The Church teaches that the souls in Purgatory are in a state of purification, being prepared for the fullness of heaven. As Catholics, we are encouraged to pray for these souls, offering up our prayers, sacrifices, and acts of love to assist them on their journey. Among the most beloved prayers for the holy souls is the St. Gertrude prayer, attributed to St. Gertrude the Great, a Benedictine mystic and theologian of the 13th century. According to tradition, St. Gertrude received a vision from Christ promising that every time this prayer is recited, 1,000 souls would be released from Purgatory. Whether taken literally or as a symbol of hope, this promise underscores the immense power of prayer and the boundless mercy of God.
St. Gertrude was known for her deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and her fervent prayers for the holy souls. Her writings, filled with profound spiritual insights and mystical experiences, continue to inspire the faithful today. Through the St. Gertrude prayer, we not only offer a beautiful act of charity but also draw closer to the heart of Jesus, who desires the salvation of all souls. As we pray, we participate in the communion of saints, joining our voices with the prayers of the Church Triumphant in heaven and the Church Suffering in Purgatory.
Jesus tells us in the Gospel of John, “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day” (John 6:39, NIV). Our prayers for the souls in Purgatory are a response to this divine will, helping to lift those souls toward the eternal joy of heaven. The St. Gertrude prayer is a powerful way to fulfill this call, offering comfort and hope to those who are still awaiting the fullness of God’s presence.
Whether you pray this prayer daily, during special devotions, or as part of a novena, the St. Gertrude prayer is a meaningful way to remember and honor our connection with the faithful departed. As we pray, let us trust in God’s mercy and the intercession of St. Gertrude, and offer this prayer with love and faith.
St. Gertrude Prayer
Eternal Father,
I offer Thee the most precious Blood
Of Thy Divine Son, Jesus,
In union with the Masses said throughout the world today,
For all the holy souls in Purgatory,
For sinners everywhere,
For sinners in the Universal Church,
Those in my own home,
And within my family.
Amen.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
By your boundless mercy,
Grant eternal rest to the souls of the faithful departed.
May your precious Blood wash away their sins,
And bring them swiftly into your eternal light.
“And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:39, NIV)
Declarations and Affirmations
- I trust in the power of the St. Gertrude prayer to aid the holy souls in Purgatory.
- I declare that through my prayers, I am united with the communion of saints in assisting souls on their journey to heaven.
- I affirm my faith in God’s mercy and the promise of eternal life for all who believe.
Scriptures to Support This Prayer
John 6:39 (NIV):
“And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.”
2 Maccabees 12:45 (NABRE):
“But if he was looking to the splendid reward that is laid up for those who fall asleep in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Therefore, he made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.”
1 Corinthians 15:52 (RSVCE):
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”
St. Gertrude Prayer
The St. Gertrude prayer is a beautiful act of love and mercy, offering a powerful way to assist the souls in Purgatory. As you pray, remember the promise of Christ that none will be lost, and trust that your prayers have a profound impact on those who await the joy of heaven. Let this prayer be a daily reminder of our call to pray for the departed and to live with hope in God’s infinite mercy.
Prayer Prompt Faith Activity
Consider setting aside a time each day to pray the St. Gertrude prayer for the holy souls. Light a candle as a sign of hope and remembrance, or dedicate your prayers to a loved one who has passed away. Share this prayer with family and friends, encouraging them to join you in this spiritual work of mercy. Comment below with your prayer intentions or experiences, and let us build a community of faith, united in our devotion to the souls in Purgatory.