The best and most efficacious way to help souls to be released from Purgatory is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass! The greatest gift the Catholic Church possesses is the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist. … More Dear Father, how can we help the souls in Purgatory?
It is important to acknowledge and accept the reality of the loss and allow for feelings of shock, numbness, or denial which can help in accepting the loss. Grief is natural; weeping and mourning are natural and not inconsistent with faith. … More Dear Father, does grieving imply a lack of faith?
Any Catholic who has reached the age of reason and is in danger of death from sickness, accident, or old age should receive this Sacrament; the sickness or accident has to be so serious that it could cause death. … More Dear Father, What is Extreme Unction?
While we may accept our afflictions, we have to understand that suffering, in and of itself, is not redemptive. It is up to us to respond in a way that gives it redemptive value by imitating the love with which Jesus suffered for us. Redemptive suffering is a most beautiful and perfect love. Offering up our suffering is a powerful way to become more like Christ and love others as He loves them. … More Dear Father: What is redemptive suffering?
The custom of offering Gregorian Masses for a particular soul recognizes that few people are immediately ready for Heaven after death, and that, through the infinite intercessory power of Christ’s sacrifice, made present in Holy Mass, a soul can be continually perfected in grace and enabled to enter finally into union with the Most Holy Trinity. … More Dear Father: What are Gregorian Masses, and how can we offer them for our loved ones who have died?