The Catholic Church has always offered prayers and Masses for the dead and considers it a spiritual work of mercy. The Holy Souls in Purgatory are the souls of those who have died in the love of Christ but who must yet pass through a period of final purgation, or spiritual cleansing of their sinful attachments, before entering the perfection of heaven. They are the "Faithful Departed" and as such they are an active part of the mystical body of Christ known as the "Church Suffering." Because of their pains we must pray and make sacrifices for them, especially for those we have known and loved, so that they will enter heaven more speedily. These Catholic gifts will help you learn more about the Holy Souls, teach you how to pray for them, and how to increase a devotion to them.