St. Catherine of Genoa (1447–1510), often called the “Apostle of Purgatory,” received deep mystical insights into this state of purification...
In her famous Treatise on Purgatory, she described purgatory not primarily as a place of punishment, but as an interior fire of God’s love.
⚡She explained that the souls in purgatory suffer intensely, in some ways similar to the pain of hell, because they are delayed from seeing God face to face. The greatest torment is the burning longing for God, whom they now love perfectly but cannot yet fully possess.
⚡Yet, despite the suffering, these souls are filled with profound joy and contentment.
⚡Why? Because they know with certainty that they are saved, that they belong to God, and that every moment of purification is drawing them closer and closer to Him. There is no sadness, no despair, only a joyful, willing purification by the fire of divine love.
St. Catherine teaches us that purgatory is not a second chance, but the final cleansing so that souls can enter Heaven completely pure and ready to enjoy the Beatific Vision.
Let us remember to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, they can no longer help themselves, but our prayers, Masses, and sacrifices can greatly shorten their suffering and speed them toward Heaven.
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”