Why do we pray for souls in Purgatory?

[PMV]

If Purgatory purifies souls to make them perfect for Heaven, why do we pray that they go to Heaven sooner? Wouldn’t it be necessary for them, (considering their lives were more sinful) to clean away all their sin before they to go to Heaven, even if it takes longer?

 

[jc_escobar]

PMV:

If Purgatory purifies souls to make them perfect for Heaven, why do we pray that they go to Heaven sooner? Wouldn’t it be necessary for them, (considering their lives were more sinful) to clean away all their sin before they to go to Heaven, even if it takes longer?

Hi PMV,

You are being distracted with the idea of time. For all we know purgatory might be instantaneous. It simply is not about time. We pray for them in the same way we can pray for someone who is alive so that he or she repents and be forgiven. It’s not like you have to suffer for x amount of days or years. It’s more in the line of true repentance and the suffering of seeing in full the concequence of your sin. For each one it might take diferent things, but only God can give the holyness needed to enter Heaven. For Him to give them that Holyness is that we pray.

Blessings,
J.C.

 

[PMV]

Hello jc_escobar.
Now I understand. Thank you very much for the help.

 

[T.A.Stobie_SFO]

The reason we pray for anyone’s well being is that we love them and God has asked us to intercede for others out of love.

 

[mayra_hart]

it is impossible to aid soul in heaven(they have no need),and equally impossible to aid souls in hell(they have no hope). praying for the dead presumes souls in a middle state where atonement for sin can be made. (2 maccabees12:44-45)bless you all