Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

the faithful departed, the dying

Tradition: For the dead; traditionally prayed around All Souls Day (November 2).

Associated feast: All Souls Day (November 2)

When to pray: Traditionally begun on October 25 to conclude on November 2 (All Souls Day), or on October 24 to end on November 1 (All Saints Day). May also be prayed throughout November, the Church's traditional month of prayer for the dead, or at any time for deceased loved ones.

About this devotion

The Holy Souls in Purgatory are the faithful departed who died in God's grace but still require purification before entering the fullness of heaven. The Church teaches, in accord with Scripture and Tradition, that nothing unclean shall enter (Rev 21:27) the presence of God, and that there is a purifying state after death for those who need it. Praying for the dead is an ancient practice rooted in 2 Maccabees 12:46 — it is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from their sins — and is honored in Catholic devotion as one of the spiritual works of mercy.

This novena follows the tradition of St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787), Bishop, Doctor of the Church, and founder of the Redemptorists, whose writings on Purgatory and intercessory prayer for the dead have guided the faithful for centuries. Each day meditates on a particular suffering or longing of the holy souls, drawing the one who prays toward greater love of God and compassion for the departed. The prayer to our Suffering Savior — invoking each stage of Christ's Passion — unites our intercession to the merits of His redemptive sacrifice.

The Church encourages this novena especially in the days surrounding All Souls Day (November 2), but it may be prayed at any time for deceased family members, friends, or all the forgotten souls in Purgatory. Those who pray for the holy souls also benefit themselves, since the souls in Purgatory — secure in God's love and certain of salvation — are powerful intercessors before the throne of God.

The Nine Days

1. Day 1: For all the Holy Souls, especially those who suffer most

   Scripture: 2 Maccabees 12:46

2. Day 2: For souls who wasted time and opportunities for merit

   Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-16

3. Day 3: For souls burdened with the memory of their sins

   Scripture: Psalm 51:3-4

4. Day 4: For souls who grieve having offended the God they now love perfectly

   Scripture: Romans 8:18

5. Day 5: For souls uncertain of the duration of their purification

   Scripture: Isaiah 43:2

6. Day 6: For souls who were ungrateful for the love of Christ and His Passion

   Scripture: John 6:54

7. Day 7: For souls burning with longing for the Beatific Vision

   Scripture: Psalm 42:1-2

8. Day 8: For souls who received great graces but responded poorly

   Scripture: Luke 12:48

9. Day 9: For all the Holy Souls, that they may be released to eternal glory

   Scripture: Revelation 21:4

Daily Novena Prayer

Closing Prayer

O God, the author of mercy, the lover of the salvation of mankind; we address thy clemency, in behalf of our brethren, relations, and benefactors, who are departed this life, that by the intercession of blessed Mary, ever virgin, and of all the saints, thou wouldst receive them into the enjoyment of eternal happiness; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions