to human weakness the grace that one can make satisfaction for another."

Prayer: 0 Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Who hast said, "Where there are two or three gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them," (Matth. xviii. 20) look mercifully upon Thy holy Church, who implores Thy clemency in behalf of her suffering members. End their intense pain, and open unto them the portals of the heavenly Jerusalem, that they may praise and bless Thee forever and ever. Amen.

Special Intercession: Pray for those who, during the course of their earthly lives, did most to relieve the souls in Purgatory.

Lord grant them eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

(200 days' Indulgence to all who recite this prayer three times every day.)

Practice: Attend the public devotion for the suffering souls.

Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!

(100 days' Indulgence every time. Pius IX.)

SECOND DAY.

ANNIVERSARY OF "ALL-SOULS."

The anniversary of "All-Souls" was instituted by the Church as a day of special prayer for all the faithful departed who are as yet deprived of the blissful contemplation of God, and the possession of Heaven. These holy souls endure most agonizing torments, and count the lingering moments of time, while awaiting release from prison, or, at least, some relief in their intense pain. They have special confidence in their friends and relatives upon earth, hoping to be lovingly cherished in their memory, and aided by their fervent prayers. With holy Job they cry out: "Have pity on me, have pity on me, at least you, my friends, because the hand of the Lord hath touched me." (Job xix. 21.)

The anniversary of All-Souls should serve to revive and confirm our devotion in behalf of the suffering souls in Purgatory, and induce us to make ample amends for our neglect of this duty during the year. "A gift hath grace in the sight of all the living, and restrain not grace from the dead." (Eccl. vii. 37.)

Prayer: O God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants pardon of all their sins, that by pious supplications they may graciously obtain the remission they have always desired, Thou Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who suffer the greatest torments.

Lord grant them eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. (three times.)

Practice: Examine how often, and in what manner you have practised prayer for the souls in Purgatory during the year.

Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!

THIRD DAY.

THE DOCTRINE OF PURGATORY.

The destiny awaiting us at death is not the same for all men: "He will render to every man according to his works." (Matth. xvi. 27.) Heaven, Hell and Purgatory are the three places into which the souls of the departed are received. Heaven is the happy destination of perfectly pure and holy souls only; Hell the final doom of the reprobate; Purgatory, temporarily for the just, who are not, as yet, entirely purified. There God completes the punishment due to their faults, which were not sufficiently atoned for on earth; there He submits these holy souls to the last purgation, to cleanse them from the least stain, and, by fire, to bring them to that degree of perfected purity, which is necessary for them before being admitted to eternal bliss.

Hence there are two classes of souls in Purgatory: 1. Those who depart this life, stained by venial sins and imperfections.

2. Those who have repented, and if possible, confessed their mortal sins with

out, however, having done sufficient penance for them. Judging from our lives, experience teaches us that most men deserve Purgatory for both causes.

Prayer: Graciously hear, O Lord, the fervent prayers we offer Thee for the suffering souls in Purgatory, who, not being able to satisfy Thy divine justice, confide in Thine infinite mercy and our intercessions. Extend unto them Thy consolations, and redeem them, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who suffer in Purgatory for little faults.

Lord grant them eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

(Three times.)

Practice: Be conscientious and faithful in the performance of little duties and offer the inconvenience for the suffering souls.

Invocation: My Jesus, mercy!