The Holy Souls in Purgatory

Since the 16th century the month of November has been dedicated to praying for the souls in purgatory. We continue our prayers for them each day this month.

As we have learned, the Holy Souls are those who have died in the state of grace but who are not yet free from all punishment due to their unforgiven venial sins and all other sins already forgiven, however the satisfaction for them has not been made. First, they must suffer in Purgatory but they are promised to eternally rest in Heaven thereafter. The Holy Souls cannot help or pray for themselves and they must rely on others for prayer(John 9:4). We are part of the Communion of Saints with these poor holy souls and should consider it a blessing to pray for those brothers and sisters who have gone before us and are in purgatory. We can shorten their time in purgatory--their separation from God by our prayers, sacrifices, good works, and, especially, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.


Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine agony in the Garden, in Thy scourging and crowning with thorns, in the way to Calvary, in Thy crucifixion and death, have mercy on the souls in purgatory, and especially on those that are most forsaken; do Thou deliver them from the dire torments they endure; call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in paradise. Our Father, Hail Mary, Eternal rest, etc.

FOR ALL THE DECEASED By Thy resurrection from the dead, O Christ, death no longer hath dominion over those who die in holiness. So, we beseech Thee, give rest to Thy servants in Thy sanctuary and in Abraham's bosom. Grant it to those, who from Adam until now have adored Thee with purity, to our fathers and brothers, to our kinsmen and friends, to all men who have lived by faith and passed on their road to Thee, by a thousand ways, and in all conditions, and make them worthy of the heavenly kingdom. (Byzantine Liturgy)