No. 1032:
This teaching is also based on the practice of prayer for the
dead, already mentioned in Sacred Scripture: “Therefore [Judas
Maccabeus] made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered
from their sin” (2 Maccabees 12:46). From the beginning the Church has
honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them,
above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the
beatific vision of God. The Church also commends almsgiving,
indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead:
Let us help and commemorate them. If Job’s sons were purified by
their father’s sacrifice, why should we doubt that our offerings for
the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help
those who have died and to offer our prayers for them (St. John
Chrysostom, Hom. in 1 Cor. 41:5).
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