I have written several times of my love and devotion to the Holy Souls of Purgatory so it will come as no surprise that I want you to head to your nearest cemetery and take some time to say a few prayers on their behalf.
Wether you are remembering your own family and friends, or lifting the souls of those buried there, it is a long standing tradition in our faith to remember those who went on before us. There are great pieces on this tradition over at Catholic Answers or Catholic Gentlemen.
From over at Catholic Culture we find:
“Indulgenced Acts for the Poor Souls A partial indulgence can be obtained by devoutly visiting a cemetery and praying for the departed, even if the prayer is only mental. One can gain a plenary indulgence visiting a cemetery each day between November 1 and November 8. These indulgences are applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory.
A plenary indulgence, again applicable only the Souls in Purgatory, is also granted when the faithful piously visit a church or a public oratory on November 2. In visiting the church or oratory, it is required, that one Our Father and the Creed be recited.
A partial indulgence, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, can be obtained when the Eternal Rest (Requiem aeternam) is prayed. This can be prayed all year, but especially during the month of November:
Requiem aeternam dona ei (eis), Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei (eis). Requiescat (-ant) in pace Amen.
Eternal rest grant to 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.”
You can take along the Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great who was told by our Lord that pious recitation would release 1,000 souls!
“Eternal Father,
I offer You the most precious blood
of thy Divine Son, Jesus,
in union with the Masses said
throughout the world today,
for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory,
for sinners everywhere,
for sinners in the universal Church,
for those in my own home,
and in my family. Amen.”
Please see if you can find the time – either today or in the next few days to visit a cemetery; after all you will certainly find yourself in one of them eventually and developing this habit in your children (and, hopefully, grandchildren) is a great way to be remembered long after you are gone.
