160. Fasting, prayers, and good works will assist those in purgatory.

Fasting, prayers, and good works will assist those in purgatory.

YOUCAT Catechism + Catechism of the Catholic Church Lesson 160

Ave Maria series

160  Can we help the departed who are in the condition of purgatory?

Yes, since all those who are baptized into Christ form one communion and are united with one another, the living can also help the souls of the faithful departed in purgatory.  [1032, 1414]

Image of a Fiery Purgatory by Italian artist Annibale Carracci (1560-1609). …..160

When a man is dead, he can do nothing more for himself.  The time of active probation is past.  But we can do something for the faithful departed in purgatory.  Our love extends into the afterlife.  Through our fasting, prayers, and good works, but especially through the celebration of Holy Eucharist, we can obtain grace for the departed.  145

Therefore he (Judas Maccabeus) made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.  2 Maccabees 12:45

“Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.”  St. John Chrysostom (349/350-407)

“At the evening of life, we shall be judged on love.”  St. John of the Cross (1542-1591, Spanish mystic, Doctor of the Church and poet)

[1032, 1414]

THE FINAL PURIFICATION, OR PURGATORY

 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."( 2 Maccabees 12:46.)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.( Compare Council of Lyons II (1274):Denzinger-Schonmetzer 856.)⁶¹⁰ The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead: --Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

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.( St. John Chrysostom, Hom. in 1 Cor. 41,5:Patrologia Graeca 61,361; compare Job 1:5.)⁶¹¹ --CCC

IN BRIEF

1414 As sacrifice, the Eucharist is also offered in reparation for the sins of the living and the dead and to obtain spiritual or temporal benefits from God. –CCC

Purgatory  image of