Prayer for Souls

“The holy souls are eager for our prayers. Let us hasten to help them so that they may intercede for us when they reach heaven.” – St. Alphonsus Liguori

Public Domain: St. Gregory the Great Releasing a Soul from Purgatory (1670-1751 (Baroque)) by Michele Rocca via The Walters Art Museum.

The Prayer

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, for those in my own home, and within my family. Amen.

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About This Prayer

The Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great is one of the most beloved Catholic prayers for the souls in purgatory. St. Gertrude (1256–1302), a German Benedictine nun and mystic, received many revelations about God’s mercy and the afterlife. According to tradition, Our Lord told her that this prayer would release many souls from purgatory each time it is recited. While the Church has not officially defined the exact number of souls released, the prayer remains a powerful expression of Catholic belief in intercession, the communion of saints, and the infinite value of Christ’s Precious Blood.

When To Pray

Catholics often pray this prayer during November, the Month of the Holy Souls, at funerals, or when visiting cemeteries. It can also be added to the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet intentions. Many faithful pray it daily to assist souls in purgatory and to unite themselves to the sacrifice of the Mass offered worldwide.