Wednesday I chanced to find a good copy of this at used bookstore ($2.00). Having been Protestant for 54 of my 56 years, Purgatory is still new to me. I still default to "Heaven/Hell" thinking. Time to get Purgatory pounded into my head. Last evening I read that Protestant souls languish a lot longer, and thus suffer more, due to lack of Protestants praying for them (disbelief). Sadly, that does make sense. As 99.5% of all the people in my life growing up were Protestant, and all family (both sides) going back probably to Luther himself, I began last evening to pray for the Poor Souls of Purgatory in general, but with some emphasis on Protestant souls.
I always imagined the pain felt in purgatory is the separation from Christ, at death we see Christ in all his majesisty and then are separated from him for a while
Wonderful DS7. The poor souls can't pray for themselves and so many are forgotten. This is true charity to pray for them. They truly are "the least of our brothers"
There are different levels of purgatory. After my Dad died my sister Mary was talking to my mother about purgatory and wondering how many levels there are. My sister Kellie did not know about this conversation . . .she had a dream where My Dad told her to tell Mary there are seven. You can imagine the shock on her face when she got the message.
Winter During this time of year, when nature is dormant and the silence of winter surrounds you, think about the silent voices of the souls in purgatory. Spring Purgatory is the Great Vigil, the watch kept in the twilight before the Feast of Feasts. Summer Purgatory is the wayfaring, as peaceful as it is painful, toward the Father's home. Fall "It is the necessary rehearsal of the eternal orchestra, in which every voice or instrument must be attuned, so that all vibrate in one perfect symphony." - Marie Rene-Bazin, professor, French novelist
I can highly recommend the little book "Read it or Rue it" it enlightened my life time devotion to the Holy Souls
Anyone with thoughts of Purgatory or praying for the Holy Souls may want to ponder and take comfort from the Parable of the Good Samaritan. (Luke 10 : 29-37) A Samaritan traveller who came upon the [beaten] man was moved with compassion when he saw him. He went up and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him on to his own mount, carried him to the inn and looked after him. Next day he took out two denarii and handed them to the innkeeper. “Look after him, he said “and on my way back I wil make good any extra expense you have.” (33-35) The inn is Purgatory where those who are wounded by the lack of love they receive from others are taken care of. We are the innkeepers with the power to serve and heal others, especially when we pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. And be assured, those who pray for the Holy Sous will be rewarded when the Good Samaritan returns.
Saint Gertrude the Great - Prayer to Release 1,000 Souls from Purgatory (catholicpilgrimageph.com) Speaking of purgatory, I'm not sure what to make of this, sometimes, I have seen holy cards stating this too. I certainly do not question it.
I'm a few pages into actual accounts of Saints and ordinary people confronted by Purgatory in this book. One unexpected feature is that of apparitions appearing in human form on our Earthly plane. Two such were engaged in very menial tasks (working in a bath); that was their punishment. Another was encountered at night in a chapel by a priest. This priest regularly went to the chapel at night for prayer and adoration, for not requiring much sleep. He was surprised one night to discern a presence. He went to inquire. The presence readily admitted he was dead. The reason for his being permitted in the chapel as part of his purgation isn't known. But the priest prayed for him night after night, and each night the apparition was happier, until (a week?) he was finally released to Heaven.
