FAQ
"Have any question?"
Frequently asked questions !!
Have questions about praying for the holy souls, Mass offerings, or how your support helps? Find quick answers here. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, contact us—we’re happy to help!
1. How do you ensure Masses are actually celebrated for the souls I request?
We work exclusively with trusted Catholic priests and dioceses. Each Mass intention is documented and forwarded to a priest, with a guarantee of celebration in accordance with Canon Law (Can. 945). For transparency, we periodically share updates about aggregate Masses offered.
2. Can I request Masses for non-Catholics or unbaptized souls?
While the Church encourages prayers for all the departed, Masses may only be offered for baptized Catholics (CCC 1412). However, we gladly include non-Catholics in our communal prayers (e.g., rosaries, Divine Mercy chaplets).
3. Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes! [Purgatorial Society Name] is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit [if applicable]. All donors receive a receipt for tax purposes.
4. How soon are souls released from Purgatory through our prayers?
God’s mercy operates outside time. While we trust in the power of suffrages (Masses, indulgences, etc.), we cannot predict or guarantee specific outcomes. As St. Padre Pio said: “Pray unceasingly. We must empty Purgatory!”
5. Activities the society organizes
a. Weekly prayers
b. Retreats
c. Seminars
d. Workshops
e. Annual conferences for all Purgatorians
6. Membership
The society is open to all practicing Catholics, with three grades of membership:
I. Petitioners: Those who attend weekly devotion and pay a certain amount each month for mass bookings.
II. Contributors: Those who pay a certain amount each month for mass bookings but are not obliged to attend meetings.
III. Meeting Attendants: Those who pay a certain amount each month for mass bookings and attend general meetings.
7. Identity of Members
Purgatorians greet each other with:
– “Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord!”
– “And let perpetual light shine upon them!”
– “May they rest in peace. Amen!”
Members also prefix “Purgatorian” to their names.
8. Dress Code
The dress code for Purgatorians includes:
– For men: Purple trousers and white caftan (for older men) or shirt (for younger men)
– For women: Purple wrapper, white blouse, and purple scarf (for older women) or purple skirt, white blouse, and purple scarf (for younger women)
Still have a questions ?
“Common questions about Purgatory, prayers, and donations—answered concisely.”
9. Mode of Registration
For Petitioners and Meeting Attendants, registration involves attending a meeting and completing a membership form. Contributors can register by giving their consent and receiving a contribution card from the Chief Collector.
10. Loss of Membership
A member loses membership after three months of non-payment of the agreed amount for mass bookings.
11. Can I volunteer without donating money?
Absolutely! Join our:
Prayer Brigade (commit to daily prayers for the holy souls).
Sacrifice Alerts (receive monthly intentions to offer sufferings for).
Local Chapters (organize parish Purgatory devotion groups).
12. Why focus on Purgatory when the world has urgent needs?
Charity begins at home—and the Church Suffering is our family. As St. Thomas Aquinas taught, aiding the dead is the highest act of mercy: they can no longer help themselves, yet their purification benefits the entire Body of Christ.
13. Can I receive confirmation that a specific soul has been released from Purgatory?
The Church does not provide definitive revelations about individual souls (except in rare cases of canonized saints). However, many saints (like St. Faustina) received private inspirations about souls being freed through prayers. We encourage you to:
Trust in God’s mercy and continue praying, even without signs.
Offer Masses annually for loved ones, as purification’s duration is unknown.
Watch for dreams or consolations—though these should be discerned with a priest.
“With God, no prayer is wasted. If a soul is already in Heaven, your suffrages benefit another.” —St. John Vianney
14. How are my donations distributed between Mass stipends, admin costs, and charity?
We prioritize the holy souls with full transparency:
80% goes directly to Mass stipends for priests (often in poor dioceses).
15% funds spiritual materials (prayer cards, website upkeep).
5% supports works of mercy (e.g., feeding the poor in the souls’ names).
Detailed financial reports are available upon request.
15. Organizational Structure
The society has:
– General Council (highest governing body)
– Provincial Councils
– Diocesan Councils
– Deanery/Zonal Councils
– Parish Councils
– Unit levels
16. Achievements
The society has:
– Built and maintained cemeteries and graveyards for clergy and lay people
– Been involved in evangelization crusades
– Provided a consistent source of income to parishes through mass stipends
17. Challenges
The society faces challenges related to:
– The controversy surrounding the dogma of purgatory
– Scarcity of books on the dogma
18. Conclusion
The Purgatorian Society continues to propagate the awareness of the dogma of purgatory and provide assistance to souls in purgatory through prayers and mass bookings. Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.