The Ancient Christian Practice Of Praying For The Souls In Purgatory

The Catholic practice of praying for the souls of people who are in purgatory is not a medieval invention but an ancient Christian practice passed down from the Apostles down to their successors. Christians believe that souls in purgatory are already assured of their salvation (CCC 1030). However due to their imperfection due to venial sins and its consequences they are to be purified in purgatory because no defile can enter the Kingdom of God (Rev.21:27). In light of their condition Christians believe that we can help them through our intercession so that they can obtain the grace necessary for them to hasten their purification and finally enter the Kingdom of God. One of the misconceptions about this ancient Christian practice comes from the bigotry of Protestantism and that they believe that the Christian belief in purgatory is a second chance at salvation that by praying for souls in purgatory will save them. As stated souls in purgatory are already assured of their salvation we pray for them in order to hasten their purification so that they can finally enter the Kingdom of God.