Originally published at Churchpop

The month of November is dedicated to praying for the faithful departed.

As Catholics, we believe that praying for the dead is not only a spiritual work of mercy, but a pillar of our faith!

You can find a refresher on all things Purgatory here.

We believe that our prayers help console the souls of the faithful departed, which is why we are encouraged to pray for the souls in Purgatory.

Here’s a list of some of our favorite prayers for the souls in purgatory.

Karlo Broussard, an apologist and speaker, wrote a riveting list of ways Purgatory consoles us for Catholic Answers Magazine.

He refers to the Catholic doctrine of Purgatory as good news and outlines four ways Purgatory provides consolation for believers:1) If your loved one dies without the perfect holiness required for heaven, it is not too late for them.

Purgatory is an incredible gift!

The Lord wants us to be in heaven with him, which is why this place of final purification exists.

“Purgatory gives us the assurance that even though our loved ones die without the perfect holiness required for heaven, we know they’re not forever excluded from there,” Broussard explains.

2) Your relationship with a deceased loved one can continue after death –

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