The souls in purgatory need our help. They are no longer able to merit for themselves, and it is only through the prayers of the Church Militant that they can be released from their torments. We are assured by our Holy Faith that they will be eternally grateful to those who pray for their release. But few Catholics pray for them in this time of weakening faith, so the responsibility to help them falls more heavily on the shoulders of those of us who will accept it.
The holy souls can be one of our secret weapons. We must remember that their prayers for us are heard by God, so they can be very powerful allies while we yet struggle in this valley of tears. In addition, to pray for the dead is one of the spiritual works of mercy.
The whole month of November is dedicated to the holy souls. The novena begins on the first day of the month, the feast of All Saints, and ends on November 9th, the feast of the dedication of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome, which is also known as the Basilica of the Holy Savior. It follows almost immediately after the Novena to Christ the King and is the last novena of the liturgical year.
The intention of the novena: We pray for the early release of holy souls from their sufferings, and their entrance into the Beatific Vision. This intention is stated in the prescribed prayers.
The form of the novena:
1) Prayer of Saint Gertrude (see below)
2) Say the prayer of the Church for the deceased:
V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
R. Amen.
3) Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
Prayer of Saint Gertrude
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son Jesus in union with the Masses said throughout the world today. I offer them for all the holy souls in purgatory, and for sinners everywhere; for sinners in the universal Church, for those in my own home and within my family. Amen.
