divine Heart
of Jesus.
Special Intention. Pray for the soul in Purgatory that is farthest from eternal rest.
Motive. Let yourself be moved by the abandonment, resignation, and humility with which that soul
bears its long suffering: it will be grateful to you. Happy will you be, if it obtains for you the virtue of
humility in this world, so that you may be exalted in the next.
Prayer. O Lord Almighty, I pray Thee, by the Precious Blood shed by Thy divine Son Jesus in the bitter
crowning of thorns, please deliver the souls in Purgatory. Please especially deliver that soul that would
be the last to depart out of that place of suffering, so it might not tarry too long before it comes to praise
Thee in thy glory and bless Thee forever. Amen.
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in satisfaction for my sins, in supplication
for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and for the needs of the Holy Church.
Our Father Hail Mary . . .
The Faithful who devoutly offer prayers for the Holy Souls, with the intention of doing so for 7 or 9
successive days, may obtain an indulgence of 3 years once each day.
A plenary indulgence on the usual condition at the end of their 7 or 9 days of prayer.
Ejaculation. Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in satisfaction for my
sins, in supplication for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and for the needs of the Holy Church.
500 days. Plenary indulgence once a month if said daily.
W E D N E S D A Y
Holy Souls in n Purgatory, is there anything you regret when you think of your life on earth?
"I deeply regret the evil that I committed. In the world, evil seemed so easy, so pleasant. In the midst of
pleasures, I silenced the voice of conscience. Today my faults weigh me down; their bitterness torments
me; their memory persecutes and tortures me. Mortal sins, forgiven, but not atoned for, venial sins, and
small imperfections. It is too late to detest you in Purgatory! Just punishment must now take its course.
Oh, if I could return to life again! No promise, be it ever so tempting, no riches, no flattery could induce
me to commit even the smallest sin!"
"My friends, you who are still free to choose between God and the world, gaze upon the crown of
thorns, upon the cross, and upon all the sufferings your sins have brought upon the Sacred Heart! Think
of the sorrow these sins and faults will cause you in Purgatory and you will be able to avoid them
without effort."
If you long for the grace to resist Satan when he tempts you, consider what Saint Margaret Mary says.
"I cannot believe that persons consecrated to this divine Heart will ever be lost; neither do I believe that
they will fall into the hands of Satan by committing a mortal sin, after having given themselves entirely
to Him. For they will make every effort to honor, love, and glorify this divine Heart and to follow his
designs in their regard willingly and without reserve."
Pious Exercises
Resolution. Today I will do everything possible to assist the souls of the faithful departed from Africa,
particularly from those countries in Africa that were formerly Catholic, and are now returning to our
holy Faith. I also recommend myself to those who are entering heaven at this moment.
Thought for the day. "What doth it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and suffers the loss of his
own soul?" (Math. 16, 25.)
Exercise. Make an act of contrition in union with the souls in Purgatory and before the Sacred Heart.
Special intention. Pray for the soul richest in merits.
Motive. The more exalted a soul is in heaven, the more effective will be its request for true love of God
for you, without which there is no real merit.
Prayer. O Lord God Almighty, I pray Thee, by the Precious Blood shed by Thy divine Son Jesus in the
streets of Jerusalem, when He carried the Cross upon His sacred shoulders, please deliver the souls in
Purgatory. Please especially deliver that soul that is richest in merits before Thee, so in that throne of
glory that awaits it, it may magnify Thee and bless Thee forever. Amen.
Our Father Hail Mary . . .
The Faithful who devoutly offer prayers for the Holy Souls, with the intention of doing so for 7 or 9
successive days, may obtain an indulgence of 3 years once each day.
A plenary indulgence on the usual condition at the end of their 7 or 9 days of prayer.
Ejaculation. 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.
Seven years for each invocation. Plenary indulgence once a month.
T H U R S D A Y
Holy Souls in n Purgatory, is there anything you regret when you think of your life on earth?
"I deeply regret the scandal that I gave! Oh, if I had to grieve over my own faults only ... If only I
would have prevented, in the hour of my health, the disastrous consequences of the scandal of which I
was the cause. If only I could detain from this place of darkness the many souls that followed my sad
example and listened to my pernicious teachings! But, no! Through my fault, the evil goes on, and
perhaps, will spread over a period of years and centuries. Now, I have to give an account of all the sins
for which I am to blame! Oh, were I but able to let my sad ... words resound unto the ends of the earth
and to wander through the world as a preacher of penance! With what untiring zeal would I labor
among souls to estrange them from evil and return them to virtue."
"Oh, you my friends on earth, who come to visit me in this dark prison in order to let a ray of salutary
light shine upon me, you shall find in the Sacred Heart the surest and easiest way of bringing God back
to as many souls as I have led into sin by bad example! Tell them, "His divine Heart is a fortress and a
sanctuary for those who desire to escape divine justice by seeking refuge in Him. For the number of sins
committed at the present time is so great, they challenge a just Creator to punish the sinner swiftly and
severely."
Pious Exercises
Resolution. Today I will do everything possible to assist the souls of the faithful departed from North
and South America, especially those from my native town. I also recommend myself to those who are
entering heaven at this moment.
Thought for the day. "The Son of man will render to everyone according to his works." (Mathew 16.27).
Exercise. Give to someone a picture or a book treating of the Sacred Heart.
Special Intention. Pray for the soul that had the greatest devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Motive. That soul will obtain for you the grace to receive Holy Communion worthily at the hour of
death as a pledge of your eternal salvation.
Prayer. O Lord God Almighty, I pray Thee, by the Precious Blood of Thy divine Son Jesus, which He
gave with His own hands upon the eve of His Passion to His beloved Apostles to be their food and
drink, and which He left to His whole Church to be a perpetual sacrifice and live-giving food of His own
faithful people, deliver the souls in Purgatory. Please especially deliver that one soul that was most
devoted to this mystery of infinite love, that it may with Thy same divine Son, and with Thy Holy Spirit,
ever praise Thee for Thy love therein in eternal glory. Amen.
Our Father Hail Mary . . .
The Faithful who devoutly offer prayers for the Holy Souls, with the intention of doing so for 7 or 9
successive days, may obtain an indulgence of 3 years once each day.
A plenary indulgence on the usual condition at the end of their 7 or 9 days of prayer.
Ejaculation. My Jesus! Mercy!
300 days. Plenary indulgence once a month.
######################## F R I D A Y #########################
Holy Souls in n Purgatory, is there anything you regret when you think of your life on earth?
"I deeply regret my neglect of acts of mortification. How easy they would have been on earth, but how
difficult they are now in Purgatory. Here the smallest suffering is more poignant than the crudest
torments on earth. In the world, it meant only patience and resignation in the hardships and adversities
of my life. It meant only giving from my surplus to the poor, and devoting myself to works of
atonement. It meant only gaining Indulgences and performing works of piety. Nothing could have been
easier, and my Purgatory would have been shortened considerably. If God would but grant me the grace
to exchange the years during which I must still ... remain in this place of sorrow for as many years of life
on earth! No commands would be too severe for me; no pains could frighten me; the most difficult
works of penance would be sweet and give me comfort at the thought of this consuming fire."
"You, who now smart under the insignificant trials and hardships of this life, you who now earn your
daily bread by the sweat of your brow, rejoice! The smallest suffering endured in the spirit of atonement
and offered to the Sacred Heart in the spirit of expiation will save you from a long and painful
Purgatory!"
Pious Exercises
Resolution. Today I will do everything possible to assist the souls of the faithful departed from the far
distant countries of Oceania, particularly from the most difficult, severely tried Catholic mission
districts. I also recommend myself to those who are entering heaven at this moment.
Thought for the day. "Bring forth therefore worthy fruits of penance." (Luke 3, 8.)
Exercise. Offer to the Sacred Heart a little act of mortification for the relief of the suffering souls in
Purgatory.
Special Intention. Pray for the souls for which you are most bound to pray.
Motive. If you are indebted to these souls by an obligation of justice, do not postpone it, because this
may call down the wrath of God upon yourself.
Prayer. O Lord God Almighty, I pray Thee, by the Precious Blood that Thy divine Son shed on this day
upon the wood of the cross, especially from His most sacred hands and feet, deliver the souls in
Purgatory. Please especially deliver that one soul for which I am most bound to pray; that no neglect of
mine may hinder it from praising Thee in Thy glory and from blessing Thee forever. Amen.
Our Father Hail Mary . . .
The Faithful who devoutly offer prayers for the Holy Souls, with the intention of doing so for 7 or 9
successive days, may obtain an indulgence of 3 years once each day.
A plenary indulgence on the usual condition at the end of their 7 or 9 days of prayer.
Ejaculation. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine.
500 days. Plenary indulgence once a month.
############################ S A T U R D A Y ############################
Holy Souls in Purgatory, is there anything you regret when you think of your life on earth?
"I deeply regret the little amount of charity I have shown towards the Holy Souls during my life on
earth. I could have been of such great service to them, since a Catholic can bring so much light and
peace to these poor, suffering prisoners. I could have helped them by my prayers, mortifications, alms,
good works, holy communions, and holy Masses. I could have had Masses said for the Holy Souls or I
could have attended Masses celebrated in honor of the Sacred Heart and offered them for the Holy
Souls. I would have obtained numerous graces that would have made it easier for me to avoid sin.
Moreover, I would have deserved a much shorter and ... less painful Purgatory, and now I would receive a
much greater share in the prayers that are said for us wherever there are Catholics. Oh, could I but
return to the world to help the Holy Souls! I certainly would interest myself in their sad plight! What
devout prayers would I say for them! How solicitous I would be to awaken in the faithful the tenderest
sympathy and pity for them."
Pious Exercises
Resolution. Today I will do everything possible to assist the souls of the faithful departed from the
missions of the World. I also recommend myself to those who are entering heaven at this moment.
Thought for the day. The guilt-burdened brothers of innocent Joseph spoke to one another, "We
deserve to suffer these things, because we have sinned against our brother, seeing the anguish of his
soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore, this affliction has come upon us." (Gen.
42,21).
Exercise. Spread, as much as possible, the devotion "Daily Pilgrimage to Purgatory." The Holy Souls
will be grateful to you.
Special Intention. Pray for the soul that had the greatest devotion to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.
Motive. In praying for that devoted soul, you cause the Mother of God great delight. She will obtain for
you, through the intercession of that soul, the grace of a true devotion to the Sacred Heart.
Prayer. O Lord God Almighty, I beseech Thee, by the Precious Blood that gushed forth from the side of
Thy Divine Son Jesus, in the sight of, and to the extreme pain of His most Holy Mother, deliver the
souls in Purgatory. Please, especially deliver the soul that was the most devout to Our Lady of the
Sacred Heart and Queen of Heaven, that it may soon attain unto Thy glory, there to praise Thee in her,
and her in Thee, world without end. Amen.
Our Father Hail Mary . . .
The Faithful who devoutly offer prayers for the Holy Souls, with the intention of doing so for 7 or 9
successive days, may obtain an indulgence of 3 years once each day.
A plenary indulgence on the usual condition at the end of their 7 or 9 days of prayer.
Ejaculation. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, pray for us!
300 Days -
The Heroic Act of Charity
In Favor of the Holy Souls in Purgatory
The Heroic Act of Charity is the most beautiful and most effective manifestation of devotion to the Holy
Souls, as well as of love of God and neighbor in general. For you who have not made it yet, we give the
following explanation.
Purpose of the Heroic Act of Charity
The heroic act of charity on behalf of the souls in Purgatory consists of a voluntary offering, made
by one of the faithful in their favor, of all works of satisfaction done in this life, as well as of all
suffrages that will be offered after death. By this act, the faithful person deposits all these works and
suffrages into the hands of the Blessed Virgin, so she can distribute them on behalf of those holy souls
whom it is her good pleasure to deliver from the pains of Purgatory. At the same time, the faithful
person declares that by this personal offering he or she forgoes on their behalf only the special and
personal benefit of those works of satisfaction. Therefore, if he is a priest, he will not be hindered from
applying the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass according to the intention of those who give him alms for that
purpose.
Every meritorious act performed in the state of sanctifying grace and with a good intention, gains for us
the following spiritual privileges:
• An increase in sanctifying grace and heavenly glory.
• Many graces of body and soul for ourselves and for others.
• Remission of temporal punishment for our sins. (Only this third fruit, the satisfactory or expiatory
part of the works that we accomplish is conceded or applied to the souls in Purgatory, whereas the
fruit of merit and impetration (of prayer), remains ours. The heroic act therefore does not prevent us
from praying for ourselves or for others, and it does not prevent others from sharing in our good
works.)
Remarks Regarding the Heroic Act of Charity
In making the heroic act and desiring to gain the indulgences attached to it, one foregoes in truth and in
fact, without reservation of any kind, and without exception, the special and personal benefits of all
works of satisfaction and suffrage, and deposits them as a voluntary offering to God in the hands of the
Blessed Virgin.
This act of charity is not a vow and does not bind under sin. It may be revoked at any time. It stands to
reason, however, that, by doing so, one can no longer gain the indulgences attached to the heroic act.
Indulgences from the Heroic Act of Charity
Priests who have made this offering may enjoy the benefits of the privileged altar personally every day
of the year.
All the faithful who have made this act may gain:
1. A plenary indulgence applicable only to the departed, every day that they receive Holy
Communion, provided they visit a church or public oratory and pray for the intention of the
Sovereign Pontiff.
2. The faithful will gain a plenary indulgence every Monday, if they hear Mass in suffrage for the
souls in Purgatory and fulfill the usual conditions. Sick people, old people, those living in the
country, travelers, prisoners, and so forth, who cannot hear Mass on Monday may offer to this end
that of Sunday.
3. All indulgences granted, or to be granted, and gained by the faithful who have made this offering,
are applicable to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, even when this faculty is not stated in the formula or
decree of the concession of such indulgences.
Motives for Making the Heroic Act of Charity
1. You gain many indulgences.
2. Innumerable souls are quickly released from Purgatory. Heaven is filled with new saints, who will
glorify and praise God for all eternity, on your behalf.
3. You will gain the special love of the Holy Trinity, of Our Savior, and of all the saints and you have
the promise of Our Lord applied to you. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
(Math. 5,7.)
4. After you have made the heroic act, the Holy Souls will become your debtors. In Heaven they will
labor that you may not be lost, that you shall not suffer Purgatory at all, or at least that you be
released from it soon.
5. The Blessed Virgin receives an increase of veneration, since she will be proclaimed, loved, and
invoked as the most loving Queen of the Holy Souls and sweet dispenser of our merits to them.
There can be no doubt that 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.
Unnecessary Apprehension Regarding the Heroic Act of Charity
Do not be afraid that you will suffer any loss by this act of charity. Neither need you fear that you
yourself will be in danger of having to endure a long and painful Purgatory. On the contrary, you can
only gain by it, since you will enjoy the special love of the Most Holy Trinity, of Our Savior, of the
Blessed Virgin, and of all the saints. Who shall fare better in the end? He who relies solely on justice of
God? ... or he who heroically offers his merits to the Holy Souls and trusts entirely in God’s infinite
mercy and generosity? The latter without a doubt. In making the heroic act of charity, therefore, you
have nothing to fear for yourself; you can only gain by it.
Nor need you fear that the souls of your relatives, friends, and benefactors will be slighted in the least.
The Blessed Virgin does not distribute arbitrarily the good works offered for the Holy Souls, but
according to that measure of charity and justice that God himself employs in the distribution of His
graces. She will therefore favor with your merits preferably those souls towards whom you have special
obligations.
Many persons, distinguished by their position, learning, and holiness, have made this heroic act in favor
of the Holy Souls and will not regret it in eternity. Follow their example, and likewise offer the atoning
merits of your good works for the comfort and deliverance of the Holy Souls.
No special formula for making the heroic act is prescribed. For your convenience, however, we
herewith give the formula taken from the works of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori. Its briefness lends itself
to a frequent and profitable renewal of this act.
The Heroic Act of Charity
"Oh my God, in union with the merits of Jesus and Mary, I offer Thee for the souls
in Purgatory, all my satisfactory works, as well as those which may be applied to me
by others during my life, and after my death. And, so as to be more agreeable to the
Divine Heart of Jesus and more helpful to the departed, I place them all in the
hands of the merciful Virgin Mary."
Invocations for the Holy Souls
We beseech Thee, O Lord, help the souls detained in the fire of Purgatory,
whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.
Dear Lord Jesus, grant them (or him) eternal rest.
300 days.
A Pious Union of Prayer
Privileges
a. Special protection of the Sacred Heart. The Sacred Heart considers every act of charity towards
the Holy Souls as done to Him.
b. Gratitude of the souls in Purgatory. "If only you knew," writes Saint Margaret Mary, "with what
great longing these holy souls yearn for this new remedy, which relieves them so effectively of
their sufferings. For this is what they call true devotion to the Sacred Heart, especially the
sacrifice of the Holy Mass offered in His honor."
c. A share in the prayers and good works of the associates.
d. The departed members of this "Pious Union," particularly those who have been specially
recommended, receive unceasingly the fruits of the numerous holy Masses, offered for the
intention of this association.
Its Obligations
a. Promise without binding yourself in conscience, to meditate every day, no matter how briefly, on
Purgatory or some other pious practice; for example, on some ejaculatory prayer to which
indulgences applicable to the Holy Souls are attached.
b. If possible, once a year, have a Mass said for the intention of this Pious Union. Offer for the same
intention all the masses you attend, all the Holy Communions you receive, all the good works you
perform, particularly those that have for their purpose the veneration of the Sacred Heart.
Other Ideas
Help to spread the devotion to the Sacred Heart, so dear and beneficial to the suffering souls.
Distribute "Daily Pilgrimage to Purgatory."
Indulgenced Prayers
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in satisfaction for my sins, and in
supplication for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and for the needs of the Holy Church.
500 days. Plenary Indulgence once a month if said daily.
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation!
300 days. Plenary Indulgence once a month if said daily.
My Jesus mercy!
300 days. Plenary Indulgence once a month if said daily
Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like unto Thine!
500 days, once a day. Plenary indulgence once a month if said daily
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere!
300 days.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, pray for us!
300 days.
Saint Joseph, Model and Patron of those who love the Sacred Heart, pray for us
300 days. Plenary Indulgence once a month.
Nihil Obstat:
MA. SCHUMACHER,
Censor Librorum,
August 15, 1933
Imprimatur:
EDWARD F. HOBAN
Bishop of Rockford
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Prayers for the Month of the Holy Souls
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