Can one pray TO the souls in Purgatory?

[BeeSweet]

As to your second question, who’s prayers are stronger? I again ascribe to the view of St. Thomas Aquinas:

Those who are in Purgatory though they are above us on account of their impeccability, yet they are below us as to the pains which they suffer: and in this respect they are not in a condition to pray, but rather in a condition that requires us to pray for them.

Source: Summa Theologica > Second Part of the Second Part > Question 83 by St. Thomas Aquinas

I believe that amidst the great suffering the poor souls endure, they are really not capable of praying for anyone, themselves included, so long as they are in purgatory. This is why it is so very very important that we pray for them, and why we gain so much favor with God for doing so. But think of the strength of their prayers once they are released! Think of the gratitude the poor souls have for the prayers which are the cause of the end of their suffering.

THE HOLY SOULS WILL REPAY US A THOUSAND TIMES OVER

But what shall we say of the feelings of the Holy Souls themselves? It would be utterly impossible to describe their unbounded gratitude to those who help them! Filled with an immense desire to repay the favors done them,
they pray for their benefactors with a fervor so great, so intense, so constant that God can refuse them nothing St. Catherine of Bologna says: "I received many and very great favors from the Saints, but still greater favors from the Holy Souls. "

When they are finally released from their pains and enjoy the beatitude of Heaven, far from forgetting their friends on Earth, their gratitude knows no bounds. Prostrate before the Throne of God, they never cease to pray for
those who helped them. By their prayers they shield their friends from the dangers and protect them from the evils that threaten them.

They will never cease these prayers until they see their benefactors safely in Heaven, and they will be forever their dearest, sincerest and best friends.

Did Catholics only know what powerful protectors they secure by helping the Holy Souls, they would not be so remiss in praying for them.

Source: Read Me or Rue It by Fr. Paul O’Sullivan O.P.

The church has made no definitive statement on the subject though, so a difference of opinion is just that, no need to say that I’m right or you’re right. Since the Reformation was due in large part to a difference of opinion on the subject of the doctrine of purgatory, I think it’s best we temper our discussions on the subject with openness to the differences of opinion. As long as our opinions do not directly conflict with the authoritative teachings of the church, then we really are free to believe whatever we need to believe on the subject.

 

[Pro_Domina]

Two things:

1. Prayer has retroactive effects. God is omnipresent and everything is like one instant. What He sees us do now He sees it at the same time he saw Adam sin. All in an instant.
   So when we pray for someone’s soul, it is not only for the quickening of Purgatory, but also that his last moments he opened up to grace. We could pray for anybody in past. How many saints probably presevered because as someone was reading their story and they were in temptation the reader prayed.
2. BUT ABOVE ALL. They say rich friends are better than money right? That is true, because the souls of Purgatory are of the richest, just that it is all in the Bank and they just have to wait in line to get it. Once they do, they will help those who helped them and asked them for their help.
   I tel youl, ask them for favors and promise them prayers.