The St. Gertrude Prayer is one of the best-known Catholic prayers for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Catholics have passed this devotion from one generation to the next through families, parishes, and religious education.

A beloved Catholic tradition connects this prayer with St. Gertrude the Great. According to that tradition, Christ promised special graces for souls in Purgatory when the prayer is offered sincerely. Therefore, many Catholics continue to pray it for deceased family members, friends, and the faithful departed.

For Catholics who carry loved ones in prayer, this card offers something meaningful to hold onto. It turns remembrance into prayer and prayer into an act of mercy.

A Prayer Card Made for Daily Devotion

This laminated Kilgarlin prayer card keeps the St. Gertrude prayer close at hand. Shawn Kilgarlin first encountered the devotion through her own family. Her daughter Isabella once prayed it 100 times after learning the prayer at school.

That simple act of faith inspired the spirit behind this card. It is meant to encourage sincere prayer, especially during moments of grief, remembrance, and hope.

As a wife, mother of four, and mental health clinician, Shawn creates devotional cards for real moments in life. Her collection focuses on faith, comfort, prayer, and spiritual encouragement.

Card Details

• Laminated with gold-color accents
• 2.5" × 4.5" standard prayer card size
• Sacred image of St. Gertrude on the front
• Full prayer printed on the back
• Fits easily in a Bible, purse, wallet, or pocket
• Works as a bookmark for a Bible or prayer book
• Meaningful for sympathy gifts and remembrance
• Ideal for All Souls Day devotion
• Available in packs of 3, 10, 25, 50, and 100

The St. Gertrude Prayer

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.

About St. Gertrude the Great

St. Gertrude the Great was a 13th-century German Benedictine mystic. She entered the monastery at Helfta as a young child. There, she devoted her life to Scripture, prayer, and contemplation.

At about age 25, Gertrude experienced a profound spiritual conversion. Afterward, she wrote extensively about Christ's love, mercy, and her mystical experiences.

Her best-known writings include The Herald of Divine Love. Today, Catholics continue to honor her for her deep devotion to Christ and prayer for souls.

Her feast day is celebrated on November 16.

Why Pray for the Holy Souls?

Catholic tradition encourages prayer for those who have died. For this reason, many faithful Catholics offer Masses, prayers, and sacrifices for the souls in Purgatory.

The St. Gertrude prayer has become especially popular for this intention. Moreover, many Catholics pray it during November, the traditional Month of the Holy Souls.

You can also pray it after Mass, during personal devotion, or when remembering someone who has died.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Is it true that this prayer releases 1,000 souls from Purgatory?

A popular Catholic tradition attributes this promise to a private revelation associated with St. Gertrude. However, Catholics are not required to accept private revelations as articles of faith. The prayer remains a meaningful way to intercede for the faithful departed.

2) Who was St. Gertrude the Great?

St. Gertrude was a German Benedictine mystic who lived during the 13th century. She became known for her contemplative life and writings about Christ's love and mercy.

3) When should I pray the St. Gertrude Prayer?

You may pray it at any time. However, many Catholics use it during November, on All Souls Day, after Mass, or when remembering someone who has died.

4) Can I give this prayer card as a sympathy gift?

Yes. It can be a thoughtful Catholic sympathy gift for someone mourning a loved one. In addition, the card gives the recipient a prayer they can return to during difficult moments.

Can churches and ministries order these cards in larger quantities?
Yes. Pack sizes make these cards useful for parishes, ministries, prayer groups, religious education programs, and memorial gatherings.

About the Kilgarlin Prayer Card Collection

Shawn Kilgarlin created the Kilgarlin Prayer Card Collection to encourage Catholic prayer and devotion. Each card combines sacred imagery with prayers that Catholics can carry, share, and use throughout daily life.

Above all, the mission is simple: create something meaningful that helps people pray.