Ever since my Mom died when I was 25 years old, I have prayed for the souls in purgatory.
That is when I learned about purgatory, and frankly, I did not know for sure if my Mom had gone straight to heaven. She may be one of those “unknown saints” mentioned in the description of All Saints’ Day, but she may need my prayers, and I know for sure that if she does not, others do and that they will benefit from my prayers for my Mom. I came to understand that it is not my business to know either way, but a duty of love to pray for her soul, and all those who have died. After all, I want others to pray for me when I die and I’m guessing that you do as well. “‘Do unto others…’”
I consistently pray for the souls of my parents, and now my brother Mark who has died, and ask them all to pray for me, and if they are able, to offer all of my prayers to the Lord, as they simply have nothing else to do with their time since they are actually outside of time! I’m certain that their adoration and praise of God can simultaneously be intertwined with intercessory prayer.
The Lord has entrusted us with family members and friends to allow us to grow closer to Him in this life, and also so that we can all pray for each other specifically after death. We are all one in the Mystical Body of Christ and only separated by the thin veil of death.
Sr. Catherine Lynn Forsythe, T.O.R.
