A Message from Father Nathan
My dearest people who are all close to my heart
Lots of love, blessings, and prayers to you all.
Understanding Purgatory
+ Praying for the deceased
When someone dies, we usually have flowers or candles to remember their passing. We do it to honor their memory, perhaps even as a way of offering a prayer for them.
TraDITION OF Praying for the dead
We all want to find a fitting way to remember those who have left us. Let us understand why we pray for the dead. There is a longstanding tradition in the Catholic Church to pray for the souls of the deceased. How did this tradition come about and why is it still important today?
The Reality of Purgatory
The custom of praying for the dead is rooted in the very nature of heaven. The Bible indicates that there can be nothing imperfect in heaven. When describing the vision of the New Jerusalem, God’s eternal kingdom, revelation 21:27 states,
“nothing unclean will enter it.”
Unfortunately, many people who have died have not lived as perfect humans, and do not die in the state of perfection. They are not yet prepared to enter heaven and behold God’s face. At the same time, they have not chosen to separate themselves from God. They may have expressed regret for their sins and been forgiven, but their love of God at the time of their death may not have been as profound and perfect as it should have been.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but are still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. (CC 1030).
God’s Mercy Endures after Death
The souls of these individuals have not yet been completely purified of their sins. They must undergo purification after death, a fact which demonstrates that God’s mercy does not stop after that moment of death.
Instead, divine mercy continues even after the moment to prepare a soul to receive God’s loving embrace in heaven. Hence, let us pray for the dead.
May our prayers rise up to them. Let them in turn be our intercessors.
God bless you all.
With lots of love and blessings,
Ever wanting to be faithful to your service,
— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan
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Past Messages from Father Nathan
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | November 02 2025
All Souls Day | November 2nd. Take time to remember deceased family and friends and reflect on the promise of eternal life and the bonds that connect the living and the dead.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 26, 2025
With joy and gratitude, I am pleased to share the wonderful news that the city has officially approved our Church Tower Project! This long-awaited step marks a new chapter in the life of the parish – a visible sign of faith, unity, and hope rising among us. At the same time, we look forward with great anticipation to the Diamond Jubilee…
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 19, 2025
I want to inform you that I will be going on my annual priestly retreat this week. This is a time for me to step back from the busyness of daily ministry, to rest in the Lord, and to listen more deeply to His voice in prayer and silence.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 12, 2025
Feast of Our Lady of Fatima | Monday, October 13. —join us for Mass & after we will gather together to pray a special Rosary, which will be offered for the intentions and well-being of our country
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 05, 2025
World Mission Sunday | Sun, Oct 19, 2025
—”Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples”
Growing up as a child is still very fresh in my memory. When I think of the month of October, I think of World Mission Sunday. In my childhood community, there will be lots..
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 28, 2025
World Mission Sunday | Sun, Oct 19, 2025
—”Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples”
Growing up as a child is still very fresh in my memory. When I think of the month of October, I think of World Mission Sunday. In my childhood community, there will be lots..