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A Litany for the Poor Souls in Purgatory
Purgatory is a place of purification or temporary punishment in which the souls of those who die in a state of grace are made ready for Heaven. It’s for those who have died in God’s grace and friendship, but still need to be cleansed of venial sins or to atone for sins that have not been fully expiated in life.
As Catholics, when we partake of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we confess our sins and they are forgiven. However, we still need to face temporal atonement, to cleans our soul of those sins, before being able to enter into Heaven. That soul cleansing occurs in Purgatory.
Who Goes to Purgatory?
- Souls in a state of grace: Those who have not committed mortal sins but might still have minor (venial) sins or have not fully atoned for forgiven sins.
- Those needing purification: Even if one’s sins are forgiven, there might be a need for purification from the effects of sin before entering Heaven, where nothing impure can enter.
The Catholic Church teaches that Purgatory is not a place of despair, but of hope, where souls are assured of eventual entry into Heaven. How long a soul must atone in purgatory is unknown, as it depends on each souls requirement for atonement. It is believed to be a passage of time. However, that time reduced when the living aid those in Purgatory through prayers, indulgences, masses, and good works, a practice known as “praying for the dead.”
Praying for the Dead?
References to praying for the dead can be found in both the Old Testament and the New.
- Old Testament
2 Maccabees 12:46: “Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be absolved of their sin” - New Testament.
2 Timothy 1:16–18: Paul prays for the household of Onesiphorus, asking that the Lord grant him mercy.
Litany for the Poor Souls in Purgatory
Praying for the poor souls (also referred to as Holy Souls) in Purgatory can be through any number of ways, including dedicating a Rosary or a Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Another means of prayer it reciting and meditating on a Litany that focuses on the Poor Souls in Purgatory.
Here is one such litany:
The bold text below is typically said aloud by someone who leads a prayer group or congregation in prayer, and the italic text is said by the group. However, litanies can be prayed alone as well, in which case the single person doing the prayer recites everything. Additionally, this prayer can be found in a virtual format that you can pray along to, on our YouTube page, by following this link: Litany for the Poor Souls in Purgatory.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,
have mercy on the souls in Purgatory.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
have mercy on the souls in Purgatory.
God the Holy Spirit,
have mercy on the souls in Purgatory.
Holy Trinity, one God,
have mercy on the souls in Purgatory.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for the souls in Purgatory.
Saint Joseph, patron of the dying,
pray for the souls in Purgatory.
Saint Michael, leader of the heavenly host,
pray for the souls in Purgatory.
All holy angels and archangels,
intercede for the souls in Purgatory.
You who suffered the wounds of Christ yet died in His grace,
O holy souls, we pray for your release.
You who long to gaze upon the face of God,
O holy souls, we pray for your release.
You who are purified in the fire of Divine Love,
O holy souls, we pray for your release.
You who cry out for prayers and sacrifices,
O holy souls, we pray for your release.
You who are consoled by the prayers of the Church,
O holy souls, we pray for your release.
You who now understand the weight of sin,
O holy souls, we pray for your release.
You who suffer patiently in hope,
O holy souls, we pray for your release.
You who thirst for the eternal light of heaven,
O holy souls, we pray for your release.
For the souls of our parents and ancestors,
Lord, grant them eternal rest.
For the souls of our brothers and sisters,
Lord, grant them eternal rest.
For the souls of our spouses and dear friends,
Lord, grant them eternal rest.
For the forgotten souls who have no one to pray for them,
Lord, grant them eternal rest.
For the souls most abandoned and in deepest suffering,
Lord, grant them eternal rest.
For priests, religious, and all who served Your Church,
Lord, grant them eternal rest.
For those who died suddenly, unprepared for death,
Lord, grant them eternal rest.
For those who suffered long and bore their crosses well,
Lord, grant them eternal rest.
For all the faithful departed,
Lord, grant them eternal rest.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
spare them, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
hear our prayer.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
grant them eternal rest.
Let us pray.
O God of mercy and justice, look with compassion upon the suffering souls in Purgatory. Hear the prayers we offer for them and hasten the day of their purification, that they may soon behold You in eternal glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.
Conclusion
The litany above can be prayed especially in November, the month dedicated to the Holy Souls, or anytime you wish to intercede for the faithful departed. The souls in Purgatory need our prayers to help lesson their time there, so that they can move on to Heaven. You likely have family and ancestors there that are in need of your prayers.
Clicking on the image below will bring you to our YouTube page where you will find the prayer above in virtual video, where you can pray along.
