Heroic Act?

[Fuerza]

I have heard of the heroic act and have a vague concept of what it is, but I’m not sure of some of the specifics. As I understand it, you basically agree that all future penances will be offered for the souls in purgatory rather than yourself, and that you will serve your full term in purgatory (possibly with the hope that the souls freed from purgatory by your penances will in turn pray for you, but still acknowledging that you may have to serve all your time). Correct me if I’m wrong so far.

Now what I’m not sure about, and I apologize in advance if this is a dumb question. In making the heroic act, is one giving up the right to pray for the living? For example, would someone still be able to pray or do penance for the conversion of a fallen away family member, or does everything have to be applied to the souls in purgatory? Thanks.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

I had never heard of this before your post. But apparently you’ve got it right; it is described in the Catholic Encyclopedia here: newadvent.org/cathen/07292b.htm .

I read on another website that you can still pray and do penance for others; the Heroic Act of Charity does not prevent this. Also, you can revoke it at any time if you change your mind.

 

[water]

As I understand it, you basically agree that all future penances will be offered for the souls in purgatory rather than yourself, and that you will serve your full term in purgatory

I am not sure if we could tell if you would stay “full term” in purgatory. Your praying for the Holy Souls is an act of Charity and it could be your own penance. Being charitable to Holy Souls in Purgatory and/or to those who still live on Earth are very pleasing to God - that’s all I know.

From the link above:

The Heroic Act has been enriched with numerous indulgences by Benedict XIII (1728), Pius VI (1788), and Pius IX (1852).

It means that if you receive indulgences for your charity - your time in Purgatory cannot be in full term.

 

[stbruno]

I was told that every mass you attend also erases one day of Purgatory for you…so try daily mass too.

 

[Andruschak]

I am not sure if we could tell if you would stay “full term” in purgatory. Your praying for the Holy Souls is an act of Charity and it could be your own penance. Being charitable to Holy Souls in Purgatory and/or to those who still live on Earth are very pleasing to God - that’s all I know.

From the link above:

It means that if you receive indulgences for your charity - your time in Purgatory cannot be in full term.

Maybe…but the Heroic Act involves handing over ALL indulgences, past-presemt-future, ALL of them to Mary.

I am resigned to spend my full time in Purgatory…to pay to the last penny. Not really looking forward to it. but better then hell.

 

[Domini_Canis]

I remember reading in the life of St. Gertrude that the devil tempted her at the hour of death - mocking her for making the heroic act for the poor souls in purgatory. The devil told her how as a result of such a ‘foolish’ act, she would have to endure a long purgatory. It was then that Christ appeared to her, telling her how pleased he was of such a sacrifice. As a reward for her charity for the poor souls, Christ promised to remit all her temporal punishment (Christ promised her she would not have to endure purgatory at all) and he would multiply her merits a hundred fold.

So for those making the heroic act, you can reasonably hope to expect the exact opposite of a long purgatory; for Jesus said “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” – and there are no souls in greater need of mercy than those in purgatory.

DC.

 

[Fuerza]

Thanks for all your responses, but the question still stands. Does making the heroic act render one unable to pray or do penance for the conversion/repentance of the living? PhilotheaZ mentioned reading something that says it’s still possible, but what’s the general consensus? Thanks.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I have heard of the heroic act and have a vague concept of what it is, but I’m not sure of some of the specifics. As I understand it, you basically agree that all future penances will be offered for the souls in purgatory rather than yourself, and that you will serve your full term in purgatory (possibly with the hope that the souls freed from purgatory by your penances will in turn pray for you, but still acknowledging that you may have to serve all your time). Correct me if I’m wrong so far.

Now what I’m not sure about, and I apologize in advance if this is a dumb question. In making the heroic act, is one giving up the right to pray for the living? For example, would someone still be able to pray or do penance for the conversion of a fallen away family member, or does everything have to be applied to the souls in purgatory? Thanks.

I believe what you’re referring to is actually called, “Redemptive Suffering.” St. Theresa of Lisieux was one who offered all her trials and penances for souls, other than herself.

Jim

 

[Spirithound]

Now what I’m not sure about, and I apologize in advance if this is a dumb question. In making the heroic act, is one giving up the right to pray for the living? For example, would someone still be able to pray or do penance for the conversion of a fallen away family member, or does everything have to be applied to the souls in purgatory? Thanks.

I believe that praying for the living is still permitted. The essence of the Heroic Act is not necessarily to offer one’s merits for the Holy Souls of Purgatory, but to offer them for others, which includes the living.