Can our prayers and Masses help the souls in Purgatory?
Yes. From the earliest days of Christianity, the Church has honoured the memory of the dead and offered prayers and suffrages in their behalf, especially the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God.
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the most powerful prayer on earth because it makes present Christ's infinite sacrifice on Calvary. Having a Mass offered for a deceased loved one—or for the forgotten Holy Souls in Purgatory—is an act of deep spiritual charity.
The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the deceased. In turn, the holy souls in purgatory intercede for us, expressing the reciprocal love of the Communion of Saints.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1032
- 2 Maccabees 12:45
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.