By Nathan Ledoux
As Catholics, we believe that Purgatory is the place that our souls go to on their way home to the heavenly majesty with God. It is a place of purification for the souls that are almost ready to go into heaven, but haven’t quite made it, yet. The Church asks us to pray for these souls, especially during the month of November, the month of souls.
Purgatory, although not our final destination, is a beautiful image for those of us on earth, because we can offer our prayers, sufferings, and pains for the souls- to help them through Purgatory, and get home to the Lord! Parishes offer their parishioners the opportunity to offer Masses for their deceased loved ones, so that their souls may advance along their pilgrim way. We can offer our sufferings, and also earn indulgences for those who have past from this life, who are unable to pray for themselves. So, we should pray for the souls of our loved ones: family members, friends, and all of the faithful departed who are in need of purification, that they may enter the Kingdom of Heaven more quickly!
Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace! Amen.
Peace in Christ, Nathan Ledoux
