Prayer for Souls in Purgatory

"It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins." — 2 Maccabees 12:46

Public Domain: Purgatory, detail of a stained glass composition for the turku cathedral, 1923, by Magnus Enckell via Finnish National Gallery.

The Prayer

O Lord, through the Precious Blood which Your Divine Son shed in His Agony in the garden, deliver the souls in Purgatory, especially those who are most forsaken. Bring them into Your heavenly glory, where they may praise You forever. Amen.

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About This Prayer

The Prayer for Souls in Purgatory is one of the most important devotions in Catholic tradition. It expresses the Church’s love for her departed members and the hope that through prayer and sacrifice, souls undergoing purification will be swiftly welcomed into heaven. Rooted in Scripture (2 Maccabees 12:46), this prayer reflects the Catholic belief in the Communion of Saints—where the faithful on earth intercede for the faithful departed. It is often prayed at funerals, All Souls’ Day, and during personal devotions to ease the suffering of those who cannot yet see God face-to-face.

When To Pray

Catholics often pray for the souls in purgatory during November, especially on All Souls’ Day (November 2), but the prayer is suitable year-round. Many choose to include it in their daily prayers or after receiving Holy Communion, offering the merits of the Mass for the departed. It is also common to pray it when visiting cemeteries, especially during the Church’s indulgenced period from November 1–8.