THE DOCTRINE OF PURGATORY
The destiny awaiting us at death is not the same for all men: "He
will render to every man according to his works." (Matth. xvi. 27.) Heaven, Hell and
Purgatory are the three places into which the souls of the departed are
received. Heaven is the happy destination of perfectly pure and holy souls only;
Hell the final doom of the reprobate; Purgatory, temporarily for the just, who
are not, as yet, entirely purified. There God completes the punishment due to
their faults, which were not sufficiently atoned for on earth; there He submits
these holy souls to the last purgation, to cleanse them from the least stain,
and, by fire, to bring them to that degree of perfected purity, which is
necessary for them before being admitted to eternal bliss. Hence there are two
classes of souls in Purgatory:
1. Those who depart this life, stained by venial sins and
imperfections.
2. Those who have repented, and if possible, confessed
their mortal sins without, however, having done sufficient penance for them.
Judging from our lives, experience teaches us that
most men deserve Purgatory for both causes.
Prayer
Graciously hear, O Lord, the fervent prayers we offer Thee for the suffering
souls in Purgatory, who, not being able to satisfy Thy divine justice, confide in
Thine infinite mercy and our intercessions. Extend unto them Thy consolations, and redeem them, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special
Intercession
Pray for the souls of those who suffer in Purgatory for little faults.
Lord grant them eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon
them.
(Three times.)
Practice
Be conscientious and faithful in the performance of little duties and offer the inconvenience for the suffering souls.
Invocation
My Jesus, mercy!
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