When asked about how to pray for souls in purgatory, Father Michael Trummer emphasized the importance of praying for all who have died, as it is uncertain who is in heaven unless canonized by the Church. He quoted St. Paul from 1 Corinthians 4:3–5, stating, “It is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.”

Father Trummer highlighted that despite appearances of holiness, no one can be sure of another's place in heaven and stressed that purgatory serves as a space where souls cooperate with God's sanctifying work using their free will.

Prayers for specific individuals after death are encouraged; however, Father Trummer suggests following spiritual guidance on whom to pray for and when to stop. Once he no longer feels prompted to pray specifically, he includes them in general prayers for all souls in purgatory.

He also noted that God might provide signs indicating a loved one's presence in heaven but advised discernment due to personal desires potentially influencing perception.

Finally, Father Trummer reassured believers that prayers offered for someone already in heaven are still valuable as God applies them elsewhere according to His omniscient view of time.

Father Michael Trummer serves as pastor at Forty Martyrs in Tuscola, St. John the Baptist in Arcola, and Sacred Heart in Villa Grove. He co-hosts "The Normal Christian Life Podcast" with his brother Father Christopher Trummer.