In the Catholic Church, the month of November is traditionally given over to prayers for the Holy Souls. The most powerful form of prayer for the Souls in Purgatory is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. A quote often used by Catholics in the UK is 'Masses for our dead, not flowers' and it makes perfect sense. Flowers decorate a grave but wither and die, with no benefit to the soul of the deceased at all. The benefit is for the donor and the surviving family members, often with pride as to how many wreaths have been donated. We have the opportunity to assist the Holy Souls in purgatory through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. They cannot help themselves but they do remember us with gratitude in their prayers.

At every Holy Mass, we enter into the timeless reality of the perfect and acceptable Sacrifice of Christ to the Father for our sake. And from that Sacrifice, immeasurable graces flow for all people and especially for those for whom  the Mass is being offered. This is particularly the case for the deceased who may be undergoing purification in purgatory to prepare them for the joy of heaven. We can offer the Holy Souls no better comfort and solace than to attend a Mass for them, or have Masses said for them.

During the Octave of November 1st to 8th is a period of great grace for the Holy Souls when relatives and friends offer Masses, prayers and sacrifices for the Holy Souls and gaining them indulgences. Many try to attend daily Mass during November for the Holy Souls, many others fast.

Prayers for the Holy Souls

1.  To you, Blessed Joseph
2.  Angelus Domini
3.  Chaplet of the Holy Souls
4.  Daily Prayers for the Holy Souls
5.  Cardinal Newman’s Prayer for the Holy Souls
6.  Liberera Me
7.  Psalm 130 (De profundis)
8.  O Salutaris Hostia Sacra
9.  Prayer to Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth
10. A prayer for the Dead
11. A Prayer for Our Dear Departed
12. Prayers for the Holy Souls
13. Deliver Them from Purgatory
14. Prayer of St. Gertrude for the Holy Souls

Special Rosary for the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Recite The Rosary specifically for the Holy Souls

Pray the Stations of the Cross specifically for the Holy Souls

Invocations

Eternal Father I offer you the most Precious Blood of Jesus with all the Masses being said this day all over the world for the Souls in Purgatory

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace. 

May the Divine assistance remain always with us, and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Eternal Father, by virtue of your generosity and love, I ask that you accept all my actions and that you multiply their value in favour of every soul in Purgatory. Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Jesus and Mary, I love You, save souls.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee.

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, have mercy on the Poor Souls

Jesus help me to help you save souls

Prayer for the Holy Souls Crusade

St. Gertrude, I ask you to pray for me and for all the members of the Holy Souls Crusade, for our families, relatives and friends and for the success of the Holy Souls Crusade, this I ask through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.

St. Gertrude is the Patron of the Holy Souls Crusade. Saint Gertrude pray for us and for all poor souls.

Prayer on  passing a cemetary:

May God and Mary bless you all.
You were once as we are now, and we will be, one day , like you.
You pray with us and we pray with you.
May Mary pray with us both. 
And may He who suffered His Passion for you, grant you everlasting rest.

Holy Water (See the page on Sacramentals)

Holy water is to remind us of the sacred blood of Christ, by which we are cleansed from our sins and when we bless ourselves, remember the Holy Souls i.e. they can benefit greatly by sprinkling Holy Water with the sign of the cross and recite the prayer:

"By this Holy Water and by thy precious blood, O Lord wash away the sins of all my dear departed brothers and sisters in Purgatory, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen"