ELEVENTH DAY. --OUR DUTY TO RELIEVE THE SOULS IN PURGATORY.
In bestowing charity upon any person, we are usually guided by the degree of his poverty; but, who is in such great need as he who possesses absolutely nothing, owes a heavy debt, is unable to labor or gain any merit, or even to beg and must nevertheless suffer the most excruciating torments until the last farthing has been paid? There is a universal law to assist the needy, which extends even to strangers; but here the obligation is the greatest, because among these souls in Purgatory, are such as were intimately connected with us, who suffer, perhaps, for having loved us excessively.
Among the sufferers are our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, relatives, and friends. How exceedingly painful for them to be forgotten and deserted even by those whose happiness they promoted during their sojourn upon earth; to see their possessions left to their children foolishly squandered, they themselves not receiving the benefit of the least farthing thereof! What proofs of extreme coldness and ingratitude! Were any of these persons afflicted with the least pain upon earth, we would do all in our power to relieve them, but, as it is, we are devoid of all sympathy, and leave them in their terrible sufferings and anguish.
Prayer: Have mercy, O Lord, upon the suffering souls in Purgatory, and mitigate the severity of Thy judgment, that they, who, during their earthly lives believed in Thee, hoped in Thee, and loved Thee, may receive the crown of justice in Heaven. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who are suffering for their negligence in praying for the souls in Purgatory.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Suffer patiently the disagreeable occurrences in your intercourse with others.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
