EWTN Catholic Q&A

Praying for Mercy for Loved Ones
Question from Linda Rice on 06-06-2012:

When does the soul go to heaven once we have died? My brother just passed unexpectedly to me and I wonder if it is still too late to pray for God's mercy for him?

God bless, Linda R.

Answer by Fr. John Echert on 06-16-2012:

The soul is judged immediately upon death. Those souls damned to hell go there immediately; perfect saints go straight to Heaven; imperfect saints spend some time in Purgatory. Pray for your brother for two reasons: if in Purgatory, it will likely hasten his journey to Heaven; also, since God is not bound by time, He may have taken your prayers for your brother into account prior to his death and provided a saving grace for him then, anticipating your prayers afterward. God bless, Linda