Friends of the Suffering Souls

A Catholic Lay Association conducting a perpetual novena of Masses for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

Friends of the Suffering Souls (FOSS) originated in devotion to Our Lady of Knock, whose apparition, in 1879, followed the offering of 100 Masses for the Holy Souls. Today, our perpetual novena of Masses not only helps the Holy Souls but also gives members an assurance of remembrance after death and a means of surrounding their loved ones with Heavenly intercessors.

Each member commits to arranging one Mass a year, for the intention, “For the Holy Souls in Purgatory, especially the deceased members of FOSS.” By our continuing commitment to this intention, our members are assured that they, too, will be remembered after death in our Masses.

Members may also enroll family or friends, committing to an additional annual Mass on behalf of each enrollee. The same Mass intention is offered, in the confident expectation that the Holy Souls who benefit from the Mass will become intercessors for the enrollee.

At present, our members in 50 countries around the world offer upwards of 35, 000 Masses a year for this intention. If you have a love for the Holy Souls, a desire to be upheld in prayer, and a longing for spiritual assistance for your friends and family, we invite you to join us.