The St. Gertrude Prayer is an ancient and beloved devotion of our Catholic Faith. It is well known for its profound promise of mercy and has been prayed by the faithful since the time of St. Gertrude the Great. It is most often prayed to assist the “Church Suffering”—the poor souls in Purgatory.
The Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family.
Amen.
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Download the St. Gertrude Prayer. Perfect for printing, keeping in your Bible, or sharing with a friend in need.
What is the St. Gertrude Prayer?
The St. Gertrude Prayer is a short, powerful intercession revealed by Our Lord to St. Gertrude the Great, a 13th-century Benedictine nun and mystic.
While many Catholic prayers focus on personal petition, this prayer is an act of selfless charity. It is a reminder that the souls in Purgatory can no longer help themselves through their own works, and they rely entirely on the prayers and sacrifices of the “Church Militant” here on earth.
The “1,000 Souls” Promise
According to tradition, Our Lord told St. Gertrude that each time this prayer is recited with a devout heart, 1,000 souls would be released from Purgatory.
A Note on the Promise: The Church views the “1,000 souls” promise not as a mathematical certainty, but as a “pious belief.” It signifies the immense efficacy of the prayer and God’s eagerness to respond to our intercession. Whether the number is literal or symbolic, this prayer remains a powerful gift to help us in the spiritual work of mercy of offering prayers for the dead.
How to Pray the St. Gertrude Prayer
You can pray this devotion at any time, but many Catholics integrate it into their lives in specific ways:
1. Daily Recitation
Many faithful recite the prayer during their morning offering or before bed. Because it is short, it is an ideal prayer to say throughout the day whenever you think of a loved one who has passed away.
2. The St. Gertrude Chaplet (Using Rosary Beads)
For a more meditative experience, you can pray the St. Gertrude Prayer on a standard set of Rosary beads:
- On the Crucifix: Pray the Apostles’ Creed.
- On the Large (Our Father) Beads: Pray the “Our Father.”
- On the Small (Hail Mary) Beads: Pray the St. Gertrude Prayer.
- Conclusion: Conclude with the “Glory Be” and the “Eternal Rest” prayer.
3. During the Month of November
November is the month dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Many parishes and individuals make a “novena” (nine days of prayer) using the St. Gertrude prayer leading up to All Souls’ Day.
Who Was St. Gertrude the Great?
Known as the “Mystic of the Sacred Heart,” St. Gertrude was a brilliant scholar and visionary who entered the monastery at the age of five. Her life was defined by deep, intimate conversations with Jesus, who revealed to her the depths of His Divine Mercy.
She is one of the few saints to be granted the title “The Great,” a testament to the theological depth of her writings and her influence on Catholic spirituality.
Learn More: Discover the incredible visions and miracles of this medieval mystic. Listen to our Full Biography of St. Gertrude the Great.
Why We Pray for the Holy Souls
Praying for the dead is one of the seven Spiritual Works of Mercy. Because of the “Communion of Saints,” our prayers can be of great assistance to the poor souls.
When we pray for the souls in Purgatory, we are not just helping them reach Heaven faster; we are also making friends in high places. Once these souls enter Paradise, they become powerful intercessors for us before the throne of God.
Deep Dive: To understand the Catholic teaching on purification after death, read our Complete Guide to Purgatory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the St. Gertrude Prayer approved by the Church?
Yes. The prayer is a private revelation that has been a staple of Catholic devotion for centuries. It is widely printed in prayer books with ecclesiastical approval.
Can I pray this for a specific person?
Absolutely. While the prayer mentions “all the holy souls,” you can certainly hold a specific loved one in your heart while reciting it.
Does the prayer really release 1,000 souls?
The Church teaches that the “measure” of an indulgence or a prayer’s efficacy is known to God alone. However, the promise serves to encourage the faithful to pray with great confidence in God’s infinite mercy.
Pray for the Poor Souls
The St. Gertrude Prayer is a powerful start, but it is only one piece of the Church’s rich treasury of intercession. Explore our complete collection of 35 Catholic Prayers for the Dead to find Novenas, Psalms, and Litany prayers dedicated to the Holy Souls.
