The State of Grace Nesessary to Assist the Souls in Purgatory

[Cathleen]

Holy Church teaches that the state of grace is necessary to perform good works acceptable to God and of merit to the souls in Purgatory. There are some good works, the value that does not depend upon the spiritual condition of the one who offers them. A person who may be, unfortunately, may be in the state of mortal sin, can have Masses said for the faithful departed. He himself will acquire no merit thereby, but the suffering souls will derive the full benefit of the Holy Sacrifice. In all other good works offered for them, the state of grace is requiste. "He that abideth in Me," says Christ, "and I in him, the same beareth much fruit, for without Me, you can do nothing." If, then, we are incapable of gaining merit for ourselves, how can we bestow any upon others? St. Francis Xavier says: "Before being intent on delivering souls from Purgatory, take heed to redeem your own souls from Hell;" and here we may add the word of the Lord spoken by His prophet: " Wash yourselves, be clean, take away the evil of your devices from my eyes: cease to do perversely." (Isaias i 16)

Prayer: Grant us the grace, O Lord! to avoid sin at all times, and confirm us in Thy charity, that, by Thy bounty, our supplications for the suffering souls may be acceptable to Thee, and beneficial to them. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who were careful never to lose the grace of God.

Lord grant them eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times.)

Practice: Make an act of perfect contrition, Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!

[Cathleen]

+++Amen

My Jesus, mercy!

[Cathleen]

My Jesus,mercy