Monday, November 8, 2010

On their way to Heaven

This month of November is dedicated by the Church to prayer for those who have gone before us and who are experiencing their final purification so they can enter the Heavenly Presence of God. The Church calls that mystery of our Catholic Faith Purgatory. The feast of All Souls on November 2 sets the tone for our prayer during this month. In our chapel on that day we spread before the Blessed Sacrament the memorial cards of those we know who have died in recent years as well as deceased members of our families. Throughout the day we asked the Lord to shorten their time in Purgatory and to take them quickly to Himself.

In the "Catechism of the Catholic Church" Articles #1030 to #1032 explain the Church's teaching on Purgatory. If you do not have a copy of the Catechism you can find it online. http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/ccc_toc.htm (scroll down to Article 12)

In a recent parish bulletin one of our pastors made a comparison between the rescue of the Chilean miners and the souls in Purgatory. "Their long awaited moment of freedom came about through a cooperative effort (of many people) all under the providential influence of God's grace." We can pray for our deceased brothers and sisters to speed them along their way to eternal rest.

No comments: