“THE SOULS OF OUR DEPARTED LEGIONARIES” Ch.16,#17,P103-05

The Church sets aside each November as time to remember those souls who are no longer with us. The poor souls as we call them, also faithful departed, are those who have died in God's friendship, but also have died with venial sins on their souls, suffer for an undetermined length length time the punishment that was still due to their sins. We call them poor souls, because they cannot merit for themselves. We call them faithful departed, because although dead in body, they are very much alive in their souls, having remained faithful to God before their souls left their bodies.

In the month of November each praesidium should have a Mass celebrated for the souls of all departed legion members, and not just their praesidium itself, but legionaries from all over the world.

In addition, upon the death of an active member's death as many members as possible should attend the funeral Mass and accompany the remains for burial. It is recommended after the official prayers of the church to recite the rosary and the legion prayers. Also, a Mass should be offered by the praesidium for that member as soon as it can be scheduled and of course members should try to attend. Then too, each member should recite all the prayers of the legion and a rosary at least once for the intentions of the deceased.

It seems to me to be a wonderful privilege to die as an active and  auxiliary member of the legion. Since each  praesidium in the world has a Mass celebrated each November is a great consolation. Of course the Eucharistic Sacrifice is the highest form of prayer and the Legion could not offer you a greater gift. Of course every time we pray the Tessera we also pray for our departed legionaries.

During the month of November we meditate on the Communion  of Saints. It is comprised of the Church Triumphant which are those souls in Heaven. The Church Suffering in Purgatory and the Church Militant on  earth.

We can help the poor souls by doing acts of mortification and prayers and offering up all the things that go wrong in our lives. In November we can gain a Plenary Indulgence by visiting a cemetery each day from November 1st to the 8th.

Also one can gain a plenary indulgence by visiting a church on November 2nd and pray one our Father and the Creed.   A partial indulgence can be gained by visiting a cemetery even if the prayer is mental. A partial indulgence can be gained at any time for the poor souls by praying:

“Eternal rest grant them O Lord and let the perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God rest in peace.” Amen.

In order to gain these indulgences you must be in the state of grace, receive communion on day of the indulgence with a Sacramental Confession either 8 days before or 8 days after. Also, one must recite a prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father, an Our Father and Hail Mary is the minimum.    
                                                        
In closing let us pray: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.