The encyclical on love (DEUS CARITAS EST), while addressed to all Roman Catholics, may be global in approach, as it dwells not just on spiritual love, as may be expected out of the head of the Catholic Church, but on human love as well. As a matter of fact, a major part of the encyclical is devoted to the relationship between eros (love between man and woman) and agape (the Greek word for selfless, unconditional love). The encyclical puts love in its right perspective and place, where Christian love looks for what is good for the object of love. At times it may entail sacrifice and self deprivation. "Charity is the love that renounces itself in favor of others."

The pope gently reminds his flock: "Today, the term ‘love’ has become one of the most frequently used and misused words. We speak of love of country, love of one’s profession, love between friends, love of work, love between parents and children, love of neighbor and love of God."

As each segment of the Catholic flock tries to carefully wade thru the encyclical in efforts to identify with the pope’s message, the PRAYER WARRIORS OF THE HOLY SOULS (PWHS) identifies with the message of "love of neighbor and love of God".

In loving our "neighbor", the PWHS specifically zeroes in on the souls in purgatory. They are the "neighbors" that need the love and compassion of the members of the Pilgrim Church. This kind of love for one’s neighbor, emanates from love of God.

Thus it is but fitting that once again a reminder is issued to the members of the PWHS to respond to the call for love by invoking the practice of the "HEROIC ACT OF CHARITY". One sees in this practice that it goes beyond the old concept of "neighbor." The offerings of love are made for anyone that may need that love or attention, whether one knows that person or not.

Reproduced in this issue is what HOLY SOULS ONLINE (Jul-Aug ‘99) wrote about "THE HEROIC ACT."

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