Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
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Intercession of the Souls in Purgatory. | Michael | Tuesday, February 12, 2008 |
Question: For as long as I can remember I have been interested in Purgatory and Indulgences, and I do my best to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory everyday. Is it OK to ask the Holy Souls for their help? Can we ask them for their intercession just as if we were praying to a particular saint? For example, if a person is single and would like to find love and marriage, would it be reasonable to ask the Holy Souls for their help and prayers. I know that the Holy Souls are grateful for our prayers, and that they never forget their benefactors. I just want to make sure that I'm not being disrespectful or greedy by asking for their prayers in return. Thank you and God Bless You!!!! |
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Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM
Dear Michael: The Church has not made any definitive decision on the question of whether or not the souls in purgatory can pray for us. There are no known prayers in liturgies or in Church literature of petitions for intercessions from the souls in purgatory. But, why ask for the intercession of the souls in purgatory anyway, when you can ask the Saints in heaven? Those in purgatory are working out their issues that need to be resolved before entering heaven. Those in heaven have all the issues resolved, and are cleansed and perfected, and are in the presence of God. They are in a position that those in purgatory do not have, to intercede for you with a cleansed and perfected heart. Here is an excerpt from the Catholic Encyclopedia on this subject:
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