When was the last time you remembered to pray for the Holy Souls? Many Catholics, especially today, overlook this important practice, perhaps because it seems “old-fashioned” or superstitious. Yet, the Church teaches that purgatory is real and that countless souls are in need of our prayers. Here’s why your prayers matter.

1. The Pain in Purgatory is Real

The saints tell us that the suffering of purgatory is similar to burning in fire. Although the souls are saved, they endure the spiritual agony of longing for God without yet fully experiencing His presence. St. Thomas Aquinas describes this as an intense suffering from being so close to God yet unable to be with Him. Our prayers, offered sincerely, can bring relief to these souls.

2. They’re Our Family

The souls in purgatory include many of our loved ones—grandparents, parents, friends. But even beyond our personal connections, they are our spiritual family through baptism. Our love for them should spur us to act. Imagine how grateful you’d feel knowing that a loved one prayed for your soul after you passed.

3. We Might Go There, Too

Let’s face it: few of us are so perfectly holy that we’ll bypass purgatory. If you were suffering intensely, wouldn’t you want someone to offer you relief? Following Christ’s command to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” we can pray for the Holy Souls with a simple desire to relieve others as we ourselves would want to be helped.

4. Joy Awaits Those Who Pray

Imagine one day in heaven being greeted by souls who tell you that your prayers helped them find peace. As Archbishop Fulton Sheen said, they will thank us. The effort we make now will bring immense joy when we see those souls whose burdens we lifted.

5. It’s Easy—and Powerful

Even a short prayer, like “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them,” is enough to help. Adding a quick intention to our daily prayers, or even dedicating a weekly Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet, are simple acts that carry great merit.

For a deeper impact, consider having a Mass said for the Holy Souls. It’s a form of almsgiving, and stipends are affordable. It’s a small sacrifice for the eternal benefit of those who may have no one to pray for them.