# Novena for the holy souls in purgatory: day 9
*2008-08-11*

> Bill Young leads the final day of a novena dedicated to praying for the holy souls in purgatory, focusing on repentance and the passion of Christ.

## An act of contrition

My God! How was it possible that I, for so many years, have borne tranquilly the separation from Thee and Thy holy grace! O infinite Goodness, how long-suffering hast Thou shown Thyself to me! Henceforth, I shall love Thee above all things. I am deeply sorry for having offended Thee; I promise rather to die than to again offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance, and do not permit that I should ever again fall into sin.

## Intercession for the holy souls

Have compassion on the holy souls in purgatory. I pray Thee, moderate their sufferings, shorten the time of their misery, and call them soon unto Thee in heaven, that they may behold Thy face and forever love Thee. Mary, Mother of mercy, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession, and pray for us also who are still in danger of eternal damnation.

## The passion of our savior

We turn to our suffering Savior to plead for the souls in purgatory. Most sweet Jesus, through the bloody sweat which Thou didst suffer during the Garden of Gethsemane, have mercy on these blessed souls. Through the pains which Thou didst suffer during the most cruel scourging, have mercy on them. Through the pains which Thou didst suffer in the most painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them.

Through the pains which Thou didst suffer in carrying Thy cross to Calvary, have mercy on them. Through the pains which Thou didst suffer during the most cruel crucifixion, have mercy on them. Through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most bitter agony on the cross, have mercy on them. Finally, through the immense pain which Thou didst suffer in breathing forth Thy blessed soul, have mercy on them.

## A mutual exchange of prayer

As we pause for our personal intentions, we recommend ourselves to the souls in purgatory. Blessed souls, I have prayed for thee. I entreat thee, who are so dear to God and who are secure of never losing Him, to pray for me, a miserable sinner who is in danger of being damned and of losing God.

*By meditating on the Passion of Christ and seeking the intercession of the saints and the holy souls, we can find the grace for our own perseverance and help others reach eternal glory.*