The souls in the prison of purgatory

From the Divine Mercy Novena

Sacred Scripture: 2 Maccabees 12:46

Meditation for Day 8

On the eighth day, Jesus asked that the souls detained in purgatory be brought to his mercy. These souls cannot help themselves; they depend on the prayers and sacrifices of the Church on earth.

The Catechism teaches that 'from the beginning the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them' (CCC 1032). The day's novena prayer joins this ancient practice, asking that the divine mercy hasten their entry into the joy of heaven.

Daily Novena Prayer (recited every day)

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

St. Faustina taught that the Chaplet of Divine Mercy should accompany the novena each day. The full chaplet uses ordinary Rosary beads.