Traditional Prayers for the Faithful Departed
November is traditionally the Month of the Holy Souls - the souls of those who died in a state of grace, but who are enduring the unimaginable punishments of Purgatory to expiate the guilt for their sins committed in this life. These souls are unable to help themselves to shorten their stay in Purgatory, but we can assist them.
It is a most traditional Catholic practice to pray and offer sacrifices for the Holy Souls, and the Catholic Church has always urged us to do so. We should remember that the merciful Catholic Doctrine of Purgatory was the first to be attacked by the protestants in the Reformation in England and the monasteries and chantries dedicated to this act of charity were suppressed. Nowadays too, how often do you hear the Holy Souls mentioned? When did you last hear a sermon on the subject? Our ancestors and brethren in the Faith should not be forgotten.
This splendid little prayer book, just published by the St. Catherine's Trust, contains many traditional prayers for the Faithful Departed, and makes the duty of praying for the Holy Souls very straightforward. Includes Invocations, Psalms, Devout Exercises, the Heroic Act of Charity (fully explained), prayers for every day of the week, prayers to Our Lady and the Angels for the Faithful Departed, etc. plus an appendix for recording anniversaries of deaths. Includes a note on Indulgences attached to the prayers and devotions.Perfect for November or any time of the year.
