# Prayer for Afghanistan, Purgatory, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet
*2021-07-27*

> Bill and John pray for the souls lost in Afghanistan, the faithful in purgatory, and reflect on the Divine Mercy Chaplet, especially on the eighth day of the novena.

## Opening and Intentions

Bill welcomes listeners to Catholic Conscience 2.0 and explains that today’s prayer focus is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. He asks that we pray especially for the souls of the 13 American service members killed in Afghanistan, the more than 200 Afghans trying to flee the country, and all those suffering under the Taliban and ISIS. Bill invites John, who joins via Zoom, to share his thoughts.

## The Situation in Afghanistan

John describes the current crisis: thousands of Afghans are stuck at airports, vulnerable to the Taliban and ISIS. He mentions reports that the U.S. handed over lists of Afghan collaborators to the Taliban, a claim that adds to the tragedy. Both agree that we must lift these souls in prayer, asking God’s mercy for the dead and for those still in danger.

## Friday Devotion for the Souls in Purgatory

Bill leads a traditional Friday devotion for the souls in purgatory, invoking the precious blood of Christ:

“Almighty God, by the precious blood which Christ shed on the Cross, I pray for the souls in purgatory… May they be freed from their suffering and enter into the light of your glory. Amen.”

He then recites Psalm 130, the Apostles’ Creed, and a heartfelt prayer asking the Lord to hear the cries of the poor and to grant forgiveness and mercy.

## The Eighth Day of the Divine Mercy Novena

Bill explains that today is the eighth day of the Divine Mercy Novena, a special day for praying for the souls detained in purgatory. He reads the prayer given to St. Faustina:

“Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the suffering souls in purgatory… May the streams of blood and water that flow from the Heart of Jesus put out the flames of purgatory. Amen.”

John leads the Chaplet, repeating the refrain “I trust in you, O Divine Mercy” while invoking the many attributes of God’s mercy.

## Prayers to St. Faustina and the Holy Wounds

John offers a birthday prayer for St. Faustina (July 13, 1917) and thanks her for the message of Divine Mercy. Together they pray a series of invocations to the Holy Wounds of Christ, asking that the love of his wounds be poured into priests, sinners, and all who suffer. Each prayer ends with a “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.”

## Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bill closes with a prayer asking God to increase His mercy in us, especially in moments of difficulty, so that we may not despair but submit to His holy will. He invites listeners to join the upcoming rosary and to contact him via email for Zoom participation.

*May we continually entrust the suffering souls—both on earth and in purgatory—to the boundless mercy of Christ.*