THE HEROIC ACT OF CHARITY FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
This heroic act, in behalf of the souls in Purgatory, consists in a voluntary offering made in their favor to the Divine Majesty, by any one of the faithful, of all works of satisfaction done by him in his life, as well as of all the suffrages which shall be offered for him after his death. By this offering he foregoes in their behalf only that special fruit which belongs to himself, so that he is not hindered thereby in praying for his own necessities, or those of others, This act of charity, therefore, will not deprive us of any merit. Besides, by resigning our own claims on all works of satisfaction in favor of the souls departed, we shall gain for ourselves the special love of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all the saints, according to the promise of Christ: “With what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again." (Matth. vii. 2.) Furthermore, the gratitude of the holy souls will induce them, in turn, to pray for us in Heaven, so that we may either escape Purgatory, or be blessed by a speedy deliverance there from.
This heroic act of charity has been enriched with many indulgences. (No. 547.) They are as follows:
I. The Indult of a Privileged Altar, personally, every day in the year to all priests who shall have made this offering.
II. A Plenary Indulgence daily, applicable only to the departed, to all the faithful, who shall have made this offering, whenever they go to Holy Communion, provided they visit a church or public oratory, and pray there for some time for the intention of his Holiness.
III. A Plenary Indulgence, every Monday, to all who hear Mass in aid of the souls in Purgatory, provided they fulfill the other conditions mentioned above. (No. 547.)
Prayer : We humbly beseech Thee, O Lord ! graciously accept our prayers, with the indulgences attached, for the suffering souls. We offer Thee, in their behalf, the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Redeemer, and His infinite merits united with the merits of His most holy, Immaculate Virgin Mother Mary, her ever-glorious spouse, St. Joseph, the holy Apostles, and all the spirits of Heaven, that by virtue of these merits our devotion may be to them a source of consolation, and open to them the portals of Heaven, there to love, praise, and glorify Thee, world without end. Amen.
Special Intercession : Pray for the souls, who, while on earth, made the Heroic Act of Charity.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen.
(Three times)
Practice : Endeavor, every day, to perform an act of charity for the suffering souls.
Invocation : My Jesus, mercy!
