Dear Readers
We should show a special kind of mercy toward the souls in purgatory. St Faustina had a vision of them, she said: “I saw my guardian angel who ordered me to follow him. In a moment I was in a misty place full of fire in which there was a great crowd of suffering souls. They were praying fervently, but to no avail, for themselves, only we can come to their aid” (Diary 20).
We should remember that every prayer brings the holy souls in purgatory relief, especially prayers with attached indulgences, such as the Rosary or the Way of the Cross. The greatest relief comes from the offering of a Holy Mass. There could be physical suffering, mental anguish, good deeds and all sacrifices, offered with the intention of helping the poor souls to bring them relief. The souls in purgatory cannot help themselves in any way, but they can help people on earth with their prayers to God.
It is important to strive to be merciful toward others. To make at least one act of mercy daily. Life will bring us plenty of opportunities to do this. St Faustina said: “Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful, so that I may never suspect or judge from appearances, but look for what is beautiful in my neighbours’ souls and come to their rescue. I will refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere even with those who, I know, will abuse my kindness. And I will lock myself up in the most merciful Heart of Jesus. I will bear my own suffering in silence. May your mercy, O Lord, rest upon me…. O my Jesus, transform me into Yourself, for You can do all things” (Diary 163).
We ask Jesus and St Michael the Archangel to help us and give us strength to be holy and good in all that we do. May our guardian angel help us to have a good conscience and always do the right thing. Jesus Christ is ready once again to be crucified and to die for you and me. You can always turn to Him. He will give you a wonderful welcome because you are his beloved. Your place is in His heart. Only this makes you fully and endlessly happy.
I assure you of the constant daily prayer of the priests of the Congregation of St Michael the Archangel for all our readers and their families. Please let others know about this magazine and help us to distribute it all over the world.
God bless you.
Fr Peter Prusakiewicz CSMA