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St. Nicholas of Tolentino: Praying for the Souls in Purgatory
(1246-1305)
After hearing an inspiring sermon by an Augustinian friar, Nicholas chose to enter religious life and become an Augustinian priest. He was known for his humility, meekness and sanctity.
Like many of the saints, Nicholas received from God a particular calling. It was not to feed the poor, although he did, nor to be zealous for the salvation of souls, although he was. His call was to help the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
St. Nicholas had a great love for the Holy Souls. He would offer Mass, pray and do penance for them so they could more quickly enter Heaven. Because many Catholics have forgotten about the souls in Purgatory, except when November 2nd - All Souls Day -comes around, I believe St. Nicholas can teach a valuable lesson.
With so little attention given to the Holy Souls today I thought why not follow the example of St. Nicholas and do something about it? Since the Church has dedicated the month of November to the Holy Souls let us follow the example of St. Nicholas and start praying for them daily. You will find many practical ways listed below.
St. Nicholas of Tolentino, pray for us!
Ways to Help the Holy Souls in Purgatory:
--Offer Up A Mass
--Pray the Rosary
--Pray the Eternal Rest Prayer (Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.)
--Pray Out of Depths Prayer (Psalm 129, De Profundis, found in most Catholic prayer books.
--Pray the Office of the Dead or Vespers of the Office of the Dead.
--Visit A Church or Chapel.
(From November 1st - 8th, we gain a plenary indulgence that can be offered for the dead by visiting a church or oratory and reciting one Our Father, the Creed and by praying for the Holy Father's intentions.)
--Visit A Cemetary
(From November 1st - 8th, an indulgence can be obtained for a departed soul by devoutly visiting a cemetery and praying for the dead.)