Topic:  Why do Catholics pray for the dead?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: December 26, 2003

Moderator who originally posted this source: Fr. John

Question:  Following the Spiritual Works of Mercy is a great reminder on how a good Christian should be and I can see where you get these works from the Bible. One thing I need to find is praying for the dead.  Why do Catholics pray for the dead if it has already been decided by God whether they are with them in heaven or sent to hell?  and..can you help me find a passage that could help support why praying for the dead is part of the Spiritual Works of Mercy?  Thanks,Glonar

Answer: 

Dear Glonar,

Catholics pray for the dead just in case they’re still in purgatory and can use some intercessory prayer to hasten their entrance into Heaven. We certainly hope that our deceased loved ones are in Heaven now, but we’re not always certain, and as we were in relationship with them while they were with us here on earth, so we’re still in relationship with them be they a poor soul in purgatory or a saint in Heaven. I always tell people to pray to deceased relatives if you’re pretty sure they’re in Heaven.

One passage cited to support praying for the dead is 2 Macc 12:44-45. Surely our prayerful intercession for one another should not stop just because one has passed through the portals of death. As we pray for and intercede for one another while here in the body, it seems logical and comforting to continue our prayer for one another after one departs this life.

May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Merry Christmas!

Father John