Dear Brothers and Sisters in Carmel,
So here we are already in the month especially dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Also, the time of the year for our annual Retreat. So, two very special times of prayer and reflection.
Our Catholic Tradition of praying for the Holy Souls is so important. These days there is an inclination to “canonise” a person the minute they die. And I am sure there are some Holy people who do go straight to heaven.
But for the majority of us, poor weak human creatures, we are bound to have skinned our knees and suffered a few bruises on our fumbling way up Mount Carmel, and are in need of a bit of a clean-up and healing to attain the perfection of heaven.
I don’t want folks “celebrating my life” when I leave this mortal coil! I want a Requiem Mass for the repose of my soul! (and many prayers and Rosaries please!)
It is a very important work of mercy to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, especially those who have no one to pray for them, or are neglected.
There was a Hymn we used to sing at Primary school. So beautiful, and I think it says it all. I shall just put the first and last verses here, or I would be taking up too much space!
They are waiting for our petitions, silent and calm.
Their lips no prayer can utter, no suppliant Psalm.
We have made them all too weary, with long delay F
or the souls in their still agony, good Christian pray.
Requiescant in pace, Requiescant in pace.
Our loving lips can cry aloud, the pleading word
Through all that silent kingdom unknown, unheard.
O canst thou turn from their bitter want, coldly away
Kneel humbly at the altar's foot, Christian, and pray.
Requiescant in pace, requiescant in pace.
Christchurch's Peace of Christ Community President