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Question

Good evening Father Angelo,

I need to tell you something: I feel discouraged! I wanted to pray the adoration of the cross every Friday, so that I could liberate five souls from Purgatory. I thought I would do a good deed…but I got discouraged after reading on this rubrica that there is no guarantee that the souls will be freed. I do not want to blame you, but my motivation faded. What should I do?                             


Answer

Dear reader,

1. I encourage you to resume the practice of the adoration of the cross as soon as possible, because it is a meritorious and a sanctifying practice.

2- The Church wisely informs that, by doing these prayers, no mathematical execution of the promise is granted, as if they were some kind of trade agreement. It all depends on the fervor we put into it.

3- Therefore, if you will say this prayer with a spirit of devotions, that is, with a spirit totally detached even from the smallest venial sins, and full of love for God and for your neighbor, you will free more than five souls! Your  generosity will  be worthy of grace both for yourself and for the souls in Purgatory.

4- Do not forget that the good you do, no matter how small, always returns to your advantage.                                                                                                     Not only the souls of Purgatory, but even God Himself will be abundantly generous with you. Indeed, here is what He said: «Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you» (Luke 6,38).

I bless you and I will pray to our Lord for you.

Father Angelo