Power of Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory – Nov 06 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Nov 06, 2024, for the commemoration of the souls of deceased Franciciscans, where he urges prayers and sacrifices for the holy souls in purgatory, emphasizing our duty to ease their sufferings.

Father begins with the Franciscan call to pray for the deceased, including family, friends, and benefactors. Using the story of Sister Teresa Margherita Gesta, he reminds us that even devout religious individuals may undergo purification in purgatory. After her death in 1859, Sister Teresa’s spirit lamented her prolonged suffering due to leniencies she showed as a superior, which extended her purgatory time. This story illustrates Jesus' principle, "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required" (Luke 12:48 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?48), and underscores the obligation to strive with God’s grace in our vocations.

The Catechism teaches that each forgiven sin leaves a temporal debt (CCC 1473 - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1473.htm), repayable through sacrifice and suffering. Father explains how suffering in purgatory, as described by Saint Veronica Giuliani, surpasses earthly pain due to its purifying intensity and inevitable duration until justice is fulfilled (CCC 1030 - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1030.htm). However, the living can assist these souls through prayers, indulgences, and sacrifices.

The story of Sister Mary Frances of the Five Wounds, who lived heroically for the relief of the holy souls in purgatory, exemplifies this. Her sacrifices, such as frequent Masses and severe penances, liberated countless souls. Saint Padre Pio, with deep compassion for these souls, habitually offered his Masses for them, especially through the Holy Rosary, an act Father encourages all to imitate. The Rosary and acts of charity remain invaluable for the dead, as Padre Pio said, "Let’s empty a corner of purgatory."

Through stories and Church teachings, Father calls each person to alleviate the suffering of purgatory-bound souls, encouraging small but meaningful sacrifices, prayers, and indulgences.

For Further Reading:

Luke 12: 48 NAB - "To whom much is given" - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?48
CCC 1473 - Temporal punishment remains after sin - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1473.htm
CCC 1030 - Doctrine of Purgatory - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1030.htm
Catholic Answers - Myths about Indulgences - https://www.catholic.com/tract/myths-about-indulgences
Catholic Answers - God’s Love for You - https://www.catholic.com/tract/gods-love-for-you

Ave Maria!

00:00 – Introduction and Prayer for the Departed
00:14 – Remembering Deceased Loved Ones
01:39 – Responsibility, Judgement, and Grace
02:49 – Suffering and Temporal Punishment
04:48 – Sacrifices for Souls in Purgatory
06:30 – Power of Prayer and the Rosary

Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2SMKMjYzwrc