How to Pray a Rosary for the Souls in Purgatory | Guide
Praying a Rosary for the souls in purgatory is a beautiful devotion. Within the Catholic faith, the souls in Purgatory are held in high regard. These are our relatives, friends, and fellow Catholics who have gone before us and must spend a period of purification in a place called Purgatory before entering heaven. What follows will teach us how to assist our family, friends, and fellow Catholics in obtaining release from Purgatory.
Why do we pray for the Souls in Purgatory?
Purgatory is nothing more than an encounter with God's burning and purifying mercy, a purifying love that consumes all flaws with its intensity. While it may seem strange to think of mercy and love inflicting pain, this is the reality of purgatory. The saints compare purgatory to burning in a raging fire. In fact, some saints have stated that the pain of purgatory is not dissimilar to the agony of hell. One of the most painful aspects of salvation is the fact that it has been obtained but that one cannot immediately enjoy its benefits. This delay in enjoying heaven causes a kind of spiritual agony.
As a result, the souls in purgatory suffer in a very real and painful way that we cannot fully comprehend. We have the power to help and relieve them through our prayers and actions. We have the ability to assist and relieve our suffering friends. This is a mercy and self-giving love act. The sacrifice required of us is minimal, but the rewards are enormous. Saying a Rosary for the Souls in Purgatory is a giving and wonderful act.
What is a Rosary for the Souls in Purgatory?
A Rosary is the most potent Marian prayer on the planet. Mary prays for both the living and the dead. When we pray the Rosary for the souls in purgatory, we offer to God all of our Savior's merits, joys, sufferings, and death for their relief. A Rosary for the souls in purgatory is specifically a Rosary Prayer to pray for our loved ones in Purgatory. It is a traditional Rosary with some additional prayers. If you are new to praying the Rosary, check out this link for a free guide.
How to Pray a Rosary for the Souls in Purgatory
Before starting the Rosary, begin with this Prayer:
“Let us pray: May the prayer of Your suppliant people, we beseech You, O Lord, benefit the souls of Your departed servants and handmaids, that You both deliver them from all their sins and make them partakers of Your redemption. Amen.”
Make the Sign of the Cross:
“In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”
Response:
V. O Lord, open my lips. R. And I shall praise your name.
V. O God, come to my aid. R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. R. As it was in the beginning…
Now we pray for specific souls in purgatory:
“O Jesus, You suffered and died that all mankind might be saved and brought to eternal happiness. Hear our pleas for further mercy on the souls of:”
(Mention by name each soul; choose all those you wish to pray for: parents, grandparents or spouse, brothers and sisters and other near relatives, teachers, priests, convicts, cancer patients, and on and on, including those who have wronged you and those who were your enemies.)
Response to each name is: Jesus, have mercy!
Begin the Rosary as normal with the Apostle’s Creed. Use the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary as you pray.
After the decade, pray the following prayer: Lord, Jesus Christ, through Your five Holy Wounds and through all of Your Sacred Blood that You shed, we ask You to have mercy on the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and in particular on our parents, spouses, relatives, spiritual guides and benefactors. Complete the healing of their purification and let them enjoy and participate fully in Your Salvation. Amen.
After the customary concluding prayers (Hail Holy Queen), add this traditional prayer for the departed:
“Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them with your Saints forever more, because You are gracious. May the divine assistance remain always with us. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
A guide to Pray for the Souls in Purgatory - Printable PDF
Print the guide to praying the Rosary for Souls in Purgatory, including the extra prayers at the link below.
Download the Purgatory Souls Rosary Guide
Praying a Rosary for the Souls in Purgatory, a powerful practice.
The souls in Purgatory are held in high regard by the Catholic faithful. These are our relatives and friends who have gone before us, but must first purify themselves before entering heaven. Any prayer for the souls in Purgatory is sure to be heard, but praying a Rosary for the Sous in Purgatory, our beloved members of the Church, is a powerful way to assist our loved ones and help us all grow in faith.
The Rosary Card - Use to pray for the Souls of Purgatory Rosary!
As you learn to pray the Rosary, check out our Rosary Cards. They are designed for convenience (same size as a Credit Card) and make it much easier to pray the Rosary often.
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