Answers on Purgatory from the "Purgatory Lady," Susan Tannone:
(1) Are my prayers wasted if the soul is already in Heaven?
No prayer is ever wasted with God. If the soul is already in Heaven, it receives an increase in their intimacy of God’s love, and an increase in their own intercessory power. Saint Thomas Aquinas calls this accidental glory. God is never outdone in generosity.
(2) Is a Mass offered for one while still living more powerful than a Mass celebrated for that person after death?
The value of every Mass is infinite, and one Mass is not more powerful than another. However, a living person is still capable of growing in sanctifying grace. The offering of the Mass may also assist in this increase of sanctity by helping people face their sufferings and trials more deeply united to Christ. Thus, for example, attending Mass or offering Mass can have extraordinary effects while a person is still on earth. See Susan's book, Praying with the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for a more detailed explanation.
(3) Does offering 30 Gregorian Masses always release a soul from Purgatory?
Although the practice is approved by the Church, there is no official guarantee. However, it underscores the power of the Holy Mass. There are many more questions answered in Susan’s book, Praying with the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
+JMJ+
Author Copyright © Susan Tassone. All Rights Reserved.
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