Even though All Souls Day has passed, we should continue to pray for the Holy Souls in purgatory.
In fact, the Church dedicates the entire month of November to these suffering souls, urging us to remember them in our prayers.
Here are 5 ways to pray for the Holy Souls this month:
1. Visit a Cemetery (and Gain a Plenary Indulgence!)
One of the most impactful acts of prayer for the Holy Souls is visiting a cemetery, where a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Holy Souls, is available each day from November 1st – November 8th. A plenary indulgence removes all temporal punishment due to sin, so it is a wonderful gift to give to the Holy Souls. To gain the indulgence, follow these steps:
- Visit a cemetery and pray for the deceased.
- Fulfill the usual conditions for a plenary indulgence: go to Confession, receive Holy Communion, pray for the intentions of the pope (for example, an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be), and be free from all attachment to sin, even venial sin.
The confession may be completed within a few weeks before or after the indulgenced work and can count for a number of plenary indulgences.
Holy Communion and the prayers for the Holy Father must be done for each work (preferably on the day of the work, but they can be done several days before or after).
2. Pray the Rosary or Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Both the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy are powerful ways to intercede for the souls in purgatory. The Rosary brings the consolation of our loving Blessed Mother to souls in need. Similarly, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, especially when prayed at 3 p.m. (the Hour of Mercy), is a plea for God’s mercy on all souls, especially those suffering purification.
3. Offer the Sacrifice of the Mass
Attending Mass is one of the greatest acts of charity we can perform for the deceased. The Holy Mass is the most powerful prayer because it is Christ offering Himself, the most perfect Sacrifice, to the Father. You can even arrange for Masses to be offered specifically for deceased loved ones or for the forgotten souls in purgatory. You can also offer your reception of Holy Communion up for a soul in need.
4. Perform Acts of Sacrifice and Charity
We can also aid the Holy Souls by offering up sacrifices and acts of charity, such as fasting, abstaining from favorite foods, or giving alms. Any small sacrifice can become a source of grace for these souls when we offer it with love.
5. Pray the “Eternal Rest” Prayer
The “Eternal Rest” prayer is a traditional and simple way to remember the Holy Souls. You can pray it anytime, especially when passing by a cemetery or in moments of quiet:
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.
In this month of November, let’s remember our connection to the Holy Souls and dedicate our prayers, sacrifices, and Masses for them. Our prayers can truly make a difference, hastening their entrance into the eternal joy of heaven, where they will surely intercede for us in turn.
Remind yourself to pray for these suffering souls this month and throughout the year with this Holy Souls Rosary Bracelet. Inspired by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich’s vision of purgatory, where she saw souls moving from darkness into light as she prayed for them, this rosary bracelet features stunning agate, Swarovski crystal, and silver beads. Additionally, with its St. Michael medal, this bracelet will help you fight your own spiritual battles during your life so that you arrive at your death prepared! Order yours today from The Catholic Company!
