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Heavenly Exam Helpers


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Heavenly Exam Helpers

Preparing for the Big Day

So you're studying hard for your test/exam? Wonderful! Hopefully, you're well-prepared to pass the exam.

But have you prepared yourself spiritually? As a Catholic, lots of help is available to you in your studies, as well as in every other area of your life. You might as well make use of it!

Who is Your Patron?

Here's an idea. Before your test or exam, choose a saint as your "exam patron" to be your special heavenly helper and guide. Ask your patron for help as you are studying and researching - you could begin each study session with a short prayer to him/her, and place a holy picture of the saint in your schoolbook. Nine days before the exam, start a novena to your patron (if you can't find a novena in a prayerbook, just make one up! All you need is a prayer to say for nine days in a row).

The Communion of Saints: ready to help

Contrary to what some people think, when souls reach heaven, they do NOT forget all about us here on earth. All of those who belong to the Catholic Church are part of what we call the "Communion of Saints." This term "Communion of Saints" expresses a beautiful teaching of the Church - that all those who form part of the Mystical Body of Christ are united to each other, through Christ, in a special way: the Church Triumphant (all the saints in heaven), the Church Militant (all of us still on earth), and the Church Suffering (the Souls in Purgatory - see below).

So, because we are all united in Christ, any time you need special help you can ask for it with confidence.

First of all, pray to Our Lady and the saints for help in your exams. Just because they are such great, holy people doesn't mean that they're not interested in your studies! Every angel and saint in Heaven, no matter how glorious and mighty, is glad to intercede for us before the throne of God.

Don't be afraid to ask other people (grandparents, parents, friends, your pastor, other members of your church) for prayers, too. Usually you will find that they are very willing to help you out with their prayers, and the thought that their prayers are rising to heaven for YOU can be very comforting during a difficult exam.

And don't forget the Souls in Purgatory

What?! The Souls in Purgatory! But we're supposed to be praying for them, not the other way around!

Actually, when we pray for the Souls in Purgatory, they are extremely grateful, and their voices cry out to Heaven, asking God to bless us. Many people have obtained wonderful favours through praying to the Souls in Purgatory (including help with seemingly impossibly difficult exams!), so why not ask them yourself?

Of course, it's only fair that you should pray for them in return. Make an exchange - tell them that if they help you, you will offer a Mass, or say the Rosary, or some other prayer for their relief. When a soul reaches Heaven, he remembers those who prayed for him, so that we gain powerful intercessors before God.

Note: The Souls in Purgatory are the souls of those who died in the state of grace (i.e. as God's friends), but who are not yet cleansed enough from sin to enter Heaven. So God in His mercy allows them to spend time suffering in atonement for their sins before entering Heaven. The Souls in Purgatory are part of the Communion of Saints, and we have the obligation as Catholics to pray for their speedy release from Purgatory. Find out more. . .