Twenty-seventh Day
Let me now suggest how you may act and pray during the holy sacrifice. At the Confiteor let us imagine the souls in the depths of purgatory; place ourselves in the midst of them and hearken to their entreaties for help. At the Elevation let us say: “O my God, in memory of the painful death Thou didst endure, have compassion on these poor souls for whom I pray. O my God, behold Thy precious blood, which was shed for their deliverance. Oh, let the saving fruits of this precious blood come to the poor souls, let its cleansing streams flow into purgatory. Remember with what great love Thou didst shed it for Thy elect, so many of whom are now languishing in the fiery dungeon.” We can fix our eyes on the crucifix placed over the altar; it will help us to make our supplications more direct. The thorn-crowned head will remind us of our superiors, spiritual and temporal, perhaps in purgatory. The wounded right hand our parents, friends and benefactors. The left hand the souls of those who have wished to do us harm in life. Nor would it be amiss, while contemplating the wound in Our Saviour’s side, to recommend one’s own soul. At the Communion when we see the sacred Host in the hands of the priest, let us consider that it is the body of Him Who commanded us to pray for the dead. For it is He Who said: “If you ask the Father anything in My name He will give it to you.” Let us remind Him of His words, and implore Him by His love. This is a favorable moment to have our prayers heard.
Prayer.
Release, O Lord, etc., etc.