Was this safe or not?

[Monkey1976]

On New Year’s Eve, I lost my father following a several-month illness. He and my mother had been married for 48 years. I’m trying to figure out if I gave her bad advice following his funeral. If a plenary indulgence is applied to the soul of a deceased person who at death was (as far as we can be certain) in a state of grace, am I safe in praying to that soul (and suggesting my mother do the same as a way of still “talking” to Dad) as we would pray to one of the canonized saints? I know that, as Catholics, we are one Church consisting of the Church Militant (those living), the Church Suffering (those in Purgatory), and the Church Triumphant, but I just want to be sure I didn’t place my own soul or the soul of my mother in danger when I suggested that to her. I’m not talking Ouija Boards, or spiritualism of any kind, just talking to him like we normally would, but through heartfelt prayer.

 

[Sirach2]

Absolutely a beautiful practice! It’s called the “communion of saints.” If we can pray or talk to saints, why not our deceased loved ones, who are especially able to understand us and pray for us?

I would not cease to offer conditional plenary indulgences for him, however. We do not know how God will apply the ones we gain on behalf of souls who have died and may be in purgatory. God does apply a full plenary for oneself, if we are rightly disposed to receive them (no attachment to sin).

God may comfort you in a most special manner some day and allow you to know that your father is in heaven. It is a very special grace of His favor and benevolence.

You have my deepest sympathy.

 

[Waiting]

On New Year’s Eve, I lost my father following a several-month illness. He and my mother had been married for 48 years. I’m trying to figure out if I gave her bad advice following his funeral. If a plenary indulgence is applied to the soul of a deceased person who at death was (as far as we can be certain) in a state of grace, am I safe in praying to that soul (and suggesting my mother do the same as a way of still “talking” to Dad) as we would pray to one of the canonized saints? I know that, as Catholics, we are one Church consisting of the Church Militant (those living), the Church Suffering (those in Purgatory), and the Church Triumphant, but I just want to be sure I didn’t place my own soul or the soul of my mother in danger when I suggested that to her. I’m not talking Ouija Boards, or spiritualism of any kind, just talking to him like we normally would, but through heartfelt prayer.

It would be unusual for anyone not to keep talking to a deceased loved one. It helps cope with the loss. And if you know your loved one received all possible graces prior to death with the Sacraments, it’s easy to picture him/her in heaven. Even if the deceased is in Purgatory, that soul can still help petition the Lord for you. Keep praying for your father. If he doesn’t need the prayers, they will go into the Church treasury to be used for others.

 

[kitkatty]

First of all may I offer you my deepest sympathies and eternal memory to your father. I certainly don`t think you are out of place at all here. After all we do believe in the communion of saints and since you know your dad had the last sacraments then why not communicate with a member of the Church, whether the Church Suffering or Triumphant.? I know I do,I lost my Mom last summer and my sister and I both do. And know he is praying for you too. This is such a comfort, especially when the bereavement is so recent.

 

[crystal_waters]

On New Year’s Eve, I lost my father following a several-month illness. He and my mother had been married for 48 years. I’m trying to figure out if I gave her bad advice following his funeral. If a plenary indulgence is applied to the soul of a deceased person who at death was (as far as we can be certain) in a state of grace, am I safe in praying to that soul (and suggesting my mother do the same as a way of still “talking” to Dad) as we would pray to one of the canonized saints? I know that, as Catholics, we are one Church consisting of the Church Militant (those living), the Church Suffering (those in Purgatory), and the Church Triumphant, but I just want to be sure I didn’t place my own soul or the soul of my mother in danger when I suggested that to her. I’m not talking Ouija Boards, or spiritualism of any kind, just talking to him like we normally would, but through heartfelt prayer.

we should hope that our loved ones are in heaven but pray for them incase they are in purgatory…

instead of praying directly to your dad…offer up some prayers to god for his soul, (relief and deliverance from purgatory if he is there), then ask god to grant you through the prayers and intercession of your dad whatever graces or favours you need,

that way you arent trying to contact him, you are only talking to god and god is doing the talking to your dad for you…

heres a great site that may interest you

missionbell.homestead.com/Afavourgrantedbytheholysouls.html

 

[surfinpure]

we should hope that our loved ones are in heaven but pray for them incase they are in purgatory…

instead of praying directly to your dad…offer up some prayers to god for his soul, (relief and deliverance from purgatory if he is there), then ask god to grant you through the prayers and intercession of your dad whatever graces or favours you need,

that way you arent trying to contact him, you are only talking to god and god is doing the talking to your dad for you…

There is nothing theologically or morally wrong with praying to the suffering souls in Purgatory. Here is the prayer of Blessed James Alberione, for example:

“Blessed Souls, you are suffering and asking suffrage from me. I am in great danger and need, and I await aid and protection from you. So for this (month or year) I will offer all my prayers and especially all my good works for you. You in turn remember my needs, deliver me from the dangers I face, and in particular obtain for me this grace: (mention request), and let the first of you to enter Heaven not cease to plead for me before the Divine Mercy until I too arrive there. May the Sacred Heart bless this agreement. Amen.”

We don’t have to wait for our loved ones to become saints before we can pray to them! (If we did, then we’d never be able to pray to them AT ALL, since most people don’t go through the canonization process. ) I often begin “talking” to the deceased the moment I learn of their death, comforting them with my prayers and asking for their help in return. It is a great practice.

 

[crystal_waters]

There is nothing theologically or morally wrong with praying to the suffering souls in Purgatory. Here is the prayer of Blessed James Alberione, for example:

We don’t have to wait for our loved ones to become saints before we can pray to them! (If we did, then we’d never be able to pray to them AT ALL, since most people don’t go through the canonization process. ) I often begin “talking” to the deceased the moment I learn of their death, comforting them with my prayers and asking for their help in return. It is a great practice.

i agree 100%…i just made that point that she should also pray for her dad because we cant assume he is in heaven, he could be in purgatory in need of prayers…

 

[surfinpure]

i agree 100%…i just made that point that she should also pray for her dad because we cant assume he is in heaven, he could be in purgatory in need of prayers…:d

amen!

 

[RosaryFan]

On New Year’s Eve, I lost my father following a several-month illness. He and my mother had been married for 48 years. I’m trying to figure out if I gave her bad advice following his funeral. If a plenary indulgence is applied to the soul of a deceased person who at death was (as far as we can be certain) in a state of grace, am I safe in praying to that soul (and suggesting my mother do the same as a way of still “talking” to Dad) as we would pray to one of the canonized saints? I know that, as Catholics, we are one Church consisting of the Church Militant (those living), the Church Suffering (those in Purgatory), and the Church Triumphant, but I just want to be sure I didn’t place my own soul or the soul of my mother in danger when I suggested that to her. I’m not talking Ouija Boards, or spiritualism of any kind, just talking to him like we normally would, but through heartfelt prayer.

Whether your father’s soul is in heaven or still in purgatory, I believe he can hear your prayers. I always talk to my deceased father. Of course, I couldn’t say for sure where he is, but I talk just the same. I figure he can hear me, so I chat w/ him.

I’ve offered “plenary indulgences” for him, as well. Of course, we never really know just how “plenary” our indulgences are. Only God knows. But if we don’t qualify for the “plenary”, then certainly partial.

I think you did fine telling your mother what you’ve told her. The important thing is to keep praying for your father’s soul, just in case your indulgences weren’t plenary. He may still be in need of your prayers. If he doesn’t need them, God will apply them to someone else, so they don’t go to waste. It is vitally important to always pray for the souls in purgatory! They so rely on us for prayers!!