Catholic Prayer
Those who have died in a state of grace are not truly “dead” but are either beloved in heaven or on their way via Purgatory. They will be forever part of the Communion of Saints and the the Church Triumphant. We cannot know who is already in Heaven, who is in Purgatory, or who is damned. This is why Catholics pray for their beloved dead. This had been the practice of the Jews in the Old Testament, and a tradition maintained by Christians since the beginning of the Church. (2 Timothy 1:16-18)
Praying for the dead is a devout and holy practice and having a Holy Mass offered for the repose of their soul is the most efficacious act a Catholic can do. Moreover, it is one of the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
Now continue reading about praying for yourself or loved ones during sickness and death:
