Honoring St. Gertrude the Great: A Guide to Devotion in November

The month of November is a time dedicated to the Holy Souls, with a special focus on the saintly figure of St. Gertrude the Great. Known for her devotion to the Sacred Heart and her assistance to the souls in Purgatory, St. Gertrude’s life and teachings continue to inspire believers to deepen their faith and practice acts of charity.

Born in 1256, St. Gertrude entered a monastery school at a young age and excelled in various fields of study. She was a nuptial mystic who considered herself a bride of Christ and had a profound vision of St. John the Beloved. Through her writings and prayers, St. Gertrude played a significant role in promoting the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

One of the most famous prayers associated with St. Gertrude is the “Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great for the Souls in Purgatory,” in which Jesus promised to release 1,000 souls from Purgatory each time the prayer is devoutly recited. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of praying for the Holy Souls and offering them assistance on their journey to heaven.

As we honor St. Gertrude the Great this month, there are various ways to follow her example and support the Holy Souls. From incorporating the Holy Souls prayer into our daily Rosary to visiting cemeteries and praying for those in need, there are numerous opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the departed.

Let us take inspiration from St. Gertrude’s teachings and strive to live out our faith with renewed zeal and devotion, especially during this month dedicated to the Holy Souls. Through our prayers and acts of charity, we can help bring comfort and solace to those who are awaiting their eternal rest.