FAITH OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

souls surrounded by flames being lifted toward Heaven as people on earth pray for them By Edward Matulanya  Here are Meaning, history, biblical foundation, liturgical practice, and significance of Prayers for the Departed in the Roman Catholic Church. 1. Meaning of Prayers for the departed In the Roman Catholic tradition, prayers for the departed are intercessory acts offered for the souls of those who have died. They express the Church’s faith that death does not end the spiritual bond among believers, but transforms it. The faithful pray that those who have died in God’s grace may be purified and welcomed into eternal life (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1994, §§958, 1030–1032). Theologically, such prayers flow from belief in the Communion of Saints , the unity of the faithful on earth, souls in purgatory , and saints in heaven. The living can assist the dead through prayer, sacrifices, and especially the Eucharist. 2. Historical Background of Prayers for the departed a...