The souls in Purgatory are our brothers and sisters, and there are several simple ways we can help to lessen their sufferings and speed them towards Paradise. The most basic is to pray for them, as the Church especially encourages in November. We can also offer sacrifices – a short fast, or persistent back pain, can be offered up for their benefit.
Best of all, we can have Masses said for them, individually or collectively. And we can gain a partial indulgence (time off Purgatory) by visiting a cemetery and praying for the dead, or by praying: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.”
