Nothing surpasses prayers as offering for dead – Binghay

Beyond candles, flowers and food offering, one should offer prayers for the dead.

Msgr. Esteban Binghay, episcopal vicar of the Archdiocese of Cebu, said lighting of candles, laying of flowers, and offering foods on graves are mere “symbols of hope.”

He said nothing can surpass prayers.

The Catholic Church urged the faithful to intercede for those who have gone to their rest and contemplate upon death—an inevitable reality.

“There is life beyond the grave. We ought to pray for the souls (of departed loved ones),” Binghay told Cebu Daily News.

The prelate said the living and the dead are linked together in the “Mystical Body of Christ.”

Catholic doctrine situates the Church of Jesus Christ in three realities: Church Triumpant, Church Suffering and Church Militant.

Souls in heaven, like those of the martyrs and saints, form the Church Triumphant.

Souls suffering in purgatory, which Catholics believe is a place or condition of being purified for sins already forgiven, from the Church Suffering,

Binghay said they need the prayers from the saints and the living who comprise the Church Militant for them to be free from this  “temporal punishment.”

He added all living persons are part of the communion of saints and are striving to do God’s will.  They need the prayers of the saints in heaven and souls in purgatory.

“We (in the communion of saints) should pray for each other,” Binghay said.

As the Catholic Church celebrates All Saints’ Day today, Binghay reminded the people that becoming a saint is still possible.

“Amid difficulties, one should strive to be faithful to the Lord. No pain, no gain,” the prelate said.

The Church grants plenary indulgences or total absolution of sins to those who visit the cemeteries on the first eight days of November.

To benefit from this, one shoud be in a state of grace by going to confession, attending Mass, and praying the “Our Father,” one “Hail Mary,” and one “Glory Be” for the intention of the church and the pope.

This benefits the living and the souls in purgatory. However, souls already in heaven or in hell no longer receive this grace.