... and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
As we approach the end of All Souls' week, I've actually spent a very strange week, but one realising how important this week is, even though in previous years it went by me virtually unnoticed. It's only recently that I've understood the doctrines of Purgatory and of Indulgences in any sort of way. They are still a deep mystery, but nevertheless they give me great joy and hope. Both are examples of God's great mercy, that he grants us a way of entering heaven even though are souls aren't spotless when we die. Indulgences are also a way for us to extend our charitable mission to the souls in Purgatory.
At my most recent confession, the priest (in very rapid French so I may have missed some of what he said) explained that obtaining a plenary indulgence for a soul in purgatory, who can no longer merit, has a twofold effect. First of all, by the good work done for the indulgence, along with the necessary conditions, allows the merit to be applied to the soul in purgatory, thus allowing them (if a plenary indulgence) to enter into the beatific vision. Then, you now have a friend in heaven who will undoubtedly intercede for you before the Lord, as you did for the soul.
Anyway, let us keep praying for our deceased brethren especially this month, but that doesn't mean forget them throughout the rest of the year. Have masses said for your deceased loved ones, pray for those people you read in newspapers, for those who die in any conflicts, for all those who have no one to pray for them specifically, and build up friends in heaven.
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