Having spent the greater part of my life on a college campus, I’m struck by how frequently students speak of a special bond with a grandparent. I’m wondering if this is not a way for them, immersed as they are in a culture dominated by individualism and the lure of the present moment, to see themselves as belonging to something larger than themselves—to a family that extends beyond parents and siblings to another generation.
Today’s observance of All Souls’ reminds us that our connections with one another extend even beyond death. This is the larger view of the Church, affording us the opportunity not only to remember our deceased loved ones but to actually assist by our prayers, by our deeds, by our celebration of the Mass in their purification.
“Offering it up for the souls of purgatory” may sound like a piece of old piety, but it is expressive of a communion that unites the living and the dead in an unbreakable bond.
Father Dennis thank you for reminding us of the important connections we have with our grandparents. I especially enjoyed my maternal grandmother. I know she and my best friend Kathy are in heaven praying for us. Souls in purgatory are always special I will share prayers again. 98 1) Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great Eternal Father, I offer Thee 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, those in my own home and within my family. Amen. 2) Prayer to Have a Merciful Heart Towards Others by St. Faustina O Jesus, I understand that Your mercy is beyond all imagining. I ask You, therefore, to make my heart so big that there will be room in it for the needs of all the souls living on this whole earthly globe. O Jesus, my love reaches beyond the world to the souls suffering in Purgatory, and I want to exercise mercy toward them by means of indulgenced prayers. God’s mercy is unfathomable and inexhaustible, just as God Himself is unfathomable. Were I to use the strongest words for expressing this mercy of God, they are nothing in comparison with what it is in reality. O Jesus, make my heart sensitive to all the sufferings of my neighbor whether they be of body or of soul. O my Jesus, I know that You act toward us as we act toward our neighbor. My Jesus, make my heart like unto Your merciful Heart. Jesus, help me to go through life doing good to everyone. Amen. Source: Diary of St. Faustina, II, #132 3) Eternal Rest Prayer V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. R. And let the perpetual light shine upon them. And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. 4) Prayer to Jesus Christ for the Holy Souls by St. Alphonsus Liguori O most sweet Jesus, through the bloody sweat which Thou didst suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane, have mercy on these Blessed Souls. Have mercy on them. O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel scourging, have mercy on them O Lord O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them. O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in carrying Thy cross to Calvary, have mercy on them. O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel Crucifixion, have mercy on them. O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most bitter agony on the Cross, have mercy on them. O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the immense pain which Thou didst suffer in breathing forth Thy Blessed Soul, have mercy on them. O Lord. (Recommend yourself to the Souls in Purgatory and mention your intentions) Blessed Souls, we have prayed for thee; we entreat thee, who are so dear to God, and who are secure of never losing Him, to pray for us miserable sinners, who are in danger of being damned, and of losing God forever. Let us pray: O God, the author of mercy, the lover of the salvation of mankind; we address thy clemency, in behalf of our brethren, relations, and benefactors, who are departed this life, that by the intercession of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, and of all the saints, thou wouldst receive them into, the enjoyment of eternal happiness; through Christ our Lord. Amen. 5) Litany for the Poor Souls in Purgatory O Jesus, Thou suffered and died that all mankind might be saved and brought to eternal happiness. Hear our pleas for further mercy on the souls of: My dear parents and grandparents, my Jesus mercy! My brothers and sisters and other near relatives, my Jesus mercy! My godparents and sponsors of confirmation, my Jesus mercy! My spiritual and temporal benefactors, my Jesus mercy! My friends and neighbors, my Jesus mercy! All for whom love or duty bids me pray, my Jesus mercy! Those who have offended me, my Jesus mercy! Those who have suffered disadvantage or harm through me, my Jesus mercy! Those who are especially beloved by Thee, my Jesus mercy! Those whose release is near at hand, my Jesus mercy! Those who desire most to be united to Thee, my Jesus mercy! Those who endure the greatest sufferings, my Jesus mercy! Those whose release is most remote, my Jesus mercy! Those who are least remembered, my Jesus mercy! Those who are most deserving on account of their services to the Church, my Jesus mercy! The rich, who now are the most destitute, my Jesus mercy! The mighty, who now are powerless, my Jesus mercy! The once spiritually blind, who now see their folly, my Jesus mercy! The frivolous, who spent their time in idleness, my Jesus mercy! The poor, who did not seek the treasures of heaven, my Jesus mercy! The tepid, who devoted little time to prayer, my Jesus mercy! The indolent, who neglected to perform good works, my Jesus mercy! Those of little faith, who neglected the frequent reception of the Sacraments, my Jesus mercy! The habitual sinners, who owe their salvation to a miracle of grace, my Jesus mercy! Parents who failed to watch over their children, my Jesus mercy! Superiors who were not solicitous for the salvation of those entrusted to them, my Jesus mercy! Those who strove for worldly riches and pleasures, my Jesus mercy! The worldly-minded, who failed to use their wealth and talents in the service of God, my Jesus mercy! Those who witnessed the death of others, but would not think of their own, my Jesus mercy! Those who did not provide for the life hereafter, my Jesus mercy! Those whose sentence is severe because of the great things entrusted to them, my Jesus mercy! The popes, kings, and rulers, my Jesus mercy! The bishops and their counselors, my Jesus mercy! My teachers and spiritual advisors, my Jesus mercy! The deceased priests of this diocese, my Jesus mercy! The priests and religious of the Catholic Church, my Jesus mercy! The defenders of the holy faith, my Jesus mercy! Those who died on the battlefield, my Jesus mercy! Those who fought for their country, my Jesus mercy! Those who were buried in the sea, my Jesus mercy! Those who died of apoplexy, my Jesus mercy! Those who died of heart attacks, my Jesus mercy! Those who suffered and died of cancer, my Jesus mercy! Those who die suddenly in accidents, my Jesus mercy! Those who died without the last rites of the Church, my Jesus mercy! Those who shall die within the next twenty-four hours, my Jesus mercy! My own poor soul when I shall have to appear before Thy judgment seat, my Jesus mercy! Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them: For evermore with Thy saints, because Thou art gracious. May the prayer of Thy suppliant people, we beseech Thee, O Lord, benefit the souls of Thy departed servants and handmaids: that Thou mayest both deliver them from all their sins, and make them to be partakers of Thy redemption. Amen. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Ken
Such a beautiful reflection this morning, Father Dennis. Another vision of our Creator that we are all part of a big beautiful family of all His children. I so miss my Mom and Dad, but I know they are with Our Lord along with all the souls of the faithfully departed.
Wonderful comments and prayers today. I too, remember my loved ones who have passed, especially my dad. He had so much wisdom. I definitely appreciate what he had to say now that I'm older. Prayers for your son, Vicky G. Prayers for all of the LFF as well.
Fr. Dennis, Many that have already passed have left deep passages ways in my life. I miss them, but I also love reflecting on the memories and thanking God for those experiences with them. I will lift them all today. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Friends I haven’t been with you in the last week. You were still prayed for as my days were nothing but prayer. Many of you know through our sharing here of my autistic son. He was in an accident Tuesday morning due to another’s negligence. He was flown to a Number 1 Trauma center in Atlanta in the hopes they would be able to surgically repair the damage. Praise God he is alive and my family sees so many blessings in the last week but unfortunately the surgeons were unable to save part of his hand/fingers. He also suffered severe burns and will be scarred but that is secondary at the moment to the amputation and other damage. We have him home now under heavy sedation and antibiotics. I can’t say much more as legal aid has warned against it but I can continue to ask for prayers from around the world for a boy who worked so hard to be a contributing member of society, endured so much hardship to get there and now has even more than his daily struggle to deal with. I can tell you the power of prayer has already been witnessed by a whole community and the word of God and Jesus’ message has been proclaimed throughout the situation to everyone from one of the top surgeons in the U.S. to the lady who swept and mopped the hospital room. We will continue to do what God asks of us for His glory but in the meantime I ask for your prayers first for pain control and secondly for courage and hope for my baby and this child of God. Thank you all.
Dearest Vicky, know that there is a mountain of prayer warriors lifting your family right now. We are around the globe supporting your journey. Your son certainly knows adversity, but from what you’ve shared, also knows persistence, resilience and courage. God is walking with you and him, but most likely calling him in different ways now. We are walking with you and know that even if you are occupied with his healing, we are asking for continued light to be shone upon you to forge the way. I read a quote from MLK Jr. in one of my planners today that said, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” We are supporting you in each first step. Amen.
Vicky, my heart goes out to you, your son, and family. Praying that he will recover from the burns and amputation, then find new purpose and joy in life.
I will offer up my evening rosary to your son and your family, Vicky G. We will be with you and the days ahead.
Vicky G, my heart goes out to you, your son and your family. Praying that the Lord lift you all up and give you peace and comfort. You will be in my prayers all day. Hugs to all of you. Rita.
So very sorry to hear of this. Praying for your son and family to have God's love and strength surround you all during this healing time.
Oh my! Vicky, my heart aches and hurts for you concerning your son ✝️ Petitions go up by the power of the Holy Spirit for his pain as the Holy Spirit knows what he needs ✝️ I praise Him for His faithfulness, His healing hands and His very present help through it all ✝️ *** Famous For (I Believe) by Tauren Wells and Jenn Johnson https://youtu.be/o15X2yZ1LT8?si=9HUTOuTmWckq9AG2 ❤️
Vicky, I hurt for your son, you and your family. I join in the many prayers for him and ask that God blesses him, and all of you, with peace and healing grace during this challenging time.
Vicky G., prayers for your son, family and all caretakers. May God guide you to a healing and smooth road to recovery. I will light a candle for him today at mass.
Oh Vicky G. My heart hurts for your son, you and your family. YES, you absolutely have my prayers for God's gentle mercy for your sweet son. I love this prayer to St. Jude. We all know him as the Patron Saint of hopeless causes, but I've always prayed to him as Patron Saint of Hope-filled Causes. "Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, friend of Jesus, I place myself in your care at this difficult time. Please pray for me; help me know I need not face my troubles alone. Please ask God to send me consolation in my sorrow, courage in my fear, and healing in the midst of my suffering. Please ask our loving God to fill me with the grace to accept whatever may lie ahead for me and my loved ones, and to strengthen my faith in God’s healing power. Thank you, St. Jude for the promise of HOPE you hold out to all who believe, and inspire me to give this gift of HOPE to others as it has been given to me." Vicky G. I have you and your son tucked real tight in my heart & prayers...Amen.
Vicky- my heart and prayers go out for your son❤️✝️I will say the rosary for him that Our Mother will watch over him and bring him comfort & healing, along with strength for you and his family ❤️
Vicky, prayer for your son and your whole family!
VickyG, I will pray for you and your son right now and keep both of you in my prayers at adoration tomorrow. Know that I am hugging you with my heart. Ken Ken
Vicky, Offering up prayers for your son, his medical care-givers and your family.
Dearest Vicky, my heartfelt prayers to you and your son and your husband during this most critical moment for all of you. Praise the Lord that your son is alive and that he’s got a dynamic care team to help him recover from this terrible accident. So many of your emotions run through your words and I understand every one of them. I will offer my Mass for continuing improvement for your boy and I am lifting all of you in my heart and wish I could be there to hug and comfort all of you. You will be comforted to know that your strength and unwavering love for your child will see you through this part of the journey with the help of Our Lord and His Blessed Mother. ❤️
Praying for healing for your son Vicky and peace for your anguished hearts.
Prayers are with your son, you and all who love him. May his pain be eased and a complete healing and recovery be granted to him. My best friend just died and I have become guardian to her autistic son. May God protect your son and Damien as they journey through their lives. God bless you and your son.
We are in ATL, so I feel a powerful connection to you and your family in this awful situation. He climbed so many mountains already...and now here is an even bigger one. I am so sorry...and will send light and love and healing thru the power of God in, as and thru me to the healing power of God in, as and thru you and your son. God's got this. All will be well. Amen.
May God bless each and every soul that has died and gone home. I miss all my family and friends who have passed on. I think about all of them. I have had my share this year of losing loved ones and my heart aches, but I believe in the love of Jesus that they are all safe now and are not suffering. My heart also goes out to the mourners may God please heal their hearts. Thank you may God bless us all.
They have passed but live on in memories. I speak to them each day in my prayers and they help guide me on my daily travels. Amen!
These passages are comforting when it comes to loved ones who passed away ❤️✝️❤️ *** John 11:25-26, “Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in Me and believes in Me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” *** Romans 6:5, 8, “By being baptized, we have been joined with Him (Jesus) in a death like His. So we will certainly also be joined with Him in a resurrection like His…We died with Christ. So we believe that we will also live with Him!” *** John 6:40, “My Father wants all who look to the Son (Jesus) and believe in Him to have eternal life. I will raise them up on the last day!” ******* Be faithful to the Lord in all that we do in 1 Chronicles 10:13-14, “Saul died because he wasn’t faithful to the Lord. He didn’t obey the Word of the Lord. He even asked for advice from a person who gets messages from people who have died. He didn’t ask the Lord for advice. So the Lord put him to death. He turned the kingdom over to David. David was the son of Jesse!”
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Vicky G. , Offering prayers now for you, your son and your entire family. May the Lord’s healing light shine upon each and every one of you and guide his medical team in every decision being made to assist in his recovery.