Spiritual Corner - Purgatory Month

Not long ago, a parishioner came to church to offer mass for her deceased relatives. After that she said to me that her children were unbelievers so she feared that no one would offer mass for her when she died. Then I told her not to worry, our big family, the church, has a good tradition: Catholics are encouraged to offer mass not just for their deceased relatives, but also for all souls in purgatory.

November is the purgatory month. On All Souls Day, the Church offer prayers particularly for those departed whom we know or do not know, who have children or no children. Though the communion of saints, souls in purgatory are helped to go to heaven sooner and enjoy the happiness there. Also as the Catechism says, “Those who die in God’s grace and friendship imperfectly purified, although they are assured of their eternal salvation, will undergo purification after death so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of God.” (No. 1054) and “By virtue of the communion of saints, the Church commends the dead to God's mercy and offers them prayers, especially the holy sacrifice of the Eucharist, on their behalf.” (No. 1055)

The Purgatory Month has another special meaning to people on earth. It reminds us that our life will come to an end one day. However, death is not the end of life, but the beginning of eternity. On the journey to the heavenly Jerusalem, we have to treasure every day, thank God for His mercy, remain loyal to our faith and become pilgrims of hope.

“May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

Your Pastor,
Fr. Francis Chong