In our fast-paced and self-centered world, it is easy to forget the importance of compassion for others, especially those who have left this earthly life. The idea of purgatory, a temporary stall for souls at the beginning of their otherworldly journey, is an integral part of Catholics belief. As people that value prayer and intercession, we deeply believe in the power of prayer for souls in purgatory.
Let’s deepen the profound meaning of the prayer for the departed and explore the ancient tradition of praying the chaplet of the holy souls in purgatory as a means of interceding on their behalf.
Rosary for the holy souls in purgatory: the history
Among all the extraordinary people who have been caring for purgatory souls there is a priest from the 18th century: Saint Pompilio Pirrotti.
The peculiarity of this extraordinary man, as proven by numerous testimonies, was to recite the rosary to suffrage the souls in purgatory with anyone who wanted to join him, but that was not all: his ability was especially to pray right along with the departed souls themselves, who completed the second part of the Hail Mary he started.
From this experience came the idea of creating a rosary to the holy souls in purgatory.
How to pray the rosary for the holy souls in purgatory
This chaplet is composed of thirteen sets of four beads, one large and three small, with one extra 4 beads group on the pendant that is completed by the crucifix. It is possible to begin the recitation of the rosary by saying:
- 1 Apostles' Creed on the Crucifix
- 1 Our Father on the yellow bead
- 1 Glory Be for the Saints on the white bead
- 1 Glory Be for St Michael the Archangel on the green bead
- 1 Glory Be for the Guardian Angels on the pink bead
- 1 Hail Mary on the blue bead
- The following prayer on the central medal:
Mother of Divine Mercy,
intercede for the Holy Souls detained in Purgatory,
through the Power of Thy Immaculate Heart,
to Glorify God for the salvation of all souls.
At this stage, the color of the beads will be the guiding feature for praying this special rosary. On each one of the black beads we say the Eternal Rest in honor of Mary's thirteen virtues, while on the light blue beads we say one Hail Mary.
It is then continued by saying:
First Virtue in honor of the Fear to Lord
Hail Mary…
Eternal Rest… (3 times)
Second Virtue in honor of the Charity
Hail Mary…
Eternal Rest… (3 times)
Third Virtue in honor of the Faith
Hail Mary…
Eternal Rest… (3 times)
Fourth Virtue in honor of the Hope
Hail Mary…
Eternal Rest… (3 times)
Fifth Virtue in honor of the Obedience
Hail Mary…
Eternal Rest… (3 times)
Sixth Virtue in honor of the Patience
Hail Mary…
Eternal Rest… (3 times)
Seventh Virtue in honor of the Mercy
Hail Mary…
Eternal Rest… (3 times)
Eighth Virtue in honor of the Chastity
Hail Mary…
Eternal Rest… (3 times)
Ninth Virtue in honor of the Attention
Hail Mary…
Eternal Rest… (3 times)
Tenth Virtue in honor of the Strength
Hail Mary…
Eternal Rest… (3 times)
Eleventh Virtue in honor of the Purity
Hail Mary…
Eternal Rest… (3 times)
Twelfth Virtue in honor of the Purity
Hail Mary…
Eternal Rest… (3 times)
Thirteenth Virtue in honor of the Justice
Hail Mary…
Eternal Rest… (3 times)
The Novena to the Holy Souls in Purgatory
This chaplet is the perfect tool to pray the novena of the holy souls of purgatory, that is a powerful and deeply spiritual devotion that allows us to intercede for the souls in purgatory and bring them closer to God's mercy. Through our prayers during the nine days, we offer comfort and support to those who have departed this life and are in need of purification.
The holy souls novena is especially meaningful to observe during specific periods, such as the month of November or leading up to All Souls' Day, when Catholics focus on praying for the faithful departed. Additionally, it can be recited during times of personal loss or when we desire to strengthen our connection with our departed loved ones and those souls who have no one to pray for them.
It’s important to remember that our prayers not only benefit the holy souls but also enrich our spiritual lives by fostering respect, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the afterlife. As we journey through life, let this beautiful tradition be a reminder of the eternal bond we share with all members of our community, both living and deceased, united in our common pursuit of divine love and salvation.
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