Doctor, just a thought for Jill, which I hope will be of some encouragement. My own father died over two years ago (thankfully, after receiving annointing of the sick, although he had been away from the sacraments for over 30 years and had not had the opportunity for confession before dying), but I still pray for his soul daily. I believe that no matter when your loved one dies or has died, you can always pray that he died/will die in a state of grace, since God is not bound by time, but is the master of time. Who can say that God does not grant the grace of final penitence (even without words, in the disposition of the person's heart and soul) because of prayers not yet uttered, but which He knows will be uttered? As Jill says, nothing is impossible with God. Thoughts? God Bless and keep you and all at ewtn.

Dear Denis,

Thanks for the thought.

Dr. Geraghty

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