The Way of the Cross for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
Every Friday during the year I try and pray a Stations of the Cross, and also each day through Lent. I am not sure I have every actually hit the whole year but I try. AT the beginning of lent in 2026 I went through my collection of Stations and found I had 10, I had not got around to praying yet. I have read 5 so far and now have 13 I have not read … I have a found a few others while researching reviews including this volume. I have only once previously read a volume by Susan Tassone, and it was excellent, I have several on my ‘to be read’ pile, but this one only grabbed my attention this year.
The description of this volume states:
“Recall, reflect, remember, and pray.
Recall loved ones who have died and, in a spirit of true charity, keep in mind other departed souls who may have no one on earth to pray for them.
Reflect on the reality of purgatory and those who, though so close to heaven, must still prepare to enter it. These souls, the Church teaches, can benefit from your prayers for them and whose prayers, in return, can benefit you.
Remember, Station by Station, the Passion and death that Christ endured for those souls, for all souls, for your soul.
Pray that the same Christ, the One who conquered death, may soon welcome into the Eternal Banquet the souls of your loved ones, and the souls of all the faithful departed.
With its one-of-a-kind combination of the traditional prayers of the Stations of the Cross and scriptural reflections focusing on Christ's passion and death, The Way of the Cross for the Holy Souls in Purgatory was an immediate best-seller when first published in 2000. The revised edition is expanded and features beautiful, four-color mosaics from Marytown, home of the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe.”
The chapters in the volume are:
Origin of the Way of the Cross
The House of Ephesus
The Importance of the Way of the Cross
An Act of Contrition
The Stations of the Cross
Closing Prayer
Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
Scripture Reflections
Seven Penitential Psalms
Reflections of the Saintly Ones
Gaining Indulgences With the Stations of the Cross
This volume has both:
Nihil Obstat: Rev. Michael Heintz
Censor Librorum
Imprimatur:
John M. D’Arcy
Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend
November 18, 2004
A sample day is:
“The Third Station
Jesus Falls the First Time
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.
O Jesus, through your weakness under the cross and the merits of this first fall, grant me perseverance in keeping my good resolutions, that I may always walk faithfully in your holy ways. The souls in purgatory now suffer because they neglected and abused your graces in this life. They now realize that no sin-stained soul can see God. Therefore, have mercy on them, and cleanse them from all sin.
Through the intercession of your sorrowful Mother, deliver them from purgatory.
My Jesus, mercy!
Our Father . . . Hail Mary . . .
V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
Merciful Jesus, grant them eternal rest. Amen.”
I hope that sample station give you a feel for this version of this devotion. I was really blessed to pray this stations and know it will be one I use often. My only complaint is that the eBook edition is not available in Canada.
About the author we are informed:
“Susan Tassone has written several best-selling books for Our Sunday Visitor incuding: Rosary for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, Thirty-Day Devotions for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, Praying with the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory and Prayers, Promises and Devotions for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. The Way of the Cross for the Holy Souls in Purgatory has sold more than 80,000 copies.
Susan has long been a passionate champion for the holy souls in purgatory and is recognized as leading the “purgatory movement” in the United States.”
This was a great volume to work through. It is a great version of this devotional practice. I can easily recommend it for personal or corporate devotion.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! For all Stations of the Cross review click here.
Books by Susan Tassone:
New Friends: Now and Forever
Praying with Jesus and Faustina during Lent and in Times of Suffering
Jesus Speaks to Faustina and You
Day By Day with Saint Faustina
St. Faustina Prayer Book for Adoration
St. Faustina Prayer Book for the Conversion of Sinners
St. Faustina Prayer Book for the Holy Souls
Day By Day for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
Prayers, Promises, and Devotions for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
Praying With the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
Prayers of Intercession for the Holy Souls
Thirty-Day Devotions for the Holy Souls
The Rosary for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
…
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