Easter Friday, Divine Mercy Novena Day 8 – the Souls in Purgatory

If there could be a taste of purgatory in this lifetime, perhaps it was during the government shutdown of life as we know it for Covid-19. Some of us had to refrain from going to church and receiving the Eucharist for over a year, as well as from the human touch that goes with seeing friends and family outside of our households. We knew that it would end someday, but we weren’t quite sure when. And indeed some vestiges of that time still remain.

Imagine that this is what it must be like for the souls of our beloved in purgatory – unable to leave except via our prayers, yet knowing that someday they will be in heaven. This should give us more empathy for their situation and more fervor in praying for their souls.

Eighth Day
“Today bring to Me the Souls who are in the prison of Purgatory, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice.”

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.


More resources for understanding purgatory and praying for the souls in purgatory:

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Catholic Culture

Prayer for the poor souls in purgatory.

Father Lawrene Lew, OP, via Flickr. Licensed cc. 

A rosary for the poor souls in purgatory. 

St. John Vianney on Purgatory

Simple prayer for the poor souls that you probably didn’t learn in Catholic School.

Father Hardon on Purgatory.

Explaining purgatory to kids.

Explaining purgatory to protestants