In these early days of November we continue to assist the poor souls in Purgatory by our prayers and sacrifices. Last week I spoke of the means of indulgences to also assist the poor souls. An indulgence is like a bailout from dad or mum for the reparation costs of something we have broken. Suppose a boy playing carelessly with his cricket ball breaks the kitchen window where his mother is working. There are two consequences from his action. First, his relationship with his mum is damaged. Second, the window is broken. The relationship is much more important. But even after there is reconciliation, the window still needs repairing. He may need to earn pocket money to pay for the repairs. Or after he has started repayments, mum from her funds may pay off the remainder. An indulgence is like a payoff drawn from Christ’s infinite merits for a reparation. Fr Nicolas Maurice