Eighth Day: Pain of Helplessness and Desolation
by VP
Posted on Saturday November 08, 2025 at 04:00AM in Meditations
"The souls in Purgatory have entered into the realm of Divine Justice. The penance and satisfaction due for their faults must be made, either by the pain of Purgatory itself, or by the suffrages of the faithful, consisting in prayer, good works and the spiritual treasure of indulgences bestowed upon them; for the suffering souls can no longer merit and are entirely unable to assist themselves. A sick man and a beggar have a tongue to ask for help, and the very sight of their misery will move others to compassion. The suffering souls, however, have no resource but that of patience, resignation and hope. To all their moans there is but one answer, "the night hath come, in which no man can work."
Hence in their extreme desolation and distress, they incessantly cry out to us for relief and assistance. But since they cannot do this in a manner perceptible to us, holy Church does it for them by instituting many touching devotions in their behalf. Can we, then, be cold and heartless towards these souls? "A hard heart will fare evil at the last." Be not, then, indifferent to your own interests."
Prayer: Have mercy, O Lord, upon the suffering souls in Purgatory, in their helplessness and desolation. Comfort them by the prayers and petitions of the just in Heaven and upon earth; shorten the time of their suffering, and reward them with joys eternal. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen
Prayer for Priests in Purgatory: My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine Agony in the Garden, in Thy Scourging and Crowning with thorns, in the Way to Calvary, in Thy Crucifixion and Death, have mercy on the souls of priests in Purgatory, especially those most forgotten and who have no one else to pray for them. I wish to remember all those priests who ministered to me, the priests my heart has never forgotten, and for those that I no longer recall due to my frailty of memory. Do Thou deliver them from the dire torments they endure; call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in Paradise.
Pope Saint Pius X and Saint John Vianney, pray for us and especially for our priests. Amen
Special Intercession: Pray for the most forsaken and helpless souls.
Lord grant them eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. (three times)
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
Source: Manual of the Purgatorian Society, Redemptorist Fathers. 1907The Four Crowned Martyrs
by VP
Posted on Saturday November 08, 2025 at 04:00AM in Saints
MAN PROPOSES, GOD DISPOSES. Four brothers, named Severus, Severian, Carpophorus, and Victorius, invested with high civil offices in the town of Rome, underwent martyrdom in the year 304, during the persecution of Dioclesian, and were interred on the boundary of the Lavican Way. A church was raised upon their remains as soon as the persecution had ceased; but the memory of the spot where their relics reposed, and even their very names had died out, and there remained but the general designation of the four crowned martyrs, by which they were known. Paul II., having had the church rebuilt, the precious relics as well as the names of the glorious martyrs, were discovered in a crypt beneath the altar, where they lay enshrined in urns of porphyry. The persecutors imagined that they could trample out the faith by shedding the blood of the faithful; but what was the result ? Those who suffered converted the very executioners by their example; they who apostatized returned subsequently to the faith; and those who betook themselves to flight spread the knowledge of the Gospel abroad.
MORAL REFLECTION. - "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," saith the Lord; "but my word shall accomplish that which I please." (Isa. lv. 8.) Source: Pictorial Half Hour with the Saints by Abbe Auguste Lecanu
- "The rage of tyrants who were masters of the world, spread the faith which they vainly endeavored by fighting against heaven to extinguish. The martyrs who died for it, sealed it with their blood, and gave a testimony to Jesus Christ, which was, of all others, the strongest and most persuasive. Other Christians who fled, became the apostles of the countries whither they went. Whence St. Austin compares them to torches, which, if you attempt to put them our by shaking them, are kindled, and flame so much the more. The martyrs, by the meekness and fervor of their lives, and their constancy in resisting evil to death, converted an infidel world, and disarmed the obstinacy of the most implacable enemies of the truth. But what judgments must await those Christians who, by the scandal of their sloth and worldly spirit, dishonor their religion, blaspheme Christ, withdraw even the faithful from the practice of the gospel, and tempt a Christian world to turn infidel?" The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Other Principal saints, Vol 11. Rev. Fr. Alban Butler 1821
St. Willibrod, Bishop, A.D. 738
by VP
Posted on Friday November 07, 2025 at 04:00AM in Saints
Saint Willibrord after Abraham Bloemaert
TWO KINDS OF VICTORY. Charles Martel, carrying his corquests northwards, had succeeded in subduing the Frieslanders. This proud and warlike race were only longing, however, for the moment when they might, by sheer force, break down the yoke that had been imposed. They were still idolaters, and, consequently, inimical to the Christian race who had, by force of arms, become their masters. Wilbrod had been consecrated bishop of Utrecht, but was unable, under such circumstances, to display the zeal with which he was animated; he applied for aid to Pepin the Short, the son of Charles Martel, that he might after his own manner win back the nations that had been subdued after another fashion. Being protected by the Frankish prince, who allowed him to preach everywhere without restraint, he journeyed through Friesland, Holland, and Zeeland; the inhabitants, to whom this new conquest cost neither tears, blood, nor terror, eagerly corresponding with his wishes. He converted the three provinces, and, by the most lasting bonds, connected them with the great family of Jesus Christ; for, though they have ceased to belong to France, they have not the less remained Christians. St. Wilbrod died towards the year 738.
MORAL REFLECTION. "The king shall extend his dominion from sea to sea, even to the ends of the earth," says the Prophet. Who does not recognize herein the sweet sway of Jesus Christ and the Gospel? -(Zach. ix. 20.) Source; Pictorial Half Hour with the Saints by Abbe Auguste Lecanu
Seventh Day: Pain or Sorrow for Sin
by VP
Posted on Friday November 07, 2025 at 04:00AM in Purgatory Month Meditations
"The soul departed, before the judgment set of God, is enlightened with a perfect knowledge of the purity and sanctity of her Divine Judge, clearly perceiving the stains with which she is sullied, and her extreme unworthiness of union with God, the thought that I have offended God who is eternal beauty and perfection; I am not yet worthy to appear before the face of the Lord, who is infinitely holy, not worthy to take possession of my dwelling place in Heaven, is the greatest sorrow of the suffering souls. Much more clearly than during their earthly lives do these holy souls comprehend the perfections of God and love Him above all things; therefore, the thought of having offended Him is a piercing sorrow which surpasses all their other sufferings.
St. Ambrose tells us, there is no greater agony than remorse of conscience caused by sin. There are examples on record of men who died from the effects of this vehement sorrow. yet how much more intense must be the contrition of the suffering souls, who fully understand the great malice of sin! We know by our own experience that the depth of sorrow for having offended a person is equal to the love we bear him. The holy souls in Purgatory, being inflamed with a perfect love of God, their perfect contrition for sin is their greatest sorrow."
Payer: O God, Father of
grace and mercy, graciously regard the deep sorrow of the suffering
souls in Purgatory. Deign to accept their love and grant them remission
of their punishment, that, united with Thee, they may praise Thy
goodness forever. Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Prayer for Priests in Purgatory: My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine Agony in the Garden, in Thy Scourging and Crowning with thorns, in the Way to Calvary, in Thy Crucifixion and Death, have mercy on the souls of priests in Purgatory, especially those most forgotten and who have no one else to pray for them. I wish to remember all those priests who ministered to me, the priests my heart has never forgotten, and for those that I no longer recall due to my frailty of memory. Do Thou deliver them from the dire torments they endure; call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in Paradise.
Pope Saint Pius X and Saint John Vianney, pray for us and especially for our priests. Amen
Special Intercession: Pray for those who while on earth, loved God most ardently.
Lord grant them eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. (three times)
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
Source: Manual of the Purgatorian Society, Redemptorist Fathers. 1907St. Leonard of Noblac, Limoges, Hermit and Abbot A.D. 559
by VP
Posted on Thursday November 06, 2025 at 04:00AM in Saints
THE BONDAGE OF SIN. - Leonard, one of the chief personages of the court of Clovis, and to whom this monarch had become sponsor in baptism, was so moved by the discourse and example of St. Remigius, that he relinquished the world in order to lead a more perfect life. The bishop of Rheims having trained Leonard in virtue, he became the apostle of such of the Franks as remained still pagans; but fearful lest he might be summoned to the court on account of his repute for sanctity, he withdrew secretly to the monastery of Micy, near Orleans, and subsequently to the solitude of Noblac, near Limoges. His charity not allowing him to remain inactive while there was so much good to be done, he undertook the work of comforting prisoners, making them understand that the captivity of sin, which they did not bemoan, was more terrible than any mere bodily constraint. He won over a great many of these unfortunate persons, which gained for him many disciples, in whose behoof he founded a new monastery. St. Leonard died towards the year 550.
MORAL REFLECTION.- "The wicked shall be taken with his own iniquities, and shall be held by the cords of his own sins."(Ργου. ν. 22.) Source: Pictorial Half hour with the Saints by Abbe Auguste Lecanu
ST. Leonard was born in France of noble parents; he was baptized by St. Remigius, Bishop of Rheims; Clovis, the first Christian King of France, was his god-father. Clovis offered him, at the proper age, a position of high honor, but Leonard had set his heart on something higher still. He was ordained a priest by Remigius, and passing through the provinces of the broad lands of France, preached of Christ the Crucified to the people, who for the most part worshiped idols. The miracles which he worked, added such force to his words, that thousands and thousands were converted to the faith. He was one day journeying through a thick forest in which the king and his queen were hunting, when the queen was suddenly taken ill. Help was urgently needed. At this very moment, through God's providence, Leonard came to the place where the queen was, and as soon as he saw the sad circumstances, threw himself on his knees in prayer, while the queen gave birth to a finely formed prince. Highly pleased the king, wished to reward Leonard in a princely manner for his prayers. The saint implored the king to give his gifts as alms to the poor; this the king promised, only insisting that Leonard should, at least, accept the forest as a present. But he would take only that part of it, in which the queen so unexpectedly found help, and where he could built huts for himself and his companions, together with a chapel to be dedicated to the Queen of heaven, Mary. The king soon bad one built for him, and thus was commenced the afterwards famous Monastery of St. Leonard at Noblac.
The miraculous power which God gave to the saint, drew the farmers of the neighborhood around him; they came to obtain help from him in all their necessities and no one ever left his presence unaided and unconsoled. The king granted him at times the favor to release prisoners, for whom Leonard had always the greatest compassion. Thus it often happened, that by the saint's aid poor prisoners found the beloved liberty. Others prayed, that God would help them to be released through the merits of His servant St. Leonard, and suddenly the chains fell from their hands and feet, the doors of the prisons opened of itself, and they were free. Many thus freed brought their bonds and chains to the saint, thanking him. But he surprised, humbled himself before God, and used the opportunity to give them touching admonitions to penance, that they might be also loosed from the bonds of sin. They who were sincerely converted and loved solitude, he received into his monastery.
Living in strict penance and in the continual practice of works in honor of God, Leonard reached an advanced age, and had the happiness of seeing the best fruits ripen from the seed which he had planted. Where idolatry, ignorance, coarseness, and horrible vices had their previously own way, there now reigned the pure law of the gospel. The Monastery of Noblac spread its blessings far around, and many who would have been lost in the world, found in it peace for their souls, and a happy death.
Leonard now weary of live, and longing to see the face of Christ, at last received this grace. God called him to Himself by a quiet death in the year 559.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH. May the intercession, O Lord, of Thy blessed servant St. Leonard commend us to Thee, that those things which we cannot hope for through our own merits, we may obtain by his prayers. Through Christ...
Explanation of the Epistles and Gospels for the Sundays, Holidays By Rev. Leonard Goffiné
#15 Acts of Adoration Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament in reparation for all the offenses committed against Him by mankind [Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament]
by VP
Posted on Thursday November 06, 2025 at 01:00AM in Thursday Reparation
15. We adore Thee, inexhaustible fund of treasures! And to make reparation for all the robberies committed in Thy churches, we offer up to Thee the rich and bountiful donations of Thy devout servants. Eternal praise and thanksgiving be to the Most Holy and Most Divine Sacrament.
O Queen of heaven and earth, hope of mankind, who adores thy Divine Son incessantly! We entreat thee, that, since we have the honor to be of the number of thy children, thou would interest thyself in our behalf and make satisfaction for us, and in our name, to our Eternal Judge, by rendering to Him the duties which we ourselves are incapable of performing. Amen
Sixth Day: The Pain of Loss
by VP
Posted on Thursday November 06, 2025 at 01:00AM in Purgatory Month Meditations
"The spiritual suffering, or the pain of loss, is the greatest pain of Purgatory, according to the Fathers of the Church. No one can comprehend the great suffering of a soul departed, which, in all its ardent desire for the highest and only good, sees itself ever repulsed as an object of God's avenging justice.
St. Alphonsus writes: " Far greater than the pain of sense in Purgatory is that pain which the holy souls must endure in being deprived of the vision of God. Because these souls are inflamed, not only with natural, but with a supernatural love of God, they are so vehemently attracted to union with their highest good, that in being repulsed through their own fault, they experience so violent a pain that it would kill them instantly if death were possible to them." "Therefore," says St. Chrysostom, "this pain of being deprived of God is far greater pain for them than the pain of the senses. The fire of Hell increased a thousand times would not cause them such great suffering as does this pain of the loss of God."
Prayer: O God! Father of Mercies, grant the ardent desire of the souls in Purgatory who yearn to behold Thee. Send down to them Thy holy angel with the joyful tidings that the moment of their deliverance has come, that their exile is ended; and bless them with perfect union with Thee forever. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Priests in Purgatory: My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine Agony in the Garden, in Thy Scourging and Crowning with thorns, in the Way to Calvary, in Thy Crucifixion and Death, have mercy on the souls of priests in Purgatory, especially those most forgotten and who have no one else to pray for them. I wish to remember all those priests who ministered to me, the priests my heart has never forgotten, and for those that I no longer recall due to my frailty of memory. Do Thou deliver them from the dire torments they endure; call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in Paradise.
Pope Saint Pius X and Saint John Vianney, pray for us and especially for our priests. Amen
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls who are punished for their forgetfulness of the holy presence of God during their life.
Lord grant them eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. (three times)
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
Source: Manual of the Purgatorian Society, Redemptorist Fathers. 1907St. Bertilla, Abbess of Chelles. 692 A.D.
by VP
Posted on Wednesday November 05, 2025 at 04:00AM in Saints
PROGRESS IN VIRTUE. -Not to advance in virtue, as the masters of spiritual life affirm, is to go backward: this maxim is founded on the experience and example of the saints. Bertilla was already solidly grounded in piety when St. Owen, archbishop of Rouen, permitted her to consecrate herself to God in the monastery of Jouarre. She there became still more humble and detached from the promptings of her own will, and more edifying towards all with whom she held discourse; the abbess, consequently, intrusted her with important offices. So far was she from not realizing the general expectation, that she ever found fresh occasion, both from the functions intrusted to her and from her relations with the world, to advance in virtue. Having been summoned by the general voice to govern the convent of Chelles, founded by Queen Batholos, when that pious sovereign had retired there, these two holy women were seen with great emulation devoting themselves to the practice of good after the most perfect manner; and, according as the end of their lives approached, preparing themselves by manifold and holy practices of piety. Bertilla died towards the year 702.
MORAL REFLECTION. It is written that the saints raise themselves heavenward, proceeding from virtue to virtue, as by steps. (Psa. lxxxiii. 6.) Source: Pictorial Half Hour with the Saints by Abbe Auguste LeCanu
Fifth Day: The Sufferings of Purgatory
by VP
Posted on Wednesday November 05, 2025 at 04:00AM in Purgatory Month Meditations
"The sufferings of Purgatory are twofold: the pain of loss, and the torture of the senses; both in proportion to temporal punishment unremitted. Having committed sin, the soul has turned away from God, thus increasing the pain of loss, or according to our ideas, God departs from that soul and deprives her of His beatific vision. By sin, the souls has been attached to creatures, making improper use of them, displeasing to God, hence the severe punishment, consisting in the pain of the senses. God permits that those who have abandoned their Creator, and bestowed their affections upon creatures, are chastised, by the same, for we read in the Book of Wisdom: "By what things a man sinneth, by the same also is he tormented." (Wis. XI.17)
God has not revealed, nor has the Church ever taught in what manner or to what extent the souls in Purgatory suffer, but it is the opinion of the holy Fathers and Doctors of the Church that what St. Paul writes to the Corinthians, (1, III. 15.) "But he himself shall be saved: yet so as by fire," must he taken in a literal sens, which is accepted also by St. Thomas Aquinas .
Prayer: O Lord, by Thine infinite love and clemency, graciously grant to the suffering souls in Purgatory remittance of their punishment. Receive them into Thy eternal glory, that blessed by Thy beatific vision, they may praise and adore Thee forever and ever. Amen
Prayer for Priests in Purgatory: My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine Agony in the Garden, in Thy Scourging and Crowning with thorns, in the Way to Calvary, in Thy Crucifixion and Death, have mercy on the souls of priests in Purgatory, especially those most forgotten and who have no one else to pray for them. I wish to remember all those priests who ministered to me, the priests my heart has never forgotten, and for those that I no longer recall due to my frailty of memory. Do Thou deliver them from the dire torments they endure; call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in Paradise.
Pope Saint Pius X and Saint John Vianney, pray for us and especially for our priests. Amen
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who have suffered the longest time in Purgatory.
Lord grant them eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Do not let human respect prevent you from performing a duty.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
Source: Manual of the Purgatorian Society, Redemptorist Fathers. 1907
Fourth Day: Expiation for Venial Sins and Imperfections
by VP
Posted on Tuesday November 04, 2025 at 04:00AM in Purgatory Month Meditations
" The judgments of God are very different from the judgments of men. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts: nor your ways My ways,:" saith the Lord. "For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are My ways exalted above your ways, and My thoughts above your thoughts." (Is. LV. 8-9) Though the judgments of God are severe, they are ever just. "Unto whomsoever much is given, of him much shall be required." (Luke XII. 48) And St. Gregory the Great says: "Where grace has been augmented, there, also, the account has been increased." From those souls, upon whom God has bestowed great and special graces, He demands a faithful co-operation, and the least infidelity to such grace is punished with extreme severity: the purgation or cleansing of these favored souls must be perfect in proportion to the high degree of glory to which they are to be exalted. in reference to prayer for the suffering souls, who are in Purgatory for venial sins and imperfections, we must observe that, though their time of suffering is comparatively short, and their punishment less rigorous, their pain and agony is more intense, owing to their yearning desire of perfect union with God. They are in utmost need of our fervent prayers, and will show their gratitude by their petitions for us before the throne of God, according to the speedy assistance we have given them during our earthly lives."
Prayer: Inflame within us, O Lord, the fire of Thy Divine Love, that all our inordinate desires may be consumed here upon earth, thus rendering our prayers for the suffering souls in Purgatory more acceptable to Thee and beneficial to them. Though Christ Our Lord. Amen
Prayer for Priests in Purgatory: My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine Agony in the Garden, in Thy Scourging and Crowning with thorns, in the Way to Calvary, in Thy Crucifixion and Death, have mercy on the souls of priests in Purgatory, especially those most forgotten and who have no one else to pray for them. I wish to remember all those priests who ministered to me, the priests my heart has never forgotten, and for those that I no longer recall due to my frailty of memory. Do Thou deliver them from the dire torments they endure; call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in Paradise.
Pope Saint Pius X and Saint John Vianney, pray for us and especially for our priests. Amen
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who have suffered for the longest time in Purgatory.
Lord grant them eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. (Three times)
Practice: Do not let human respect prevent you from performing a duty.
Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!
Source: Manual of the Purgatorian Society, Redemptorist Fathers. 1907