Prayers and Devotions for the Dead
It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.
(2 Machabees 12:46)
These are traditional/approved prayers to help the Holy Souls. Indulgences are gained simply for reciting these prayers
and they are listed in the current, official Enchiridion Indulgentiarum 1968 (Handbook of Indulgences) of the Apostolic Penitentiary at the Vatican.
We have listed in them in English and Latin. This is a listing of the most popular prayers and is not designed as an all-inclusive list of every indulgenced prayer.
Prayers are available in online .html format (<) as well as
ADOBE PDF format (1) for precise printing and use.
Requiem Aeternam (Eternal Rest) < 1
This is a popular and recurring prayer in most devotions and Masses for the Dead. The origin of the prayer is not clear but it may have
been derived from or inspired by similar verses in the Old Testament Apocryphal (non-Canonical) Book of IV Esdras 2:34.35. **(46)
Sign of the Cross < 1
The Sign of the Cross grew from the early Christian practice of make the sign of the cross with the thumb on the forehead. Positioning of the fingers has varied with time and touching the left shoulder first (before the right as the Greeks use)
was adopted in the Middle Ages. **(55)
Veni, Sancte Spiritus (Come Holy Spirit) < 1
This prayer to the Holy Ghost is used as a private devotion and in the Liturgy of Pentecost. Interestingly, the indulgence is gained from the
first sentence of the prayer only. **(62)
Anima Christi (Soul of Christ) < 1
This traditional prayer of the Middle Ages was popularized (but not written) by St. Ignatius of Loyola. It can be used for many occasions, and is often recommended as a thanksgiving after receiving Holy Communion. **(10)
Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen) < 1
Authorship of this prayer is generally credited to the 11th century monk Herman Contractus ('the lame'). It was adopted by the major Orders in the
Middle Ages and became a traditional part of the night prayer of Compline. **(51)
Sub Tuum Praesidium (We Fly Unto Thy Patronage) < 1
This is one of the oldest prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary dating at least from the 3rd Century (Egypt). It is used in the night prayer of Compline and in general to invoke Mary's aid. **(57)
Memorare (Remember O Most Gracious Virgin) < 1
This prayer is sometimes attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux in the 12th Century. A 16th century priest, Fr. Claude Bernard is credited with
popularizing the prayer which was responsible for many healings and conversions. **(32)
Maria, Mater Gratiae (Mary, Mother of Grace) < 1
The Traditional Roman Ritual provides this brief prayer invoking the Blessed Virgin's protection. **(31)
Angele Dei (Angel of God) < 1
The 'Guardian Angel Prayer' is derived from an 11th century prayer of Reginald of Canterbury. It is often loosely translated to produce a rhyme for ease of memory. **(8)
Acts of Faith, Hope Charity and Contrition < 1
There have been a variety of forms of these acts, based on the three Theological Virtues. The 'legitimate formula' utilized here is from the Baltimore Book of Prayers
(Imprimatur 1889). Each act earns a separate indulgence. **(2)
Apostles' (Credo) < 1
The Creed is traditionally said to have been composed by the Apostles on Pentecost, each contributing one of the twelve
parts under the guidance of the Holy Ghost. **(18)
The Angelus (The Angel)) < 1
The origin of this prayer is not clear until the 14th century when three Hail Marys were recited in the evening. As time progressed, the familiar verses were added as well as a recitation in the morning and at midday with the accompaniment of bells rung from churches in a particular manner (the Angelus Bell). **(9)
Indulgenced Practices < 1
A variety of practices are listed here which the faithful can undertake in their home or local church. Blessed objects of devotion, mental prayer, reading Scripture and Eucharistic Adoration are included. Foremost among these is the
Way of the Cross, a devotion originally practiced only in the Holy Land, but
which the Franciscans made available across Christendom in the 15th century. **(listed on the page)
Thirty-One Day Prayer from the Purgatorian Manual <
1
The Purgatorian Society was formed by St. Alphonsus Liguori's Redemptorists in 1841 at Santa Maria in Monterone Church in Rome.
Each day has a brief commentary on the prayer emphasis for the day as well, a suggested practice and the indulenced prayer Requiem Aeternam.
** (Enchiridion Indulgentiarum section number)
