Sprinkling or Pouring Holy Water for the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Fr. Scott Haynes

Saint John Massias, the humble Dominican lay brother known as the “Helper of the Poor Souls,” carried within him a great tenderness for those who awaited the vision of God. His days were filled with labor and service, yet he always found time to pray with a heart that burned for the suffering souls in Purgatory. Each night, no matter how weary he was, he knelt and prayed three Rosaries for their relief. His body often trembled with fatigue, but he turned that weariness itself into an offering, confident that God would use it for the salvation of others.

One of his most beloved practices was the simple act of sprinkling holy water on the ground for the souls. Several times a day, he paused his work, blessed himself, and allowed the blessed water to fall as a gentle act of mercy. Holy water, joined to prayer, becomes a channel of grace for the faithful departed. St. John encouraged others to imitate this devotion, believing that even a few drops offered with love could bring refreshment to souls who longed for God.

As he sprinkled the water, he prayed:

“By this holy water and by Thy precious Blood, wash away all my sin, O Lord, and relieve the holy souls in Purgatory.”

Then he made the sign of the Cross, entrusting both himself and the departed to the mercy of Christ.

Throughout the day, he filled his hours with countless short ejaculations, quick and fervent arrows shot toward heaven. “My Jesus, mercy,” he whispered while walking between tasks.

“Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust You.” “Mary, help the suffering souls.” 

Each prayer was brief, yet offered with such purity of heart that heaven received them as jewels. He applied every small act, every moment of patience, and every hidden sacrifice to the relief of the holy souls. To him, nothing was insignificant. Grace could flow through the smallest gesture if it was done with love.

Not a day passed that St. John did not spiritually unite himself with the priest at the altar. When the church bells announced the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, he paused and lifted his heart to Calvary. In that quiet union, he begged the Eternal Father to grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed through the merits of Christ’s Precious Blood. He knew that the Mass was the greatest prayer, the fountain from which every grace flows.

So powerful were his prayers that the Poor Souls often appeared to him. They came not in fear, but in urgency and hope, drawn to the one who loved them so deeply. “Give us prayers,” they pleaded together.

“Brother John, you are the friend of the poor and the sick. Be our friend too. Help make us worthy to be with God and His Blessed ones.” 

Their appeals only strengthened his resolve. He became for them a companion in their longing, a vessel of compassion, and a tireless intercessor until the moment of his own death, when he at last joined the same souls he had helped to heaven.

Saint John Massias teaches us that devotion to the Poor Souls does not require grand gestures. A drop of holy water, a brief aspiration spoken in love, a spiritual union with the Mass can become a river of grace for the departed. Through simple, heartfelt acts, we share in the work of mercy that leads souls to eternal light.