Saint Faustina’s Diary reveals a powerful prayer that offers comfort to the souls waiting in purgatory. The St Faustina Prayer For Souls In Purgatory is a specific petition she recieved from Jesus to help release suffering souls. Many Catholics turn to this prayer during November, the month dedicated to the Holy Souls, or whenever they feel called to intercede for the departed.
This prayer is not complicated. It is short, direct, and full of trust in God’s mercy. Faustina wrote that Jesus promised great graces for those who pray it with faith. The souls in purgatory cannot help themselves, so they rely on our prayers and sacrifices.
In this article, you will learn the exact words of the prayer, how to pray it properly, and why it is so effective. You will also find practical tips for making this devotion part of your daily life. Let us begin.
Who Was Saint Faustina?
Saint Faustina Kowalska was a Polish nun who lived from 1905 to 1938. She belonged to the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. Jesus appeared to her many times and gave her messages about Divine Mercy.
She wrote everything down in a diary called “Divine Mercy in My Soul.” This diary contains many prayers, including the one for souls in purgatory. Faustina’s mission was to spread the message that God’s mercy is infinite and available to everyone.
She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000. Her feast day is October 5. Many people around the world now pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and other prayers she shared.
Why Did Jesus Give Her This Prayer?
Jesus wanted to show His mercy even to those who have died. He told Faustina that souls in purgatory are very close to Him, but they still need purification. Our prayers can help them enter heaven sooner.
In her diary, Faustina wrote about visions of souls suffering in purgatory. She felt great compassion for them. Jesus then taught her a specific prayer to offer on their behalf. This prayer is simple but carries great power because it comes from Him.
St Faustina Prayer For Souls In Purgatory
Here is the exact prayer that Saint Faustina wrote in her diary. It is short enough to memorize and pray many times a day. The words are:
“Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.”
Wait, you might say, that sounds like the traditional prayer for the dead. You are correct. But Faustina added a special intention. She prayed this prayer while offering the merits of Jesus’ Passion. She also united it with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
The version she used most often was combined with the Chaplet. She would pray the Chaplet and then add this prayer for the souls in purgatory. Jesus promised that each time she did this, she would release a certain number of souls from purgatory.
The Exact Words From Faustina’s Diary
In Diary entry 1731, Faustina writes: “I often pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for the dying and for the souls in purgatory. The Lord told me to add this prayer: ‘Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.'”
Then she would add: “Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.”
So the full prayer combines the Chaplet offering with the traditional prayer for the dead. This is the St Faustina Prayer For Souls In Purgatory that she practiced and recommended.
How To Pray This Prayer Effectively
Praying this prayer is not just about saying words. It requires faith and intention. Here are steps to follow:
- Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
- Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
- Say one decade of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (or the entire Chaplet if you have time).
- After the Chaplet, add the prayer: “Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.”
- Mention specific souls you want to pray for, such as family members or friends who have died.
- Offer this prayer with trust that Jesus will apply His mercy to those souls.
You can also pray just the “Eternal rest” prayer alone, without the Chaplet. But Faustina often combined them. The Chaplet itself is a powerful prayer for mercy, so adding the intention for souls in purgatory makes it even more effective.
When Should You Pray It?
There is no wrong time to pray for the dead. But some moments are especially favorable:
- During the month of November, which is dedicated to the Holy Souls.
- On November 2, All Souls’ Day.
- At funerals or anniversaries of death.
- When you visit a cemetery.
- During the Divine Mercy Novena (from Good Friday to Divine Mercy Sunday).
- Any time you feel moved to help a suffering soul.
Faustina prayed this prayer daily. She made it a habit to intercede for the dead every day. You can do the same by adding it to your morning or evening prayers.
Why This Prayer Is So Powerful
Jesus gave Faustina specific promises about this prayer. He said that each time she prayed it, she would release souls from purgatory. The exact number is not specified, but it is a promise of mercy.
The prayer works because it is based on the merits of Jesus’ Passion. When we offer His Body and Blood to the Father, we are applying His infinite merits to the souls who need purification. They cannot earn graces for themselves anymore, but we can offer graces on their behalf.
This is the doctrine of the Communion of Saints. We are all connected: the Church on earth, the Church in purgatory, and the Church in heaven. Our prayers help each other.
What Faustina Saw In Her Visions
In her diary, Faustina describes visions of souls in purgatory. She saw them suffering but also hopeful. They knew they would eventually reach heaven, but the waiting was painful. They begged her for prayers.
One time, she saw a soul that had been in purgatory for a long time because no one prayed for it. This moved her to pray even more fervently. She realized that many souls have no one to intercede for them. That is why our prayers are so important.
Another vision showed her that even a single prayer can bring great relief. She compared it to a drop of cold water on a burning tongue. The relief is real, even if the suffering continues.
Benefits Of Praying For Souls In Purgatory
Praying for the dead is not just good for them. It also helps you. Here are some benefits:
- You grow in charity and compassion.
- You remember your own mortality and prepare for death.
- You strengthen your faith in the afterlife.
- You build a relationship with the souls you help, and they will pray for you when they reach heaven.
- You participate in the work of mercy that Jesus commanded.
Saint Faustina herself said that the souls she helped would intercede for her. She considered them her friends. When you pray for them, you gain powerful allies in heaven.
How Many Souls Can You Release?
This is a question many people ask. The answer is not exact. Jesus told Faustina that each prayer would release souls, but He did not specify a number. Some traditions say that a devout prayer can release one soul. Others say many souls.
The important thing is to trust in God’s mercy. Do not focus on numbers. Focus on the act of love. Even if you only help one soul, that soul will be eternally grateful. And that soul will pray for you.
Remember, God’s mercy is infinite. He wants all souls to be saved. Our prayers cooperate with His will.
Other Prayers From Saint Faustina For The Dead
Besides the main prayer, Faustina also wrote other petitions for souls in purgatory. Here are a few:
The Chaplet Of Divine Mercy For The Dying
Faustina often prayed the Chaplet for people who were dying. She believed that this prayer could help them have a peaceful death and go straight to heaven. She recorded many instances where her prayers helped dying sinners repent at the last moment.
A Short Prayer For A Specific Soul
She sometimes prayed: “O Jesus, I offer You this soul. Have mercy on him/her. For the sake of Your sorrowful Passion, grant him/her eternal rest.” This is a simple way to pray for someone you know.
The Prayer For Mercy On The Whole World
This is part of the Chaplet: “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.” This includes souls in purgatory because they are part of the world in a spiritual sense.
How To Make This A Daily Habit
You do not need to spend hours in prayer. Even a few minutes can make a difference. Here is a simple routine:
- Set a specific time each day, such as after breakfast or before bed.
- Say one decade of the Chaplet (or just the “Eternal rest” prayer if you are short on time).
- Mention the names of souls you want to pray for.
- Offer the prayer with faith and love.
You can also use a prayer card or an app to remind you. Many Catholic apps have the Chaplet built in. Set a daily alarm if needed.
Another idea is to pray whenever you see a cemetery or hear about a death. This turns ordinary moments into opportunities for mercy.
What If You Forget To Pray?
Do not worry. God understands our human weakness. If you miss a day, just start again the next day. The important thing is consistency, not perfection.
Faustina herself sometimes forgot, but she always returned to the practice. She knew that God’s mercy is greater than our forgetfulness.
Common Questions About This Prayer
Many people have questions about praying for souls in purgatory. Here are answers to some common ones:
Can You Pray For Non-Catholics?
Yes. God’s mercy is for everyone. You can pray for any soul, regardless of their religion. The Church teaches that we can pray for all the dead, trusting in God’s justice and mercy.
Do You Need To Be In A State Of Grace?
It helps to be in a state of grace, but it is not required. God can use any prayer offered with good intention. However, being in grace makes your prayer more powerful because you are united with Christ.
Can Children Pray This Prayer?
Absolutely. Children can learn this simple prayer and pray for their grandparents or other loved ones who have died. It teaches them about mercy and the afterlife.
Real Stories Of Souls Helped By This Prayer
Faustina’s diary contains many stories of souls who were helped by her prayers. Here is one example:
A nun who had died appeared to Faustina and asked for prayers. Faustina prayed the Chaplet for her. Later, the same nun appeared again, but this time she was radiant and happy. She said she had been released from purgatory because of Faustina’s prayers.
Another story involves a soul who had been in purgatory for many years. No one had prayed for him. When Faustina prayed, he was immediately released. This shows how powerful even one prayer can be.
These stories are not just legends. They are recorded in Faustina’s diary, which has been approved by the Church. They give us confidence that our prayers truly help.
How To Combine This Prayer With Other Devotions
You can combine the St Faustina Prayer For Souls In Purgatory with other Catholic devotions. Here are some ideas:
- Pray it after the Rosary.
- Include it in your daily Mass prayers.
- Say it during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
- Add it to the Divine Mercy Novena.
- Pray it while visiting a cemetery.
The more you integrate this prayer into your spiritual life, the more natural it becomes. You will find yourself praying for the dead without even thinking about it.
Can You Pray It For Someone Who Died Long Ago?
Yes. Time does not limit God’s mercy. You can pray for souls who died centuries ago. They may still need our prayers if they are in purgatory. God applies our prayers to the moment they need them.
Final Thoughts On This Devotion
The St Faustina Prayer For Souls In Purgatory is a gift from Jesus to the Church. It is simple, powerful, and full of mercy. By praying it, you become an instrument of God’s love for those who cannot help themselves.
Start today. Even one prayer can make a difference. You will not only help the souls in purgatory but also grow in holiness yourself. And one day, when you are in purgatory, others will pray for you.
That is the beauty of the Communion of Saints. We are all connected in Christ. Let us support each other with our prayers, both now and in eternity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Exact St Faustina Prayer For Souls In Purgatory?
The exact prayer is: “Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.” She often combined this with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
How Often Should I Pray For Souls In Purgatory?
You can pray daily. Saint Faustina prayed every day. Even once a week is good. The more often you pray, the more souls you help.
Does The St Faustina Prayer For Souls In Purgatory Really Release Souls?
Jesus promised Faustina that each time she prayed this prayer with faith, she would release souls from purgatory. The Church teaches that our prayers can help the dead.
Can I Pray This Prayer For A Specific Person?
Yes. You can mention the name of the person you want to pray for. God knows who you mean. It is good to pray for specific souls you know.
Is This Prayer Only For Catholics?
No. Anyone can pray for the dead. The prayer is based on Christian beliefs, but God hears all sincere prayers. You do not need to be Catholic to ask for mercy for the departed.