# Day 8 of the Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
*2008-08-09*

> Bill Young leads the eighth day of the novena, offering a heartfelt confession, the Our Father, Hail Mary, and a series of petitions for the souls in Purgatory.

## Opening Confession

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. I begin by acknowledging my own ungratefulness: I have received abundant grace yet have despised God’s love and deserved to be cast into hell. By His infinite goodness He has spared me until now, and I now love Him above all things and am truly sorry for having offended Him.

## Prayer for the Holy Souls

Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me and on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their aid with your powerful intercession.

## The Our Father

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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

## The Hail Mary

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

## Litany of Mercy for the Souls in Purgatory

O most sweet Jesus, through the bitter sweat which you suffered in the garden of Gethsemane, have mercy on these blessed souls. O most sweet Jesus, through the cruel scourging, have mercy on them. O most sweet Jesus, through the painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them. O most sweet Jesus, through the painful crowning with swords, 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 immense pains of your breath as you gave forth your blessed soul, have mercy on them. Amen.

## Personal Intentions

We now pause to mention our personal intentions for the souls in Purgatory. Blessed souls, I have prayed for you. I entreat you, dear souls, to pray for me, a miserable sinner in danger of losing God’s love. Amen.

*May our prayers of mercy bring the holy souls ever closer to the light of God.*