The Prince of the Heavenly militia is all-powerful in Purgatory, and he can assist the poor souls whom the justice and sanctity of the Almighty retain in this place of punishment.
St. Anselm
The Holy Souls suffering are overwhelming in pain and in need for consolation becomes paramount.
In this role, Saint Michael emerges as the angel of Purgatory.
The Church, in its prayers for the departed, indirectly underscores its belief in the significance of Saint Michael’s intercession for the souls held in Purgatory, emphasizing the value it places on his mediation.
God Himself has appointed Saint Michael as the Prince and Guardian of all souls aspiring to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
He employs his authority to alleviate the suffering of the Souls in Purgatory, breaking their chains and ushering them into Paradise.
As Saint Pius V aptly described him, Saint Michael acts as a plenipotentiary, implementing and interpreting the divine will based on the specific circumstances. At times, he extends his grace to those who seek his protection, reducing the duration of penance for others. In essence, he serves as the mediator between the supreme ruler and His subjects, securing blessings that the sovereign might not grant directly.
This is how Saint Michael comes to be recognized as the angel of Purgatory, a veneration deeply rooted in Catholic Tradition.
Saint Anselm describes the Prince of the Heavenly armies as omnipotent in Purgatory, capable of aiding souls held in the torments of divine justice and holiness.
It is incontestably recognized since the foundation of Christianity that the souls of the faithful departed are delivered from Purgatory through the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel. St. Robert Bellarmine
As Bellarmine notes, it has been acknowledged since the early days of Christianity that the intercession and ministration of the archangel Saint Michael play a pivotal role in delivering souls from Purgatory.
To these venerable authorities, we can add the words of Saint Liguori: ‘Saint Michael is entrusted with the care of the souls in Purgatory, faithfully assisting and alleviating their suffering during their purification
St. Michael has received the care of consoling and helping the Souls in Purgatory.
St. Liguori
St. Michael’s role in helping the souls in Purgatory is not explicitly detailed in official Church doctrine but is based on popular devotion and tradition. Here are some common ways in which St. Michael is believed to assist these souls:
Intercession: St. Michael is considered a powerful intercessor before God. It is believed that he prays for the souls in Purgatory, asking for God’s mercy and grace to hasten their purification and entry into Heaven.
Protection: St. Michael is often seen as a protector and defender of souls, even in the afterlife. Just as he is believed to protect individuals during their earthly lives, it is thought that he continues to watch over and guard the souls in Purgatory, ensuring their safety and progress.
Guidance: Some traditions suggest that St. Michael may guide the souls in Purgatory, helping them navigate their purification process and drawing them closer to God’s divine presence.
Offering Prayers: The faithful on Earth often invoke St. Michael’s assistance in their prayers for the deceased. By praying to St. Michael for the souls in Purgatory, we believe we can contribute to their relief and eventual journey to Heaven.
It’s important to note that while these beliefs about St. Michael’s role in assisting souls in Purgatory are widespread, they are not formal dogma of the Catholic Church. They are part of popular piety and devotion, and individual beliefs may vary within the Catholic community.
The Catholic Church does teach that, through the prayers of the Mass, Her prayers for the dying, and the examples set by the lives of the saints, that St. Michael has been entrusted with a profoundly important role both during our earthly lives and after our passing.
Likewise, whether a soul approaches death in serenity or amidst great struggle, when a soul faces its final battle against Satan and his dark forces, the Catholic Church offers a special prayer invoking the intercession of St. Michael. This prayer is recited during the ‘Commending A Departing Soul Unto God’.
Extend your support to the Holy Souls and enrich your spiritual life by engaging in acts that can grant you the graces for a plenary indulgence.
Here are the top 4 on my list:
1. ADORATION OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT. A PLENARY INDULGENCE is granted to those who visit the Most Blessed Sacrament for at least one half hour (together with the three prerequisites (constants) of a plenary indulgence. A partial indulgence is granted to those who visit and adore the Most Blessed Sacrament without the three constants or for any period less than one half hour.
2. RECITATION OF THE MARIAN ROSARY. Recitation of the Marian Rosary if recited in a Church or Public oratory or in a Family Group, a Religious Community or Pious Association.
3.READING OF SACRED SCRIPTURE. While a partial indulgence is granted to those who read from Sacred Scripture with the veneration which the divine word is due, a PLENARY INDULGENCE is granted to those who read for at least one half an hour.
4.EXERCISE OF THE WAY OF THE CROSS. PLENARY INDULGENCE. A Plenary indulgence is granted to those who piously make the Way of the Cross.
For more on the list and requirements on Indulgence, read more at visitationproject.org
Here are simple ways to celebrate Michaelmas Day .
End this powerful day with the Chaplet of St. Michael. Click to download.
We are on the verge of a new month, which also marks the beginning of a fresh 30-Day Holy & Hard Wellness Challenge!
Discover more and join us as we collectively embark on this journey to challenge our wellness and nurture our spiritual growth in holiness.
