Sincere doubt about prayer in cemeteries.

I was in doubt if, when we pray in cemeteries, we can ask Our Lady to visit the souls of our loved ones who are probably in purgatory, just as Christ descended into the mansion of the dead before the Resurrection. I am somewhat afraid of praying in cemeteries because some exorcists theorize about an intermediate state in which the souls of some deceased people still transit through this world without going straight to their final destination.

 

I wouldn't be afraid. My children and I pray every time we pass a cemetery. And Mary does visit Purgatory, especially on her feast days, coming to release those who are closest to being ready, and dispensing comfort to those who must remain there a while longer. So yes, I think that's a lovely thing to pray for!

 

I go often too. It’s peaceful and beautiful. And I pray for my family there. I’ve never been afraid of cemeteries. In fact, in my travels, I enjoy visiting them. So much history in cemeteries.

 

“Be not afraid.”

 

Praying for souls in cemeteries has indulgences attached. During November such prayers contain all sorts of promises for the souls we pray for. It is a real act of charity to do so.

 

Right! The indulgences can be found online.

 

I don't think we should ever be afraid of praying anywhere.

If reminds me of the man who asked the old priest if it was alright if it was alright to smoke while he prayed?

To which the old priest replied no, but it was alright to pray while he smoked.

Ephesians 6:18—Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.

 

I have zero fear in cemeteries, everyone is dead lol. I fear dealing with the living walking around with demons attached to them lol. Yes absolutely pray for your dead family members presently and ones in the past you may have never even met. The way I see it, Heaven and God are outside of what we know as time and space. So who is to say our prayers today for family members 200 years ago didn't do something for that soul since to them there is no time. Time is for us not for the afterlife.

 

I even asked my maternal grandmother for intercession in 2021 because of a family tribulation, but I made it almost like a whisper, a silent prayer in a moment of despair. But now I will delve deeper into this type of prayer.

 

Whenever I pray to a particular holy soul (who is not a saint) I always say the “Eternal rest grant unto them oh Lord” prayer for them, in case they are still in Purgatory . That way they get a prayer and I hope that they will pray for me or my intentions.

 

I would be inclined to be a little hesitant of invoking the help of people who have not been declared Saints or Blessed by the Church. Unless perhaps you have some very,very good reason for supposing them in heaven...but even then.

We have the Saints and the Angels to intercede for us , these are safe, tried rocks, indicated for us by the Church, why wander elsewhere ?

There are exceptions of course.

 

In Medj some years ago, my sister arranged a Mass for our mother, who had recently died, and this was celebrated in the chapel of the village cemetery. After the Mass, I stayed in the graveyard to pray for my mother's soul and those interred around me. Before leaving, I took a photo. of St. James' Church in the distance and this is the image that came out when printed (before digital cameras). I've posted this before so, apologies for repeating myself.

 

Beautiful.

Actually I am just finished watching a very rare thing. An author who believes Medugorje is diabolical, that the devil is appearing there. Not only that but he actually visited the site and studied it. So rare to get such a very negative, first hand opinion..

I believe with all my heart these apparitions are true but it is interesting to hear the other side of things.

 

I do believe in Medjugorje there is a fight between good and evil. My visit last year to Medjugorje was a constant tug of war.

 

Everywhere the Blessed Virgin is present Satan is present also. We are told this in Genesis at the Garden of Eden. They are at war with one another.

I am reminded of a Vision Fr Paul of Moll had one time. He saw Jesus walk past one time, then after Him walked past a troop of demons dressed as Medieval soldiers.

https://littlestsouls.wordpress.com/tag/fr-paul-of-moll/

 

That's a good question, Padraig. I still pray for the souls of family that have died, including even my Mom, and have Holy Masses offered up for them. The question which I ask is, if my Mom (whom I believe to this very day was a humble and extraordinary living saint and died 48 years ago) is still in Purgatory, can I ask for her intercession as well as pray for the completion of her purification? After all, my parents selected my name in honor of the Little Flower (who has worked many wonders in my life).

I believe it is a safe bet!

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for John and Christine, and if they both stand worshiping before the Throne of God, many this prayer benefit the most needy of my deceased relatives!

 

Sometimes yes. I have prayed to my Spiritual Director who I think is in heaven now and again.But as a General Rule...

 

I kind of think with some souls who die, 'Well if they are not in heaven who will be?'

But still as a general rule I would stick to the saints.

 

How beautiful.

 

Malachi Martin and Fr John Hardon suspected this as well. I believe Fr Ripperger has expressed strong doubts as well.