PRAY FOR THE POOR SOULS

By Rev. H. Fischer, S.V.D.

Translated by Isabel Garahan

ONE REQUEST ONLY

When St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine, was on her death-bed, she made the following request of her priest son:
"Remember my soul at the Altar of God!" It is thus with our dear departed ones also and with all the Poor Souls in
Purgatory. They have only this one favour to ask of us. They do not ask for a fine obituary notice proclaiming their
renown ; they do not ask for a magnificent tombstone or beautiful wreaths. No, for they are completely indifferent to
such things in Eternity. There they have only one desire: "Remember us in your prayers!" Our prayers for the Poor
Souls help the dead and console the living.
We are all united to the Poor Souls since we belong to the "Communion of Saints," and hence we can make
reparation for them vicariously by procuring for them the means of grace provided by the holy Church. Our prayers of
intercession, the holy sacrifice of the Mass, holy Communion; all are means of procuring real and efficacious help for
the Poor Souls, mitigating their suffering, lessening the time of their exile and opening the gate of Heaven to them.
This is merciful love it brings them consolation, help and happiness. If we want to show our departed friends and all
Poor Souls in Purgatory our true love for them, we cannot do this in any better way than by praying for them. The
more zealous our prayers, the more real and efficacious is our love for them.
Moreover, the best consolation we can offer to the Living is to pray for their Dead. For prayer is heavenly comfort
to those who mourn for their departed ones. Prayer forms a bridge over the chasm made by death and thus unites us to
our dear ones. Finally, we can continue to show them our love by praying for them ; we can be truly kind to them in a
practical way and perform many services of love for them. Diligent prayer for the Poor Souls will procure for us the
eternal gratitude of these Souls as well as God's mercy towards us when one day we find ourselves among the "Poor
Souls."

PRAYERS AT MASS—FOR THE POOR SOULS IN HONOUR OF THE SUFFERING HEART OF JESUS

AT THE INTROIT
O Divine Saviour, Who art about to offer through the hands of Thy priest in an unbloody manner on the altar the
merciful sacrifice of Thy death on the cross, grant us the grace to assist devoutly at this holy sacrifice.
All for Thee, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus!
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 203.)
Most Sacred Heart, we firmly resolve during this holy Mass to be mindful of that holy love which Thy Divine
Heart has shown to us and all mankind in Thy bitter passion and death.
All for Thee, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus!
How great is the merciful love for souls felt by this Sacred Heart which suffered so much for the salvation of souls
and continues to offer itself for them on our altars!
All for Thee, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus!
We desire to learn from this Divine Heart and to imitate Its compassionate love of souls. Therefore we offer up this
holy Mass and all the indulgences we obtain thereby for the peace of our dear ones (especially N.-).
O Divine Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying, deliver the Holy Souls in Purgatory!
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 198.)

AT THE KYRIE ELEISON AND THE GLORIA

O God, Our Father in Heaven, Refuge and Protector of Thy children, for the sake of the agony unto death suffered
by the Divine Heart of Thy Beloved Son, have mercy on the suffering souls in Purgatory and deliver them from their
agony!
 Lord, have mercy on them!
O God the Son, Redeemer and Saviour of all mankind, for the sake of the indescribable sufferings of Thy Divine
Heart, deliver the souls of our departed ones from their prison and open to them the gates of Thy heavenly kingdom!
Christ, have mercy on them!
O God the Holy Ghost, Thou who dost sanctify and make perfect our souls, for the sake of the merits of the Divine
Heart of Jesus, sanctify and purify from every stain those souls still suffering atonement in Purgatory, that they may
become worthy to be numbered among Thy saints!
Lord have mercy on them!

AT THE COLLECT AND THE EPISTLE

O Jesus Christ, omnipotent Son of God, Who hast power over Heaven and earth, over death and life, because of the
love of Thy Sacred Heart, Thou hast permitted Thyself to be bound in order to set us free from the bonds of our sins
and thus obtain for us the freedom of the children of God.
Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make our hearts like unto Thy Heart!
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 196.)
I implore Thee, O my Saviour, through the merits of Thy passion, through the mercy of Thy Sacred Heart, have
pity on the Poor Souls who are still bound by the fetters of temporal punishment for sin. Loose their bonds and
mercifully deliver them from their imprisonment!
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come!
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 197.)
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, infinitely merciful towards all who implore Thee, deliver the suffering souls from the
place of their exile! And admit them to the abode of Light and happiness which by Thy bitter passion Thou hast
merited for them.
Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, inflame our hearts with love of Thee!
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 194.)

AT THE GOSPEL
O Jesus Thou art so cruelly scourged, Thou dost wear a terrible crown of thorns, bear the ignominious cross to
Golgotha and suffer a bloody death between two thieves.
Sweet Heart of my Jesus, grant that I may ever love Thee more! (300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 193.)
O my Saviour, in Thy bitter passion, most painful of all were the awful ignominy and shame, the insults and
desecration inflicted on Thee by the contempt of Thy Divinity and holiness.
Sweet Heart of my Jesus, grant that I may ever love Thee more!
How profound was the suffering of Thy pure tender Heart which received only ingratitude and scorn in return for its
unchanging love and which through the ingratitude of men was plunged into an abyss of suffering and consumed by
the fire of its wounded love.
Sweet Heart of my Jesus, grant that I may ever love Thee more!
O Divine Saviour, we implore Thee, to offer to Thy Father in Heaven the exceeding great and meritorious sufferings
of Thy most Sacred Heart for the release of the souls from the place of their purification!
Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Light of the world, I adore Thee, for Thee I live, for Thee I die. Amen.
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 6o.)

AT THE OFFERTORY
Jesus, Lamb of God Who takest away the sins of the world, Thou wast condemned to death at the will of the
godless people and the sentence of death was pronounced upon Thee by the unjust judge. Thy Divine Heart received
this unjust sentence submissively and in silence and willingly offered the great sacrifice of Thy life that we might be
preserved from the awful punishment of eternal death.
My Jesus Mercy (300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 55.)
 Today, urged by the mercy in Thy Heart, Thou dost descend upon our altar to continue Thy sacrifice for the
salvation of souls and to purify them by Thy Divine Blood.
My Jesus, Mercy!
We beseech Thee, therefore, O Divine Saviour, to offer Thy sacrifice to our Heavenly Father for the souls in the
flames of Purgatory. Intercede for them with Our Father and let Him see how willingly Thou didst consummate Thy
bloody sacrifice on Golgotha for these souls also.
My Jesus, Mercy!
Then the Father will accept Thy expiation for these souls who are so dear to us and forgive in full the debt they
were unable to pay during their mortal life, that so they may enter the abode of eternal peace.
My Jesus, Mercy!

AT THE PREFACE
To Thee, O Divine Saviour, we lift up our hearts. We give Thee thanks for Thy goodness and mercy which Thou
hast shown to us in Thy most sacred passion and death. To Thee be eternal praise and glory for ever.
Glory, love and thanksgiving be to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus! (300 days. Pieces et Pia Opera, n. 200.)
But the voices of those dear ones are not with ours as we send up to Heaven our thanks and praises ; for they can
only sigh and lament in Purgatory. They, too, long to take part in the hymns of thanksgiving sung by the Blessed in
Heaven and worthily to praise the love of Thy merciful Heart, O Jesus! Then deign to open the gate of their prison to
those Poor Souls (especially N.-) that they may joyfully take part in our homage!
Glory, love and thanksgiving be to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus!
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Sabaoth! Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is
He that cometh in the Name of the Lord ! Hosanna in the highest.

AT THE SECRET
Most merciful Jesus Who during Thy sacred passion prayed without ceasing to Thy Father and placed before Him
the ardent desires of Thy Heart. We now follow Thy example and with recollected hearts pray that we may worthily
assist at Thy sacrifice of the Cross here offered in an unbloody manner.
Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee!
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 195.)
O Jesus, we here unite ourselves with the dispositions and intentions of Thy Divine Heart that our prayers may be
sanctified and rendered pleasing to the Heavenly Father and that we may be worthy to be heard.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee!
Above all let us be mindful in our prayers of the souls of our brothers and sisters who died in the state of
sanctifying grace and hence are secure in Thy love for all eternity, but who are still denied the happiness of beholding
Thy countenance and are enduring their purification. O Sacred Heart, remember them and have mercy on them!
Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee!
O my Saviour, Son of God and Redeemer of all the souls who are united to Thee in faith, hope and charity, we
place our trust in the mercy of Thy Sacred Heart. Thou art now about to descend upon the altar, here to offer Thyself a
sacred Holocaust even as Thou didst offer Thyself up at Golgotha. We beseech Thee, O Divine Saviour, to bestow on
the Poor Souls the merits and fruits of Thy sacrifice.
Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee!
We beseech Thee, O Jesus, during the Consecration to let the blessings of Thy sacred passion and death descend
upon the Poor Souls in Purgatory and to grant them the peace they so ardently desire.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee!

AT THE CONSECRATION
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 184.)
Our Father. Hail Mary.
 FROM THE CONSECRATION TO THE COMMUNION
O Jesus, our Resurrection and our Life, Who when departing from this world, in the love of Thy Sacred Heart,
didst leave us Thy Flesh and Blood for our Meat and Drink, we humbly beseech Thee by this Thy everlasting love, to
have mercy on the Poor Souls (especially N.-, N.-). Lead them to the Source of Life that they may soon be refreshed at
Thy table in Thy Kingdom.
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest!
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 537.)
O Jesus, Redeemer and Sanctifier of men afflicted unto death and covered with the blood and sweat of fear on
account of the sins of men, for the sake of the sorrow and affliction of Thy Heart, let Thy precious Blood sanctify the
Poor Souls (especially N.-, N.-), save them from their suffering and wash away their tears.
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest!
O Jesus, Lord and King, Who for our salvation hast permitted Thyself to be taken, bound scourged and crowned
with thorns, we beseech Thee for the sake of all Thy suffering and the sacrificial love of Thy patient Heart, let the
merits of Thy bitter passion be mercifully applied to the Poor Souls (especially N.-, N.-), and admit them into the
glory of Thy eternal love.
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest!
O Jesus, our Intercessor with the Father, Thou Who of Thy own free will accepted and bore with the unjust
sentence of death that we might be saved from the sentence of eternal death, for the sake of this exceeding great
sacrificial love of Thy Heart, have mercy on the Poor Souls (especially N.-, N.-); free them from all punishment due to
their sins and admit them into the communion of Thy saints.
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest!
O Jesus, Divine Gate of Paradise Who on the Cross didst permit Thy Most Sacred Heart to be pierced with a lance
that all should see in Thy Sacred Heart the source of peace and grace, we implore Thee by this sacred wound,. have
mercy on the Poor Souls (especially N.-, N.-), and let them hear the consoling words: "This day Thou shalt be with Me
in Paradise!"
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest!

AT THE COMMUNION
Jesus most kind, the love of Thy Sacred Heart has left us the all holy Sacrament of the altar as the most precious
fruit of Thy agonising passion and death. In this Sacrament Thou dost bestow upon us Thy most sacred Flesh and
Blood, Thyself with Thy most merciful Heart as a pledge of our eternal union with Thee in the joys of Heaven.
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, on fire with love of us, inflame our hearts with love of Thee !
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 235.)
The Poor Souls in Purgatory also long ardently for eternal union with Thee, O Jesus. Still their longing and lead
them from the place of hunger and suffering to the joy of Thy House and the abundance of Thy heavenly banquet.
Have mercy upon those souls especially who are closely bound to us and unite them to Thy Merciful Heart in the
joyous Repast of Holy Communion. Then they will join with the angels and the chosen ones in praise and
thanksgiving for the goodness and love of Thy Sacred Heart.
Eucharistic Heart of Jesus on fire with love of us, inflame our hearts with love of Thee.
O God, our heavenly Father, we offer up to Thee this holy sacrifice of the Mass for the souls of our departed ones
and we beseech Thee by the passion and death of Thy Son, to procure for these Souls the merits of the most precious
Blood that flowed from the Heart of Jesus, that all the sins not yet expiated may be thus atoned for ; and that they may
be clothed in Thy abundant graces and the glory of Thy light.

AT THE LAST GOSPEL

Psalm 129: Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord: Lord hear my voice.
Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand it.
 For with thee there is merciful forgiveness and by reason of Thy law, I have waited for thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on his word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy: and with him plentiful redemption.
And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
(3 years. Plenary, under usual conditions for daily recitation during a whole month. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 539)
"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord! and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen."
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 536.)

PRAYERS FOR COMMUNION

—FOR THE POOR SOULS.

BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION

Here before Thy altar, O my God, I am moved with profound sorrow for the Poor Souls, especially those who were
dear to me in this life. As nothing defiled can enter Heaven, all those who departed from this world having still to
suffer temporal punishment due to their sins are detained in Purgatory. These souls are suffering the painful torments
of the fires of Purgatory even while they long to behold Thy eternal Countenance.
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest!
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 537.)
O my God, I fervently desire that these souls to whom I am profoundly indebted, may soon be delivered from their
sufferings and received into the happiness of Heaven. In Thy infinite mercy, Thou dost accept our good works in
satisfaction for the Poor Souls who cannot help themselves. Therefore I desire to come to their aid by my intercession
as far as lies in my power.
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest.
O Jesus, Thou didst open up to us the richest source of blessing in Thy most holy sacrament. The holy springs of
grace which Thou has merited for us on the cross continually flow, cleansing our souls and making propitiation for all
the sins not yet atoned for. I hasten now to this most holy source of grace that by devout holy Communion I may
obtain salvation for my soul and consolation for the suffering souls, especially N.-, N.-.
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest.
O most gracious Virgin Mary, I place in Thy hands all the merits and indulgences I shall gain to-day, beseeching
Thee to apply them, enriched by the treasures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Thy merits, to the Poor Souls, for
whom I offer up this holy Communion.
Mother of Love, of Sorrow and of Mercy, pray for us!
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 276.)

FAITH
With firm faith strengthened by Thy Sacred Word, O Jesus, I confess Thy real Presence in the Sacred Host. I
believe Thou art here truly present, God and Man, as the great Friend of the Poor Souls, as our Redeemer and Saviour.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy love for me.
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n.199.)
I also confess my faith in the doctrine of Thy holy Church: "it is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the
dead, that they may be loosed from their sins." In this faith I come to Thee today, beseeching Thee, through this holy
Communion which I am about to receive, to grant favour and release to the Poor Souls.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy love for me.

HOPE
"Ask and you shall receive!" Thus, O my Jesus, Thou hast offered us the treasures of Thy Divine mercy. This
promise, spoken by Thy own lips, fills my heart with firm confidence that Thou wilt hear my request at holy
Communion this day.
Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in Thee!
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 195.)
I confidently hope, O Jesus, that Thou wilt grant forgiveness to me and to all the Poor Souls for whom I pray, and
grant us Thy mercy. I beseech Thee to refresh us now with Thy Flesh and Blood and to lead us one day to happiness in
union with Thee for all Eternity.
Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in Thee!

LOVE
Crib, Cross and Tabernacle proclaim Thy immeasurable love for us, O Divine Saviour, and exhort us to love Thee
with fervour and fidelity. I love Thee and I want to love Thee above all things as my highest Good, as the source of all
blessing and the delight of my soul. Grant that through my holy Communion this day thy Divine love may increase in
my soul and make me more faithful in serving Thee.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, grant
That I may love Thee ever more and more!
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 193.)
Grant, O my Jesus, that the Poor Souls may also share anew in the blessings of Thy love here in the most Blessed
Sacrament. They departed from this world in Thy friendship and secure in Thy love for all Eternity. Grant that the
sweet love of Thy Most Sacred Heart may make them Thine for all Eternity.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, grant That I may love Thee ever more and more

THE SOULS DESIRE

(According to Thomas a Kempis)
"Who will give me, O Lord, to find Thee alone, that I may open my whole heart to Thee, and enjoy Thee as my
soul desireth; no one beholding me, nor any creature interesting me, or at all effecting me; but Thou alone speaking to
me, and I to Thee, as the Beloved is wont to speak to his Beloved, and a friend to entertain himself with his friend?"
Praise and adoration ever more be given to the most holy Sacrament. (300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n.109.)
This I pray for, this I desire, that I may be wholly united to thee, and may withdraw my heart from all created
things.
Praise and adoration ever more be given to the most holy Sacrament.
Ah, my Lord and God, when shall I be wholly united to thee, and absorbed in Thee, and altogether forgetful of
myself? Thou in me and I in Thee; and so grant us both to continue in one.
Praise and adoration ever more be given to the most holy Sacrament.
Verily, Thou art my Beloved, and choicest among thousands, in whom my soul is well pleased to dwell all the days
of her life.
Praise and adoration ever more be given to the most holy Sacrament.
Verily, Thou art my Peace-maker, in whom is sovereign peace and true rest: out of whom is labour and sorrow and
endless misery.
Praise and adoration ever more be given to the most holy Sacrament now and for ever.
Thou art in truth a hidden God, and Thy counsel is not with the wicked ; but Thy conversation is with the humble
and the simple.
Praise and adoration ever more be given to the most holy Sacrament.
O how sweet is Thy Spirit, O Lord, Who to show Thy sweetness towards Thy children, vouchsafest to feed them
with the most delicious Bread which cometh down from Heaven.
Praise and adoration ever more be given to the most holy Sacrament.
Surely, there is no other nation so great, that hath their God so nigh to them as Thou our God art present to Thy
faithful ; to whom for their daily comfort, and for the raising up their hearts to Heaven, Thou givest Thyself to be
eaten and enjoyed.
 Praise and adoration ever more be given to the most holy Sacrament.
What creature under Heaven so beloved as a devout soul, into whom God comest, that He may feed her with His
gracious Flesh? O unspeakable grace? O wonderful condescension ! O infinite love, singularly bestowed upon man!
Praise and adoration even more be given to the most holy Sacrament.
But what return shall I make to the Lord for this grace, and for so extraordinary a charity? There is nothing that I
can give Him that will please Him better, than if I give up my heart entirely to God, and unite it closely to Him.
Praise and adoration ever more be given to the most holy Sacrament.
Then all that is within me shall rejoice exceedingly when my soul shall be perfectly united to my God then will He
say to me: if thou wilt be with Me, I will be with thee : and I will answer Him : vouchsafe, O Lord, to remain with me,
and I will willingly be with Thee. This is my whole desire, that my heart may be united to Thee.
Praise and adoration ever more be given to the most holy Sacrament.

AFTER HOLY COMMUNION

MAGNIFICAT
My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid;
For behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
Because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me; and holy is his Name.
And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear Him.
He hath shewed might in his arm:
He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy
As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now and shall be for ever. Amen.

ADORATION
O Jesus, Son of God and King of all Eternity, verily Thou has now come to me, Divine and Human and my heart
has become a dwelling place of the Most High. With the most profound reverence and recollection I adore Thy Divine
Majesty.
Jesus, my God, I adore Thee, here present in the Sacrament of Thy love. (300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 119.)
Yes, I adore Thee and unite my humble adoration with the adoration of the angels who worship Thee in all the
tabernacles in the whole world, with the choirs of the blessed spirits surrounding Thy throne in Heaven. With them I
cry out : Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth! Heaven and earth ,are full of Thy glory.
Jesus, MY God, I adore Thee, here present in the Sacrament of Thy love.
With all the pious people in the whole world and with all the blessed and the chosen souls in Heaven, above all
with Thy most Blessed Mother, I adore Thee.
Grant, I beseech Thee, that the Souls in Purgatory also may join in our adoration before Thy throne!
Jesus, my God, I adore Thee here present in the Sacrament of Thy love.

THANKSGIVING
O Divine Saviour, would that I might render Thee thanks worthily for the sublime Gift Thou hast bestowed upon
me this day. Not only hast Thou heaped upon me Thy Divine graces and riches, Thou hast bestowed upon me Thy
most sacred Flesh and Blood, Thyself-most sublime and most beautiful Good! Who can measure the greatness of this
Gift?
Praise and adoration ever more be given to the most holy Sacrament. (300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 209.)
 O Divine Saviour, it is truly right and just, worthy and salutary that we should give Thee thanks always and in all
places. Every beat of my heart, every breath of my life shall be a prayer of thanksgiving to Thee and I shall ask all the
angels and saints to join me in offering Thee thanks. Grant, I beseech Thee, that the souls in Purgatory also may soon,
in Heaven, join in our hymns of thanksgiving, saying: Praised and adored, worshipped and loved every moment, be
the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the most holy Sacrament in all the tabernacles of the world to the end of time. Amen.

LOVE
O Jesus, in Holy Communion, most precious nourishment of our souls, Thou revealest to me how great is the love
in Thy Heart. In this Eucharistic Heart burns that Divine Fire which Thou has brought upon earth desiring that it
should burn in all hearts. O inflame my heart also, so destitute in love; let it this day burn with love for Thee, for Thy
Divine glory and Thy holy service.
Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, inflame our hearts with love for Thee. (300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n.
194.)
Inflame my heart with Thy pure celestial love and grant that all ignoble self love and sinful love of the world may
die within me. I desire to love Thee alone above all and to love all things else only for Thy sake. Grant that henceforth
my mind and desires thoughts and strivings may be directed towards this end.
Sweet Heart of Jesus be Thou my love !
(300 days. Pieces et Pia Opera, n. 206.)
O my Saviour, grant that the love for Thy Divine Heart may conquer and triumph in the hearts of all men. Grant
also that the Souls in Purgatory (especially N.-, N.-) may soon be delivered from the place of their mourning and that
in Paradise they may taste the happiness of seeing Thee.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved.
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 192.)

INTERCESSION
O Jesus, so great is Thy love for souls that Thou hast set up the throne of Thy mercy in the most holy Sacrament
and opened up an inexhaustible source of grace. Therefore I am filled with confidence in this hour when I hold Thee,
God of Mercy, in my heart, and I beseech Thee to be merciful to the Poor Souls in Purgatory (especially N.-, N.-.)
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest.
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 537.)
O my Saviour, Thou hast said: "I am the Resurrection and the Life; he that believeth in Me shall live even though
he is dead, and he that lives and believes in Me will not die for ever." Our dear dead believed in Thee, hoped in Thee
and loved Thee with all their hearts. Grant therefore, O my Saviour, that they may share in Thy glory in Heaven.
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest.
O most kind Saviour, look not upon the misdeeds and frailties of their lives, but let our prayers of intercession
mount up in atonement. Consider only the expiatory love of Thy Heart, mitigate their torments, shorten the time of
their punishment and lead them out of the place of their exile.
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest.
We conjure Thee by all the sacrifices Thou has offered for the sake of these souls, by Thy most sacred Incarnation
and life of poverty, by Thy bitter passion and painful death on the cross, grant that these souls who now belong to
Thee, may no longer be separated from Thee.
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest.
They are purified by Thy Precious Blood in the holy sacraments. They are clothed with Thy merits in sanctifying
grace and secure in Thy love for ever. They belong to Thee and no one can take them from Thee.
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest.
O Jesus, Thou hast nourished these souls with Thy Flesh and Blood and united Thyself with them in love through
holy Communion. Let Thy glorious promise soon be verified in them; "He that eats of this Bread shall live for ever."
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest.
 We unite our prayers to the entreaties of the guardian angels of our departed ones who pray without ceasing for
deliverance and pardon. We unite especially in the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin, Thy Blessed Mother,
whom our dear ones venerated so zealously in this life as their Mother and Mediatrix. She asks that these her children
may soon be delivered from all their torments that she may see them among her happy servants in Heaven.
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest.
Yes, O good Jesus, grant them eternal rest and let them in eternal life receive the reward for the fidelity with which
they served Thee in their temporal life. Send Thy holy archangel Michael this day to the souls of our dear ones in
Purgatory, to open the gates of their prison and lead them triumphantly into everlasting joy.
Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest.

THE EN EGO
Behold, O Good and Sweetest Jesus, I cast myself upon my knees in Thy sight, and with the most fervent desire of
my soul I pray and beseech Thee to impress upon my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity, with true
repentance for my sins and a most firm desire of amendment while with deep affection and grief of soul I consider
within myself and mentally contemplate Thy five most precious Wounds, having before mine eyes that which David,
the prophet, long ago spoke in Thine own person concerning Thee, my Jesus:
They have pierced my hands and my feet; they have numbered all my bones.
(10 years, when recited devoutly before an image of Jesus Christ Crucified. Plenary after Holy Communion, with
prayers for the Pope's Intention. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 171.)

PRAYER AT THE CONCLUSION

Almighty and Eternal God, hear my prayer beseeching Thee to have mercy on the Poor Souls (especially N~, N.-).
I offer up for them this holy Communion with all the fruits and merits I may have gained.
Lord, grant them eternal rest.
O God, Father in Heaven, Thou has created them according to Thy image and in baptism Thou hast received them
as Thy children. Bestow upon them Thy paternal favour and raise them up to the joy of the dwelling of their Father.
Lord, grant them eternal rest.
Jesus, Son of God, and Saviour of all men, complete Thy work of Redemption in the souls of our dear ones. Let
their last remaining debts be cancelled by Thy precious Blood and grant them a place among Thy chosen ones.
Lord, grant them eternal rest.
O God the Holy Ghost, Giver of all graces and holiness, adorn the souls of our dear ones with the robe of eternal
glory and fill them with the bliss of Paradise. Grant us and all Thy children Thy Divine assistance that we may
faithfully walk in the way of the Divine commandments, that, united one day in Heaven with our transfigured brothers
and sisters, we may love and praise Thee and the Father and the Son for ever and ever. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord ; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 536.)

THE WAY OF THE CROSS-

OFFERED UP FOR THE POOR SOULS

PRAYER BEFORE THE ALTAR

O Divine Saviour, grant that I may be ever mindful of Thy bitter passion and death awakening within me contrition
for my sins and a salutary fear of offending Thee. It fills my heart with love and gratitude, comforts me in trials and
imparts a holy courage to follow Thy example. Therefore I wish now (united in spirit with Mary the Mother of
Sorrows), to accompany Thee on the Way of the Cross and penetrated with sympathy, to meditate on Thy suffering
and death. Grant me true devotion and increase Thy Divine Love in me.
The indulgences I gain by making the Stations of the Cross together with the infinite merits of Thy death for us, I
offer up through the hands of Mary, to Our Father in Heaven for the consolation of the Poor Souls (especially N.-,
N.-).
 I STATION—JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH
V. We adore Thee O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. .
O Jesus, the infinite love of Thy Heart has moved Thee to bear all the guilt of the whole world and to take upon
Thee the sentence of death which we have merited by our sins, Thou dost permit Thyself to be led to death that we
may be preserved from the evil of eternal death. How boundless is Thy mercy! We beseech Thee to show this Thy
mercy to the Poor Souls. Thou hast made perfect atonement for their sins and faults. Then remove the sentence which
has kept them in the prison of Purgatory and let them hear the words of mercy
"Enter into the joy of the Lord!"
Our Father. Hail Mary.
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.
(300 days. Preces et Pia Opera, n. 184.)

II STATION—JESUS TAKES THE HEAVY CROSS ON HIS SHOULDERS

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
What ignominy Thou didst suffer, O my Saviour, when laden with the shameful cross, Thou wast led to Golgotha
like a condemned criminal And yet Thou receivest in silence the wood of infamy and bearest it patiently out of love
for us to make atonement for our sins of pride. I beseech Thee, by the humility of Thy Heart and for the sake of Thy
merits in bearing the cross, to deliver the Poor Souls from their great torments.
Our Father. Hail Mary.
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants whom Thou has redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.

III STATION—JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME UNDER THE CROSS

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
My Saviour, Son of God and King of Eternity, lies prostrate on the filthy street! Ah, how low Thou art brought,
and how patient Thou art under such degradation! As in the Garden of Olives, Thou dost pray here also: "Father, not
My will, but Thine be done!" By Thy perfect resignation to the will of Thy Father Thou dost atone for all our sins of
impatience and discouragement. Grant that the merits of Thy sufferings in atonement may be applied to the Poor Souls
and remit the punishment which still remains to be suffered for their sins of impatience and discouragement.
Our Father. Hail Mary.
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants whom thou has redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.

IV STATION—JESUS MEETS HIS AFFLICTED MOTHER

V. We adore Thee, O Christ and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
How much Thou hast sacrificed for us, O Jesus! Honour, health, Thy infinitely valuable life. Thou dost cast all
aside for us. And here, on the way of the cross Thou dost also desire to taste the most bitter pain a child's heart can
suffer—parting from Thy beloved Mother—because of Thy love for us. How great is Thy willingness for sacrifice! I
beseech Thee, by this Thy great renunciation, to forgive the Poor Souls all the debt incurred through their sins of
unwillingness to make sacrifices. Deliver them from the painful privations of Purgatory and enrich them with eternal
treasures.
Our Father. Hail Mary.
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.

V STATION—SIMON HELPS JESUS TO CARRY HIS CROSS

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
 R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
There is only one to help my Saviour carry the heavy cross, and that one through compulsion! How Thou must feel
the ingratitude of those for whom Thou hast sacrificed all because of Thy love for them! How deeply Thou hast
suffered here for men's sins of ingratitude. This Thy suffering in atonement I now offer up for the Poor Souls. Forgive
them their sins of ingratitude and indifference to Thy many benefits during their life on earth and lead them soon to
that happy place where with all the angels and chosen souls they may give Thee thanks for ever and ever.
Our Father. Hail Mary.
We therefore pray Thee help Thy servants ; whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.

VI STATION—VERONICA PRESENTS JESUS WITH A TOWEL

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
At last there is to be found a truly noble, merciful soul who, casting aside all human respect, looks only at her
Saviour, seeks Him alone. How seldom, O Jesus, Thou dost meet with such fidelity ! So many Christians, otherwise
good, are terrified by their miserable human respect from taking their place courageously and decisively by Thy side
and serving Thee alone. For this our cowardice Thou wast exposed to the mockery of men. I beseech Thee grant the
Poor Souls the remission of the temporal punishment due to their sins committed through human respect, and grant
that soon in Thy heavenly kingdom love for Thee alone may reign in their hearts.
Our Father. Hail Mary.
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants: whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.

VII STATION—JESUS PALLS THE SECOND TIME UNDER THE CROSS.

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Yet again, O my Jesus, I behold Thee prostrate on the ground, in utter misery, suffering yet again the degradation
and insults that accompanied Thy first fall. In this way Thou dost atone for our infidelity to our good resolutions and
our so many relapses into our past sins. I beseech Thee, for the sake of this Thy painful atonement for our sins, forgive
the Poor Souls all the debt they have incurred through their infidelity to their good resolutions and their relapse into
their old faults for which they must now undergo such painful penalties in Purgatory.
Our Father. Hail Mary.
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.

VIII STATION—JESUS COMFORTS THE MOURNING WOMEN OP JERUSALEM

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Although Thy Heart was sunk in a sea of pain and misery, yet, O Jesus, it remained full of sympathy and sorrow
for those who mourned. Thou dost feel greater strength for others than for Thyself, thus teaching us so touchingly to
have merciful love for others. In Thy goodness, O Jesus, forgive me all my unkindness to my fellow men and grant
remission also to the Poor Souls of the temporal punishment for all their sins of hardness of heart and unmercifulness.
Grant that they may soon in Heaven praise the mercy of Thy all-kind Heart.
Our Father. Hail Mary.
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants whom Thou has redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.

IX STATION—JESUS FALLS THE THIRD TIME UNDER THE CROSS

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
What agony Thou dost suffer, my Saviour, prostrate on the ground yet again! Thy Divine Blood trickles from Thy
wounds on to the roadside. Yet men take no heed; they hasten along their way treading on this Divine Price paid for
their Redemption. We too, have desecrated Thy Divine Blood by our abuse of Thy graces and our lukewarm reception
of the holy sacraments. O, good Jesus, forgive the Poor Souls for any such offences and remit the punishment due to
them.
Our Father. Hail Mary.
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.

X STATION—JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
In stripping Thee of Thy garments, O my Saviour, Thou art scourged anew, for it is a renewal of Thy wounds,
torture and ignominy. Through this terrible agony of pain, and mortification of the tenderest feelings of Thy most pure
Heart, Thou dost atone for all the sins of weakness and sensuality. Terrible sermon for us on the necessity of mortifi-
cation ! Have mercy on the Poor Souls and forgive them the punishment they have merited by unmortified conduct,
weakness and sensuality.
Our Father. Hail Mary.
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.

XI STATION—JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Most faithful Heart of Jesus, how strong is Thy love ! Jesus allows Himself to be nailed to the cross and
inseparably bound to the high altar of His sacrificial death. He will persevere even to His last breath in carrying out
His sacrifice. O Divine Saviour, grant to the Poor Souls remission of the temporal punishment for all their indecision
in serving Thee and all their omissions of the duties of their state in life. Mercifully remit the agonies of Purgatory
which they have thus merited.
Our Father. Hail Mary.
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.

XII STATION—JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Thus, O Jesus, Thou hast given everything for us, even Thy Divine Life. Indeed, "Greater love no man hath than
that he should give his life for his friends!" Thou hast sacrificed Thy precious Life for our dear departed ones also.
Grant that they may soon share in Thy eternal Resurrection.
Our Father. Hail Mary.
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.

XIII STATION—JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
With heartfelt sympathy I think upon the suffering of Thy most pure Mother also, O my Saviour. She has also
suffered with Thee, made atonement with Thee for our sins; beneath Thy cross she became Mother of Divine Grace
for us; before Thy throne, our intercessor, with us she beseeches Thee to have mercy on the souls of our dead still
suffering in Purgatory. For the sake of this intercession of Thy Mother, have mercy on these souls, O Jesus, and permit
them to enter into Thy celestial joys.
Our Father. Hail Mary.
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.
 XIV STATION—JESUS IS LAID IN THE SEPULCHRE
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
It is consummated ! O my Saviour, Thou hast suffered to the end and now Thou dost rest in the sepulchre, soon to
rise up gloriously and ascend into Heaven. Thou hast prepared a place there for us also, after sorrow and toil, after
death and the grave Thou wilt raise us up and grant us a share in Thy happiness. O Jesus, fill our hearts with ardent
longing for Thy heavenly kingdom and help us by Thy grace to seek and to find this one only necessary goal. In Thy
glory be mercifully mindful of the Poor Souls in Purgatory, grant their desire and admit them to Thy glory and bliss.
Our Father. Hail Mary.
We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants whom Thou halt redeemed with Thy Precious Blood.

PRAYER AT THE CONCLUSION

O God Whose goodness is immeasurable and Whose mercy is without end, graciously accept our humble prayers
which we have now said for the peace of the souls of our departed brothers and sisters (especially N.-, N.-). They
believed in Thee, hoped in Thee and loved Thee with their whole hearts. Having died in the state of grace, they are
united to Thee in love for ever. Complete the work of Thy mercy towards them; for the sake of the precious Blood of
Jesus remit the temporal punishment due to their sins which still hinders their entrance into everlasting joy. But to
each one of us grant the grace to serve Thee faithfully and one day to be united with our departed friends for ever in
the glory of Heaven. This we ask of Thee through Thy Son, Jesus Christ, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost lives and
remains for ever and ever. Amen.
Let us pray for the intention of the Holy Father
Our Father. Hail Mary.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord: and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
(Those who, whether singly or in company, make the Stations of the Cross with at least a contrite heart, may gain:
A Plenary Indulgence as often as they make the Stations. Another Plenary Indulgence, if they receive Holy Com-
munion on the same day, or even within a month after having made the Stations ten times. An Indulgence of 10 years
for each Station, if for some reasonable cause they are unable to complete all the Stations. Preces et Pia Opera, n.
164.)

THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY FOR THE POOR SOULS

PRAYER BEFORE THE ALTAR
O Jesus, I desire now to honour Thy bitter passion with profound devotion and to meditate with gratitude upon Thy
great love for us. During these prayers I shall unite myself with the dispositions of Thy sorrowful Mother beneath the
cross, beseeching her to lend strength to my prayers by her powerful intercession. But I offer up all the indulgences
granted to this devotion for the Poor Souls (especially N.-, N.-). Lord, hear our heartfelt prayer and deliver them from
the flames of Purgatory, that they may enter into eternal joy with Thee. Amen.
I believe in God, etc.

1st Mystery. Father in Heaven, consider the agonising fear of death felt by Thy Divine Son in the Garden of
Gethsemani and His profound grief which was so great that His Body was covered with sweat and blood. I offer up
this precious Blood to Thee for the Poor Souls, beseeching Thee to end their mourning and lead them to eternal joy
with Thee in Heaven. Amen.
Our Father. Hail Mary (ten times). Glory, etc.
Jesus who for us sweated Blood in the Garden.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord: and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

2nd Mystery. Father in Heaven, consider the unspeakable tortures which Thy Divine Son endured at His scourging
and the torrent of Blood which He shed in reparation for our sins. I offer up this precious Blood to Thee for the Poor
Souls and I beseech Thee to mitigate their unspeakable suffering and refresh them soon with the bliss of Paradise.
Amen.
Our Father. Hail Mary, etc.
O Jesus Who wert scourged for us.
Eternal rest grant unto them, etc.

3rd Mystery. Father in Heaven, consider the profound degradation which Jesus, Thy Divine Son, suffered during
the cruel crowning with thorns and the sacred Blood which flowed down from His Head during this torture. I offer up
this precious Blood to Thee for the Poor Souls, beseeching Thee to deliver them soon from their suffering that they
may be filled with joy at Thy glory in Heaven and crowned with the crown of eternal happiness. Amen. Our Father.
Hail Mary, etc.
Jesus, who for us wast crowned with thorns.
Eternal rest grant unto them, etc.

4th Mystery. Father in Heaven, consider the bitter way of the cross trodden for us by Jesus Thy Divine Son laden
with the ignominious cross, and the most sacred Blood which He shed when He fell beneath the heavy burden. I offer
up to Thee this precious Blood for the Poor Souls, beseeching Thee to open the gates of their prison, that Thy holy
angels may lead them on the road of triumph to eternal life. Amen.
Our Father. Hail Mary, etc.
Jesus who hast borne the heavy cross for us.
Eternal rest grant unto them, etc.

5th Mystery. Father in Heaven consider the hours of torture suffered by Thy Divine Son as He hung on the
wooden cross of shame in utter abandonment and the most sacred Blood that poured from His wounds down upon the
earth. I offer up this most precious Blood for the Poor Souls, beseeching Thee to have pity on their great
abandonment, and receive them into the happy Communion of Thy saints. Amen.
Our Father. Hail Mary, etc.
Jesus Who wert crucified for us.
Eternal rest grant unto them, etc.

PRAYER AT THE CONCLUSION

Almighty, Eternal God, heavenly Father, may these prayers which we have sent up to Heaven, be pleasing to Thee.
For the sake of the infinite merits of Thy Son, hear our entreaty. Have mercy on the Poor Souls, remit all the
punishment due to their sins, terminate their suffering and reward them with the happiness of Thy transfigured
children. Grant us the grace to live a devout life and die a happy death that united in Heaven with all our dear ones, we
may love and praise Thee for ever and ever. Amen.

PRAYER WHEN MAKING OR RENEWING THE HEROIC ACT OF LOVE.

O heavenly Father, in union with the merits of Jesus and Mary I offer Thee for the Poor Souls in Purgatory all the
works of atonement of my whole life together with all the satisfaction offered for me through pious intercession after
my death. I place all in the hands of our dear Mother, in Heaven, Mary, to be applied to those souls whom she in her
wisdom and maternal love desires to deliver first from Purgatory. Graciously accept this sacrifice, O my God, and
grant that through its merits I may obtain daily an increase in Thy grace. Amen.

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