# Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Day 1
*2008-08-01*

> Bill Young shares a personal update and leads listeners in the first day of a novena for the souls in purgatory, offering a heartfelt prayer of repentance and intercession.

## Personal Update

Good afternoon, this is Bill Young. I want to thank everyone who prayed for my mother‑in‑law. She had surgery yesterday, the pins and rods were placed, and she is now sitting up and mostly pain‑free. I’m recording this from Sanibel Island, on the patio with a beautiful ocean view. My son and I went fishing; he caught a big fish and I released a couple of small ones back into the sea. It’s been a wonderful day, and I hope we’ll fish again soon.

## Introducing the Novena

Today we begin a novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, taken from the prayers available on the EWTN website. This devotion focuses on the souls who are suffering purification, a topic that can feel heavy, but it is an essential part of our Catholic faith.

## Day 1 Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Jesus, my Savior, I have often deserved to be cast into hell. How great would be my suffering if I were now cast away and forced to think that I myself caused my damnation. I thank Thee for the patience with which Thou hast endured me. My God, I love Thee above all things, and I am deeply sorry for having offended Thee, for Thou art infinite goodness. I would rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of perseverance. Have pity on me and on those blessed souls suffering in Purgatory.

Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with Thy powerful intercession.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Holy Mary, my loving Mother. Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Now a prayer to our suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, with the response “Have mercy on them, O Lord”:

O most sweet Jesus, through the bitter sweat which Thou didst suffer in the garden of Gethsemane, have mercy on these blessed souls.
O most sweet Jesus, through the scourging which Thou didst endure, have mercy on them.
O most sweet Jesus, through the painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them.
O most sweet Jesus, through the carrying of Thy cross, have mercy on them.
O most sweet Jesus, through the cruel crucifixion, have mercy on them.
O most sweet Jesus, through the bitter agony on the cross, have mercy on them.
O most sweet Jesus, through the breath of Thy blessed soul, have mercy on them.

May we each offer our personal intentions for the souls in Purgatory, praying for those dear to God, that they may attain the fullness of His love.

*Praying for the souls in Purgatory unites us with Christ’s mercy and deepens our own conversion.*