"Just out of curiosity, do the souls in purgatory pray each other out of purgatory?"
Strangely, it looks like you and Jo kus have a disagreement which would mean there's confusion in the Apostolic order of things.
In post #8589, Jo kus answers the question in the affirmative:
"Yes, they could."
However, in post #8607, you respond in the negative:
"No, the souls in purgatory lack the free will to pray and so they cannot reduce their stay."
Mayhem prevails...
Nice catch.
LOL!
Dr. E noted : Strangely, it looks like you [annalex] and Jo kus have a disagreement which would mean there's confusion in the Apostolic order of things.
Thank you, that was a good observation, Dr. E. No confusion. Souls in Purgatory can pray for each other, but not themselves, since they are still part of the Mystical Body of Christ. Annalex apparently is refering to prayers for THEMSELVES.
Annalex wrote : "No, the souls in purgatory lack the free will to pray and so they cannot reduce their stay."
Again, as I have noted before, this is a commonly held teaching, but is not dogmatically held. A council has not officially defined the extent of what the souls in Purgatory are capable of doing for the rest of the Body.
Regards
Mayhem?
Jo stated in 8589 that both views, -- the commonly held view that souls in purgatory are capable of effective prayer, and the view that they are not, -- are allowable under Catholic doctrine. I did not know that and answered Marlowe the best I could, with my opinion, which was one allowed by the doctrine. Generally, Jo is better informed as I, so if your views are in conflict, his is more reliable.
Now that I have your attention, and on the similar note, I indicated yesterday that the lack of ordained priests is what prevents various Protestant communities to offer the Eucharist. This is correct but incomplete: to offer the Eucharist the valid matter (wheat bread and fermented grape wine) and the valid intention are also necessary, and for a precise and comprehensive response better ask a liturgist.
Another side note: You ping more people than are visible. I generally try to put the same list as the post I am responding to, but in this case I only copy the visible part of the list; it is not my intention to slight anyone.