"It is bad enough that people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of ignorance." - World Aids Day Quotes by Elizabeth Taylor
"Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light." - World Aids Day Quotes by Norman B. Rice
World Aids Day is observed on December 1st each year.
The theme for the WORLD AIDS DAY is “ACT AWARE”.
AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome), one of the most dreaded diseases of humanity has spread to every part of the world. First infection was reported in 1981 among homosexuals in USA. In India it was found in 1986 among commercial sex workers from Chennai. Aids has killed more than 25 million people from 1981 to 2007 and an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history.
On this day we are called to:
·Spread awareness about AIDS.
·Work towards prevention, treatment and care.
·Respect the dignity of every person especially those who are affected.
·Remove myths and misconceptions about AIDS.
·Help in every way possible those who are affected.
·Promote basic knowledge of prevention of transmission of HIV/AIDS.
·Be loving, empathetic, listening. Avoid being prejudiced & judgemental.
The impact of HIV / AIDS on humans is tremendous:
·It hinders human development.
·It has devastating effects on individuals and families.
·It decreases economic and social progress.
·It reduces life expectancy be decades.
·It increases poverty.
·It affects government revenue and expenditure.
·It increases expenditure. Children have to work to care for the family.
Let us in our own little way help making people aware of the great epidemic and Act to prevent it. St. Paul in his letter to the Romans 12,1 says: “I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living sacrifice – the kind he will accept (Romans 12,1). Let us pray to the good Lord for all those suffering from this disease and from the stigma and rejection they receive from their beloved ones and members of the society. May all respect the dignity of the human person and help alleviate the sufferings of out brothers and sisters. For the Lord who promised us : “whatsoever you do to the least of my people that you do unto me” bless us to see Christ like Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta in all the suffering people of God.
For, Diocesan Commission for Social Communications (Socom-Baroda)
Force for Change: World AIDS Campaign With Young People
1999
Listen, Learn, Live: World AIDS Campaign with Children & Young People
2000
AIDS: Men Make a Difference
2001
I care. Do you?
2002
Stigma and Discrimination
2003
Stigma and Discrimination
2004
Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS
2005
Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise
2006
Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise - Accountability
2007
Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise - Leadership
2008
Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise - Lead - Empower - Deliver
2009
Universal Access and Human Rights
2010
Act Aware
Saturday, November 27, 2010
INFLUENCE OF MEDIA ON THE LIFE OF YOUTH AND CHILDREN
A seminar was conducted for the children and Youth on "The Influence of Media on the Life of Youth and Children". Fr. Melwin O.C.D. was the resource person. He began the day by asking the children and youth to enumerate all the means of communication they have at home and which they use regularly. The youngsters very enthusiastically replied by sharing with all the gadgets they use namely: Mobiles, Internet, Television, Ipods, Computers, FM radios, Laptops, etc. He then picked up a few of these and asked them to raise their hands if they use that particular means of communication. Mobiles, Computers and Internet ranked the highest.
Fr. Melwin then proceeded to explain the positive and negative effects of the media in their lives. Among the positive aspects he said that the media can be used for various good reasons namely: to gather information, to bring together people, to educate, to build relationships, to contact people withing seconds, to see the beauty of creation, to know the latest developments, to know the various issues in soceity and respond accordingly, to enjoy, etc. He then spoke of the negative aspects namely: it promotes violence, pornography, aggression, fantasy seems reality, imitation, hero worship, spread evil, etc. The youngsters too were asked to contribute to the positive and negative aspects which they have seen or encountered for themselves. They were came up with varied points which were enlightening.
In the last session Fr. Melwin explained how the media could be used to build oneself and others. He said that the media could be used to bring happinesss in the lives of those who are sad, Bible quotes can be sent for reflection, people can be informed immediately when anything takes place in the parish or the surrounding, one can counsel people, build relationships, remove prejudice, encourage, congratulate, send SMS or emails about character building......
The day ended with the youngsters taking a firm resolution to use the media and the God given gifts for the self-growth and to help others and thus be a part of building the Kingdom of God.
The whole day was very creatively organized by means of talk, action songs, group sharing, brain storming, taking resolution, jokes, newpaper cuttings.... It was a day of learning with fun. The youngsters were very happy and went back resolved to use the media in a more responsible manner. The parents of the youngsters too were happy as most of things, which they wanted to admonish their children but could not do it, were all taken up by Fr. Melwin.
The Socom-baroda would like to thank Fr. Melwin for preparing the youngsters for the India Communication Day.
"LET THE YOUTH ARISE AND SHINE" YOUTH CONVENTION IN VADODARA AND RELWA
The Youth Convention was by organized by Fr. William Carvalho, the Youth Director in two places namely, Vadoara and Relwa for all the youth of the Diocese of Baroda.
The Youth Convention for the youth of the city was held at Sky Lark, Rosary Parish Baroda. The youth of the different city parishes came together on the 6th and 7th November, 2010. Most Rev. Bishop Godfrey de Rosario was the chief guest for the occasion.
These two days were indeed days of great learning and entertainment for the 180 youngsters from 16 parishes. Eminent speakers enlightened the youth with spiritual learning based on our Saviour Jesus Christ and the organizers kept the group active with actions songs and games.
The inauguration itself had a thought provoking speech by Mr. Gilbert Nazareth, MD, Minority Finance Corporation, Government of Gujarat spoke that it is the youth who can make a different to the Church and to the Country. He asked them to be ready to face the varied challenges that lay ahead of them.
In the first session Rev. Fr. Ambrose Vedam s.j. spoke on the topic "Church and the Youth". He explained it is not what the Church is but who the Church is which is important. He said that the Church is the people of God. It is not only laity, but priests, religious, bishops and Pope, all the baptized Christians. “Where two or three gathered in my name I am there in their midst”. Mr. Mario, faculty of Education and Psychology, M.S. University, Baroda conducted a session on 'Carrier Guidance'. He beautifully explained it by giving them a chart to work on. The youth were so eager to do it that they did not understand how the time passed by. It was the points that were on the chart that was showing them the real person they hold in them and in which direction they have to walk. The day ended with camp fire and the sound of music by the youth themselves. It was real fun.
Next day began with exercise conducted by an young athlete who trained the Indian Cricket Team. The Eucharist was celebrated by Most Rev. Bishop Godfrey de Rosario, the Bishop of Baroda Diocese. In his homily he encouraged the youth to arise and shine. The youth were indeed enlightened and resolved to trully arise and shine.
The first session of the second day was conducted by Rev. Fr. Joseph. He narrated his own life example whereby he was touched by the Lord. It is not only the pious and right people God calls but God can call any one, any time as he called Paul, St. Augustine, and so on….
The last session of the day was still more vibrant. The speaker was Rev. Fr. Paresh. He spoke on 'Faith'. He said that 'Each thought is a prayer and every prayer is answered'. He explained the real meaning of faith, based on Scripture.
The youth convention ended with a fruitful discussion on various visions for the future of the Church in the Diocese of Baroda. They reflected and came out with suggestions as to how they can work in the Church collectively and make a difference. The day ended with the Eucharistic Celebration. Fr. Robert explained in his homily that the youth have lot of talents and it is up to each individual to use them for their personal growth and for the growth of others.
The Second Youth Convention was held at Relwa from the 12th to the 14th of November 2010. The theme of the convention was "Be United And Move Ahead". Most Rev. Bishop Godfrey de Rosario was the chief guest for the occasion. He innaugurated the convention and he addressed the 1000 youth gathered from 20 mission centres.
The programme began with lighting of the lamp and a prayer dance. Followed by various talks, sharing of experiences and cultural programme by the Youth. Eminent tribal speakers shared their knowledge and experience. Dhanubhai, a social worker spoke on the history of tribals and their present condition and stauts. Anand Vasava, Editor Adilok threw light on the complex issue of challenges faced by the tribal. The main thought that went across was to take a look at the challenges faced by the Adivasi Community and how the Tribal culture can be upheld and encouraged.
The local MLA, Mr. Amarsinh educted the gathering on the privileges of tribals in the constitution of India. Dhanubhai spoke on the varies evils prevalent among the tribals even today and which are very harmful namely superstition and drug addiction. A session on unity among the tribals by Vinod Vasva, a trainer of trainees, made the youth to reflect and do something.
The Eucharistic Celebrations for the two days were celebrated by Rev. Bishop Godfrey and Rev. Fr. Berechi. The evenings were filled with fun and dance. There were various tribal dances, skits, jokes and songs that were presented by different youth from different parishes. More than 900 youth took part in this convention at Relwa.
A hearty congratulations to Rev. Fr. William Carvalho and his team for putting up such a well-organized programme for the youth. It did bring the youth together to pray, to think, to get enlightened, to enjoy the company and culture of different persons and allow them to truly arise and shine.
"LET THE YOUTH ARISE AND SHINE"
Friday, November 26, 2010
MOTHER EXPRESS
In the Centenary Year of the Birth of Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the INDAIN RAILWAYS to offer her homage and to inspire the people of the great contribution that Mother has made for the people of India has decided to dedicate three airconditioned coaches to display the life and work that Mother has done.
The three coach train will halt at:
Ujjain - 14th and 15th November 2010
Surat - 29th and 30th November 2010
Baroda - 1st and 2nd December 2010
Ahmedabad - 3rd and 4th December 2010
Rajkot - 5th and 6th December 2010
The programme and exhibition of the same will begin at 9.00 am to 7.00 pm. All are welcome to see it. The entry is free.
It would be nice if you could inform your parishioners, school staff, children and friends about it and encourage them to come and be a part of this great occasion.
The programme on December 1st will be:
Innauguration Programme will begin at 10.00 a.m.
Lighting of the Lamp
Prayer Dance by Girls of Jesus and Mary Convent.
The Division Railway Manager will give a speech.
Message on the Life of Mother through dance by St. Joseph's School.
Cutting the Ribbon & Message by Most Rev. Bishop Godfrey de Rosario.
Exhibition will begin.
There will also be Rangoli, Drawing and Poster competitions for the Children. Do encourage the children of your parish and school to participate in it. It is open to all children.
For further details of the same kindly contact Rev. Fr. Lester SDB on his email address - lestersdb@gmail.com or mobile - 09099770047.
Thanking you in anticipation and looking forward to your wholehearted cooperation and do grace this occasion by your valuable presence and participation.
Fr. Lawrence Rodrigues
(For Diocesan Commission for Social Communication)
Do Visit our Blog for further details and other information.
On 14th November 2010, as is the custom every year, this year too, the children at Don Bosco snehalaya celebrated children’s day. It was the 10thBal Mela. Besides the 90 boys residing at Snehalaya, there were many other children from different railway stations in Gujarat who had come precisely for the mela celebration. A number of children joined the celebration from some of the NGOs in the city and above all there were quite a large number of children who came in from the neighbouring basti near Snehalaya. Some of the platform boys even came in already the previous evening. Quite a few of our old boys came forward to give a helping hand in getting things ready.
The day began with a cultural programme. Right at the start the children put up a prayer dance followed by the lighting of the lamp. Fr. Nelson SDB, Parish Priest of Don Bosco Macarpura garlanded the portraits of Jawaharlal Nehru (it was Chacha Nehru’s birth anniversary), Don Bosco (Father and Founder) and The Painting of a marginalized platform youngster in whose honor we were actually having the Mela.
The Director of Don Bosco Snehalaya Fr. Steve extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest and all the guests and children who were present for the occassion.
The Masters of Ceremony - Masters Suraj Molvi Maherban and Chand Sheikh (two Snehalaya boys) then carried the programme forward. The children put up various beautifully-orchestrated dances and a meaningful skit based on the theme of Child Rights which states: “Children are our Hope, Children are our future. Let them live and grow with dignity and respect.” The children also put up a dance on "Mother". It was indeed touching and inspsiring.
The Chief Guest for the day was Mrs.Neelam Kodnani, the chairperson of the CWC (Child Welfare Committee). In her speech she congratulated the performances of the children and felt that they would be able to achieve lots of wonderful things in their life for which they would need to study well and work hard.. The children and the guests enjoyed the programme very much.
After the programs the children, guests, volunteers and the staff all headed towards for a sumptuous lunch with a variety of delicious food on service. The food and snack were all sponsored by a kind and generous person named Janak Patel.
In the end there were varous fete games organized for the children. The different games stalls were put up on the grounds. Games coupons were distributed to all the children. They were told that the more coupons they could win the more and bigger gifts they could get at the end of the day. So the children were very excited knowing what they could get. They put in all their efforts in winning the coupons. There was a joy and happiness seen on all the children’s faces; we could see that they were lost in their own childhood days, and the joy and happiness they experienced was surely something which they could never have had while they were on the platforms of different railway stations.
At the end of the day, there was a DJ system put up for the boys so that they could dance and spend all their energy on the floor. This went on for a good hour. The children had lots of fun and masti, while the DJ man played beautiful songs.
It was indeed a memorable day for all, especially the poor children.
Hearty Congratulations to Rev. Frs. Steve and Lester for all that they are doing for the poor street children following the footsteps of their Father and Founder Don Bosco.
PURGATORY
"Pray unceasingly. We must empty Purgatory."
St. Padre Pio
In the Catholic Church, the month of November is dedicated to all the souls in purgatory. Let us see what is the teaching of the Catholic Church on Purgatory. This will be a good means for us to reflect and pray and also to use as apologetics for the many separated brethren who question us on this vital issue of purgatory.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Archbishop Lefebvre Speak On Purgatory
Teachings Of The Catholic Church On Purgatory As Written In The Catechism Of The Catholic Church
Sacred Scripture On Purgatory
Fathers Of The Church And Teachings Of The Magisterium On Purgatory
Why We Should Pray For The Souls In Purgatory
A Short Prayer For The Release Of Souls From Purgatory
Novena For The Release Of Souls From Purgatory
Other Important Sayings And Teachings On Souls In Purgatory
1.ARCHBISHOP LEFEBVRE SPEAK ON PURGATORY
Archbishop Lefebvre gives us the answers to three vital questions of Purgatory namely: Is there a purgatory? What is the state of the souls there? What can be done for them? He says, “I would like to draw your attention to, and have you reflect upon, the reality of Purgatory and upon the devotion, which we should have for the souls who are suffering in this place of purification.
First of all, does Purgatory exist? If one were to believe all that is written today, even by members of the Catholic Church, one would be tempted to believe that Purgatory is a medieval fable! No! Purgatory is a dogma - a dogma of our Faith. Whoever refuses to believe in Purgatory is a heretic. In fact, already in the thirteenth century, the Second Council of Lyons solemnly affirmed the existence of Purgatory. Then, in the sixteenth century, the Council of Trent in particular, solemnly affirmed against the negations of the Protestants, the necessity in preserving the Faith, of believing in the existence of Purgatory. It is therefore certain that this is a dogma of our Faith, which is especially affirmed and supported by Tradition - more than by Sacred Scripture. Sacred Scripture does, however, offer passages, which make allusion, as clearly as possible, to the existence of Purgatory. We have, moreover, in an epistle which is used by the Church in Masses offered for the intention of the souls in Purgatory, the account of the "Machabees" where Judas Machabee sent a sum of twelve thousand talents to Jerusalem asking the priests of offer a sacrifice for the intention of the soldiers who had died in combat in order that they might be delivered from their afflictions and enter heaven. Sacred Scripture adds: "It is a salutary thought to pray for our dead." Saint Paul also makes allusion to the souls in Purgatory when he says that certain souls enter heaven immediately and others quasi per ignem; that is, who enter heaven as well but by fire, making allusion certainly to the purification necessary for these souls who would not be perfectly prepared to enter heaven. It is by these allusions and particularly by Tradition, which is transmitted to us by the Apostles and by the Fathers of the Church, that the Church has founded her Faith in the existence and in the reality of Purgatory.
Why does Purgatory exist? It exists because we must obviously enter heaven in the most perfect purity. It is inconceivable that souls may enter the vision of God?? enter into union with God, a union which surpasses all that our mind is able to imagine, all that we am able to conceive, enter into Divinity Itself, to participate in the light of God - with any dispositions which would be contrary to this light, contrary to the glory of God, to the purity of God, to the sanctity of God? It is inconceivable! This why those who have died in the state of grace but are not perfectly purified from the penalty which is due to sin after the sin has been pardoned, and also those who die with venial sins, must pass through this place of purification which renders them worthy to be present before God in the Blessed Trinity. It is then something, which is entirely normal, for we must not forget that even if the sin is pardoned, there remains in us a disorder, which was established by the sin. Without a doubt, the moral fault no longer exists because it has been pardoned by the Sacrament of Penance; however, it remains that our soul has been wounded; our soul has suffered a disorder, which must be repaired. This may be compared in a certain way to the penitent who has sinned by stealing from his neighbor. Not only must be accuse himself to Our Lord in the sacrament of Penance and receive absolution, but he must also reimburse the sum which is stolen. One may compare this, I would say, to all sins, which we have committed. We have created a disorder, we have created an injustice, and we must repair this injustice even after the sin has been pardoned. This is why the souls in Purgatory remain there until the moment when they are perfectly purified from the penalties due to their sins, which have been forgiven.
What is the state of the souls in Purgatory? Are the souls in Purgatory able to acquire merit for themselves by which they might abridge their time of purification? No, henceforth the souls in Purgatory are not able to gain merit for themselves. Why? Since they are no longer here upon earth, they are no longer like us - in the state in which one is able to gain merit. We have the choice to make, and by the fact that we choose good in place of evil we merit a recompense. The souls in Purgatory no longer have this choice to make. They are definitively fixed in their grace, in sanctifying grace. They have the certitude of being among the elect, and this causes a profound joy, and unalterable joy. They know that henceforth they are destined for heaven. But they suffer as well from an indescribable suffering because they know much better than we what God is and what He has promised us by grace? The glory that is waiting for us in heaven. They suffer severely front the thought that they are not yet able to approach God and to live with Him for eternity. They are also tormented by remorse at the thought of the goodness of God and of the charity of God of which they are witnesses. They understand well the charity which God has had for them: for they had sinned and separated themselves from God and it is for this that they stiffer. They know that they suffer justly for the sins, which they had committed, and to be purified in order to arrive in the glory of the Lord.
"The Church has a treasury of merits which she is able to place at the disposal of souls who truly wish to employ these merits for the souls in Purgatory”
Thus, as a consequence, the souls in Purgatory are not able to abridge their sufferings.
How then would they be able to render their admittance into heaven more rapid? They count upon us. Yes, they count upon us. It is we who, by the unity of the Mystical Body, are able to merit for them. The union that we in the Church Militant have with the souls in Purgatory and the fact that we are able to merit for these souls are founded upon the unity of the Mystical body. The Church Suffering and the Church Militant are united in Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Since we are able to merit for them, we may ask Our Lord Jesus Christ in our prayers and, in particular, in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, that the souls in Purgatory be more rapidly delivered from their sufferings; and, indeed, we must do so. It is a duty for us because these souls who are suffering count upon us for their deliverance. We are able to do so therefore by our prayers and, in particular, in offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. We are able to do so by our penances, penances which we must do as well in order to atone for the penalty which is due to us for sins which have been pardoned, and in order to diminish our Purgatory and, if it pleases God, and if God wishes, that we not pass through Purgatory but rather go directly to heaven to join Him. We must therefore perform sacrifices for the souls in Purgatory and also profit from the treasure which the Church places at our disposal, the treasure of the merits of the saints, of all those who have lived here on earth. The Church has a treasury of merits, which she is able to place at the disposal of souls who truly wish to employ these merits for the souls in Purgatory. The Church asks us to perform certain prayers, to acquire these merits and to apply them to the souls in Purgatory. This is what we can do for them! It is a considerable encouragement for us, an encouragement to sanctify ourselves. If we truly understood what the souls in Purgatory suffer, we would do all that we possibly could for our part to deliver them and to avoid Purgatory ourselves.
Concerning the indulgences which the Church gives: it is good to know that these repose upon a perfectly known truth of the church in which we must believe, the reality of the Mystical Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Council of Trent itself requests that we avoid entering into the subtlety of the number of indulgences, of any calculation, which would be made of any estimation more or less exact. One may wonder for example, if by one Mass said at a privileged altar, one Mass consequently which is said at an altar where one receives a plenary indulgence that one may apply to the souls in Purgatory. Is it absolutely certain the soul for whom the indulgence has been applied will be immediately delivered from its penalties and go to heaven? As a rule? yes. Theoretically? yes. Why? It is because the plenary indulgence is given specifically by the Church for the complete remission of the penalties, which are due to a sin after it has been pardoned. However, as the Council of Trent well explained, it depends upon God to give this indulgence. This indulgence then depends upon God. God sees the disposition of souls and consequently it is He who is ultimately the Judge of all things and of that which these souls must suffer in Purgatory and of the penalties, which they must expiate. As a consequence, one is not able to arrive in an absolutely mathematical manner at the conclusion, that from the moment one has performed a certain act or certain prayer, the soul is necessarily and absolutely delivered from Purgatory. This depends upon Divine Justice. We should hope and we should think that God judging all the merits, which have been acquired by the Church, applies them to these indulgences and we may truly hope that these souls are delivered.
This is why we must meditate upon the reality of Purgatory, to be united to the souls of our brethren, of our parents, of our deceased friends and of the entire innumerable multitude of souls who have no one among their acquaintances who prays for them. We must then pray often for the souls in Purgatory. The magnificent liturgy of the dead thus inspires us. Unfortunately, one must say that today the manner in which the reform (of Vatican II) has touched these prayers and modified them has been a great sorrow for the Church.
In addition, I think it is good to make allusion equally to the reform of the Council (Vatican II) concerning the cremation of bodies. I think that one may make allusion to this at the moment when one is speaking of our dear deceased. It is written in Canon Law that those who, in vie manner or another, express the desire to have their bodies cremated after their death are to be deprived of ecclesiastical burial. It is the law that they are to be thus deprived. Without a doubt the Church, at the Council, has changed this law but these things are abominable! Since from the beginning of its existence the Church has willed that bodies, which are temples of the Holy Ghost, which have been sanctified by Baptism, sanctified by the Sacraments, sanctified by the presence of the Holy Ghost sanctified by the reception of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, that these bodies be venerated. It is noted in Canon Law that even the members of a Christian??of a Catholic?which are amputated in a hospital be interred and they must not be burned. See what great veneration the Church has for members, which have been sanctified by the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ! We then, absolutely, refuse this abominable custom, which is, moreover, a masonic custom. Canon Law makes allusion to the associations in which it is requested that bodies be cremated and these associations are precisely masonic associations. One truly wonders how one has been able to accept such things without having been influenced by these masonic associations. We must maintain a very great respect for the bodies of the deceased, for those who have been sanctified and we must bury them as Christians have always done. We must honor our dead and honor our cemeteries. The tombs and graves should be maintained perfectly in order to show the faith, which we have that the bodies will one day be resurrected.
There you have, my dear brethren, our thoughts on the occasion of All Souls Day, which we will celebrate tomorrow. Let us live in union with the souls in Purgatory and let us ask the Blessed Virgin Mary, who assisted at the burial of her Son, to ask Him to give us the love and respect, which she had, for the Body of her Divine Son. Let us ask Him to give us also the respect for the bodies of those faithful who have died, our deceased friends and relatives.
2.TEACHINGS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON PURGATORY AS WRITTEN IN THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLICCHURCH
THE FINAL PURIFICATION, OR PURGATORY
1030 All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.
1031 The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned.606 The Church formulated her doctrine of faith on Purgatory especially at the Councils of Florence and Trent. The tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire:607
As for certain lesser faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire. He who is truth says that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be pardoned neither in this age nor in the age to come. From this sentence we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come.608
1032 This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: "Therefore [Judas Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin."609 From the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God.610 The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead:
Let us help and commemorate them. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.611
1472 To understand this doctrine and practice of the Church, it is necessary to understand that sin has a double consequence. Grave sin deprives us of communion with God and therefore makes us incapable of eternal life, the privation of which is called the "eternal punishment" of sin. On the other hand every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified either here on earth, or after death in the state called Purgatory. This purification frees one from what is called the "temporal punishment" of sin. These two punishments must not be conceived of as a kind of vengeance inflicted by God from without, but as following from the very nature of sin. A conversion which proceeds from a fervent charity can attain the complete purification of the sinner in such a way that no punishment would remain.
IN BRIEF
1055 By virtue of the "communion of saints," the Church commends the dead to God's mercy and offers her prayers, especially the holy sacrifice of the Eucharist, on their behalf.
3.SACRED SCRIPTURE ON PURGATORY
Sacred Scripture Roman Catholic Christians and other Christians also profess belief in a state of being, not a place, called "purgatory." The term "purgatory" is not found in the Bible; but neither are other such important Christian beliefs such as "Trinity" and "Incarnation."
Purgatory is defined as a state of being, the continuing process of purgation or purification of the soul after human death. It is a state of perfection--begun in baptism and faith-consummated after death, entered into only by those who are saved. In other words, our transformation in Christ (Rom , "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ"), our perfection in the holiness of the Father (1 Pet , "Be holy, because I (am) holy") is not ended at our physical death. Purgatory is a sign of God's mercy on those who have honestly sought to know God and to do His will in this life and yet die in some degree of bondage to sin or the effects of sin.
The Church has only two official teachings concerning purgatory:
A)It exists, and
B)Our prayers help the souls in purgatory.
a) We are deprived of the vision of God because of our sinfulness. But there is a divine purging fire which can heal us.
Heb 12:29:For our God is a consuming fire.
Heb 12:6,10: For whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges. ... but he does so for our benefit, in order that we may share his holiness.
Hebrews 12:22-24: “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to a judge who is God of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks more graciously than the blood of Abel. "
Is 6:5-7: Then I (Isaiah) said, "Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember which he had taken with tongs from the altar. He touched my mouth with it. "See," he said, "now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged."
1 Cor 3:11-15: For no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, the work of each will come to light, for the Day will disclose it. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire (itself) will test the quality of each one's work. If the work stands that someone built upon the foundation, that person will receive a wage. But if someone's work is burned up, that one will suffer loss; the person will be saved, but only as through fire.
1 Pet 1:7:The genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
b) Jesus implies that our sins can be forgiven in the next world.
Mt 12:32: And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
c) Scripture from the Greek Septuagint, the Old Testament of Christ, the Evangelists and Paul, and of the councils of Hippo and Carthage, affirm purgatory.
2 Mc 12:42-46: Turning to supplication, they prayed that the sinful deed might be fully blotted out. The noble Judas warned the soldiers to keep themselves free from sin, for they had seen with their own eyes what had happened because of the sin of those who had fallen. He then took up a collection among all his soldiers, amounting to two thousand silver drachmas, which he sent to Jerusalem to provide for an expiatory sacrifice. In doing this he acted in a very excellent and noble way, inasmuch as he had the resurrection of the dead in view; for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin.
4.FATHERS OF THE CHURCH AND TEACHINGS OF THE MAGISTERIUM ON PURGATORY
From the earliest of times, the Fathers of the Church taught the existence of purgatory:
Clement of Alexandria: The believer through discipline divests himself of his passions and passes to the mansion which is better than the former one, passes to the greatest torment, taking with him the characteristic of repentance for the faults he may have committed after baptism. He is tortured then still more, not yet attaining what he sees others have acquired. The greatest torments are assigned to the believer, for God's righteousness is good, and His goodness righteous, and though these punishments cease in the course of the expiation and purification of each one, "yet" etc. (Patres Groeci. IX, col. 332 [A.D. 150-215]).
Origen: If a man departs this life with lighter faults, he is condemned to fire which burns away the lighter materials, and prepares the soul for the kingdom of God, where nothing defiled may enter. For if on the foundation of Christ you have built not only gold and silver and precious stones (I Cor., 3); but also wood and hay and stubble, what do you expect when the soul shall be separated from the body? Would you enter into heaven with your wood and hay and stubble and thus defile the kingdom of God; or on account of these hindrances would you remain without and receive no reward for your gold and silver and precious stones? Neither is this just. It remains then that you be committed to the fire which will burn the light materials; for our God to those who can comprehend heavenly things is called a cleansing fire. But this fire consumes not the creature, but what the creature has himself built, wood, and hay and stubble. It is manifest that the fire destroys the wood of our transgressions and then returns to us the reward of our great works. (Patres Groeci. XIII, col. 445, 448 [A.D. 185-232]).
Abercius: The citizen of a prominent city, I erected this while I lived, that I might have a resting place for my body. Abercius is my name, a disciple of the chaste shepherd who feeds his sheep on the mountains and in the fields, who has great eyes surveying everywhere, who taught me the faithful writings of life. Standing by, I, Abercius, ordered this to be inscribed; truly I was in my seventy-second year. May everyone who is in accord with this and who understands it pray for Abercius (Epitaph of Abercius [A.D. 190]).
Tertullian: That allegory of the Lord [Matt. 5:25-26] . . . is extremely clear and simple in its meaning . . . [beware lest as] a transgressor of your agreement, before God the judge . . . and lest this judge deliver you over to the angel who is to execute the sentence, and he commit you to the prison of hell, out of which there will be no dismissal until the smallest even of your delinquencies be paid off in the period before the resurrection. What can be a more fitting sense than this? What a truer interpretation? (The Soul 35 [A.D. 210]).
The faithful widow prays for the soul of her husband, and begs for him in the interim repose, and participation in the first resurrection, and offers prayers on the anniversary of his death (Monogamy 10 [A.D. 213]).
Cyprian: It is one thing to stand for pardon, another thing to attain to glory; it is one thing, when cast into prison, not to go out thence until one has paid the uttermost farthing; another thing at once to receive the wages of faith and courage. It is one thing, tortured by long suffering for sins, to be cleansed and long purged by fire; another to have purged all sins by suffering. It is one thing, in fine, to be in suspense till the sentence of God at the Day of Judgment; another to be at once crowned by the Lord (Letters 51[55]:20 [A.D. 253]).
Cyril of Jerusalem: Then we make mention also of those who have already fallen asleep: first, the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, that through their prayers and supplications God would receive our petition, next, we make mention also of the holy fathers and bishops who have already fallen asleep, and, to put it simply, of all among us who have already fallen asleep. For we believe that it will be of very great benefit to the souls of those for whom the petition is carried up, while this holy and most solemn sacrifice is laid out (Catechetical Lectures 23:5:9 [A.D. 350]).
John Chrysostom: Let us help and commemorate them. If Job's sons were purified by their father's sacrifice [Job l:5), why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them (Homilies on First Corinthians 41:5 (A.D. 392)).
Not in vain was it decreed by the apostles that in the awesome mysteries remembrance should be made of the departed. They knew that here there was much gain for them, much benefit. When the entire people stands with hands uplifted, a priestly assembly, and that awesome sacrificial victim is laid out, how, when we are calling upon God, should we not succeed in their defense? But this is done for those who have departed in the faith, while even the catechumens are not reckoned .is worthy of this consolation, but are deprived of every means of assistance except one. And what is that? We may give alms to the poor on their behalf (Homilies on Philippians 3:9-10 [A.D. 402]).
Ambrose of Milan: Give perfect rest to thy servant Theodosius, that rest which thou hast prepared for thy saints… I have loved him, and therefore will I follow him into the land of the living; nor will I leave him until by tears and prayers I shall lead him wither his merits summon him, unto the holy mountain of the Lord (Funeral Sermon of Theodosius 36-37 [A.D. 395]).
Augustine: There is an ecclesiastical discipline, as the faithful know, when the names of the martyrs are read aloud in that place at the altar of God, where prayer is not offered for them. Prayer, however, is offered for other dead who are remembered. It is wrong to pray for a martyr, to whose prayers we ought ourselves be commended (Sermons 159:1 [A.D. 411]).
Temporal punishments are suffered by some in this life only, by some after death, by some both here and hereafter, but all of them before that last and strictest judgment. But not all who suffer temporal punishments after death will come to eternal punishments, which are to follow after that judgment (The City of God [A.D. 419]).
That there should be some fire even after this life is not incredible, and it can be inquired into and either be discovered or left hidden whether some of the faithful may be saved, some more slowly and some more quickly in the greater or lesser degree in which they loved the good things that perish, through a certain purgatorial fire (Handbook on Faith, Hope, and Charity l8:69 [A.D. 421]).
Council of Lyons II (1274): We believe ... that the souls, by the purifying compensation are purged after death.
Council of Florence: Repeated the Council of Lyons II.
Council of Trent (1545-1563): We constantly hold that purgatory exists, and that the souls of the faithful there detained are helped by the prayers of the faithful.
5.WHY WE SHOULD PRAY FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
You will never regret having formed the habit of prayer for the suffering souls. In helping them you are actually being your own best friend in some very important ways:
1. Your spiritual life is enriched, your progress in perfection hastened. You gradually realize the wisdom of avoiding sin, which makes it necessary for some souls to accept a lonely exile from the heavenly abode of their desire.
2. You grow in faith, hope, and love. You strengthen your faith in the great supernatural realities which God has revealed. You buoy up your hope in His magnificent promises of resurrection and everlasting happiness. By loving those the Lord loves, you increase in those virtues which are so excellent.
3. Your appreciation of time increases. You no longer kill time, but prize its preciousness more. Time is like a currency with which to purchase eternal joy. The time God places at our disposal to know, love, and serve Him passes all too swiftly. Don't we all complain that the years get shorter as we grow older?
4. You gain helpers in life. The holy souls are "very powerful over the heart of our Lord and you will receive many favors by their intercession. It looks as if God wishes to indemnify them in this way for retaining them by His justice in that place of expiation." (St. Peter Julian Eymard)
5. You gain helpers in death. You have earned the holy souls' everlasting gratitude, and they will never forget you. As you pleaded for them, so will they for you, especially when the hour comes to close your eyes to the things of earth. In that hour, can anyone have too many intercessors?
All these are weighty reasons for remembering the holy souls in your Masses, Communions, Rosaries, Stations of the Cross, and other prayers and charitable works.
Here is a pictorial image that shows the relationship of Purgatory in the grand scheme of things. It is only a stopover on the way to heaven, to cleanse the soul from the effects of sin already forgiven (1 Corinthians ). It is NOT a second chance at salvation. The poor souls in purgatory are already saved.
6.A SHORT PRAYER FOR THE RELEASE OF SOULS FROM PURGATORY
"Eternal Father, I offer You the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus Christ, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, those in the Universal Church, in my home, and in my family."
(Our Lord told St. Gertrude the Great that the following prayer would release 1,000 souls from Purgatory each time it is said. The prayer was extended to include living sinners which would alleviate the indebtedness accrued to them during their lives.)
A short prayer to save a soul from hell: "Jesus and Mary, I love you, save souls."
(Written by Saint Alphonsus Liguori this novena has prayers for each day which are followed by the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.)
O most sweet Jesus, through the bloody sweat which Thou didst suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane, have mercy on these Blessed Souls. Have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel scourging,
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in carrying Thy cross to Calvary, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel Crucifixion, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most bitter agony on the Cross, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
O most sweet Jesus, through the immense pain which Thou didst suffer in breathing forth Thy Blessed Soul, have mercy on them.
R. Have mercy on them, O Lord. (Recommend yourself to the Souls in Purgatory and mention your intentions here)
Blessed Souls, I have prayed for thee; I entreat thee, who are so dear to God, and who are secure of never losing Him, to pray for me a miserable sinner, who is in danger of being damned, and of losing God forever. Amen.
8.OTHER IMPORTANT SAYINGS AND TEACHINGS ON SOULS IN PURGATORY
St. Josemaria on Souls in Purgatory:
St JosemarÃa had a special friendship with the Holy Souls, and used to say, “The Holy Souls in Purgatory are my good friends.”
The Holy Souls in Purgatory. Out of charity, out of justice, and out of excusable selfishness — they have such power with God! — remember them often in your sacrifices and in your prayers. May you be able to say when you speak of them, “My good friends the souls in purgatory.”
The Way, 571
Purgatory shows God’s great mercy and washes away the defects of those who long to become one with Him.
Furrow, 889
If you live the “life of childhood”, you should have the sweet tooth of a child, a “spiritual sweet tooth!” Like those “of your age”, think of the good things your Mother keeps. And do so many times a day. It just takes a moment... Mary... Jesus... the Tabernacle... Communion... Love... suffering... the Holy Souls in Purgatory... those who are fighting: the Pope, the priests... the faithful... your soul... the souls of people in your family... the Guardian Angels... sinners...
The Way, 989
You shouldn’t want to do things to gain merit, nor out of fear of the punishments of purgatory. From now on, and always, you should make the effort to do everything, even the smallest things, to please Jesus.
The Forge, 1041
In the face of suffering and persecution, a certain soul with supernatural sense said, “I prefer to take a beating down here rather than get it in Purgatory.”
