Praying for Souls in Purgatory

Why pray for the souls in purgatory? The Church is made up of three groups. The Church glorious, or triumphant: those in heaven; the Church militant: those still on earth; and the Church suffering: those in purgatory. The poor souls in purgatory are on their way to heaven, but have need of further purification before joining God in eternity. We are called to pray for the souls in purgatory because they are unable to pray for themselves. By our prayers and sacrifices, we can help the souls in purgatory reach their eternal home more quickly and relieve their suffering. St. Francis de Sales also reminds us that while they can’t pray for themselves, they can and do pray for us here on earth. Priests especially are reminded to offer the Holy Mass for both the living and the dead.