TWENTY-THIRD DAY. --WORKS OF PENANCE FOR THE HOLY SOULS
The Church has at all times recommended, and the saints have always had recourse to the works of penance as the best means of obtaining extraordinary graces from God, and there is no doubt that these works of mortification have great efficacy for the departed. Although great works of penance and mortification are not expected of everyone, yet there is no one who could not occasionally deny himself of some part of a favorite dish or some amusement, mortify his eyes, ears, or tongue, observe silence for a short time, bear in patience the pain of sickness, heat or cold, or any other adversity, or curb his self will and evil inclinations; in fact bear with submission and gratitude to God everything that causes pain or distress.
Such charity lovingly bestowed on the holy souls of our dear departed will call down rich blessing upon us, and obtain for us strength to endure our own sufferings.
"Know ye that the Lord will hear your prayers if you continue with perseverance in fasting and prayers, in the sight of the Lord." (Judith iv. u.)
Prayer: Grant us, O Lord! The grace to walk before Thee in penance and mortification, and in these works to remember the souls in Purgatory. Deign to accept what we in the spirit of charity offer for the comfort and relief of these penitent souls. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for those who bestowed the merit of their mortifications upon the holy souls.
Eternal rest grant onto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Perform an act of mortification for the souls in Purgatory.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
