We must have reverence toward the bodies of those who have gone before us in death, and we must pray for the souls of our deceased relatives and friends, and all of the faithful departed. We show respect for the bodies of the deceased because they were temples of the Holy Spirit and are destined to rise gloriously.

We can help the suffering members of God’s family whose souls are being purified in Purgatory by our prayers and sacrifices, especially by participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The souls in Purgatory also benefit from indulgences that are obtained for them. They can and do pray for us, even though they cannot help themselves. Through the Communion of Saints, we are one with those loved ones and friends of ours who rest in Christ. Once they are numbered among the saints in Heaven, they will be our special intercessors with God.