Praying for the Sick and Dying
♱ Why should we pray for the dead and dying?
The entire Catholic Church observes the practice of praying for the dead, which has been handed down to us from the Church Fathers. It is noble to pray for the dead and dying. It is also critically important to request Holy Masses for them, so that they may receive the spiritual aide and mercy, of which their sins do not deserve.
The prayers of good Christians help to obtain forgiveness for sinners even if they are already dead. We pray not only for the Eternal Rest of the soul, but also that God will pardon every transgression which they have committed.
The Catholic Church also grants indulgences for the departed souls in Purgatory. This can be done by reciting prayers for them with the proper intension and disposition, and by visiting a church or cemetery. Indulgences can mitigate the time that souls must spend in Purgatory and reduce their suffering there.
By praying for the dead and dying Catholics express their love for them. Catholics ask God to pour out His grace upon the dying and pray that they may:
- ♱ Obtain God’s mercy and forgiveness.
- ♱ Obtain strength in their final hour to persevere to the end.
- ♱ Obtain salvation of their souls.
- ♱ Repel the attacks and assaults of demons.
- ♱ Be admitted into heavenly glory.
