Classic Audiobook Collection - Purgatory by Rev. Francois Xavier Schouppe ~ Full Audiobook [religion]

Starting point is 00:00:00 Furgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup. S.J. Preface. The English Preface. Canon 30, Session 6 of the Council of Trent If any one sayeth that after the grace of justification has been received, to every penitent sinner the guilt is remitted, and that debt of eternal punishment is blotted out in such wise that there remains not any debt of temporal punishment to be discharged. either in this world or in the next in purgatory, before the entrance to the kingdom of heaven can be open to him.

Starting point is 00:00:39 Let him be anathema. Decree concerning purgatory, Council of Trent, Session 25. Whereas the Catholic Church, instructed by the Holy Ghost, as from the sacred writings and the ancient tradition of the fathers, taught in sacred councils and very recently in this acumenes, Synod, that there is a purgatory, and that the souls there detained are helped by the suffrages of the faithful, but particularly by the acceptable sacrifice of the altar. The Holy Synod enjoins on bishops that they diligently endeavor that the sound doctrine concerning

Starting point is 00:01:21 purgatory, transmitted by the Holy Fathers and sacred councils, be believed, maintained, taught, and everywhere proclaimed by the faithful of Christ. But let the more difficult and subtle questions which tend not to edification, and from which, for the most part, there is no increase of piety, be excluded from popular discourses before the uneducated multitude.

Starting point is 00:01:48 In like manner such things as are uncertain, or labor under the appearance of error, let them not allowed to be made public and treated of. while those things which tend to a certain kind of curiosity or superstition, of which savor a filthy lucre, let them prohibit as scandals and stumbling blocks of the faithful. But let the bishops take care that the suffrages of the faithful, who are living to wit, the sacrifices of masses, prayers, alms, and other works of piety, which have been wont to be performed by them for the faithful departed,

Starting point is 00:02:28 be piously and devoutly performed in accordance with the institutes of the church, and that whatsoever is due on their behalf from the endowments of testators, or in other way be discharged, not in a perfunctory manner, but diligently and accurately, by the priests and ministers of the church, and others who are bound to render this service. Such is the definition of the doctrine of purgatory by the Holy Kingdom. Council of Trent. It is brief to a point that is eloquent in its brevity. A single page of Father Waterworth's translation of the canons and decrees suffices for it. Less space than is devoted to such temporalities as, for instance, what is lawful to patrons, or the rule that cardinals and all

Starting point is 00:03:20 prelates shall be content with modest furniture and a frugal table. There is a time to speak, but also a time to be silent, and what is not said, only less than what is said, goes to the right understanding of the definition. At the beginning of the pontificate signalled by Pius the Tenths appeal to teachers and preachers to bring their words into closer and closer conformity with the decrees of the Council of Trent, we have no choice, but to indict on the forefront of a trietus on purgatory the very words of definition, the church herself considered adequate, right, and reasonable. Yet the existence of such a book as this must seem to some readers, and especially to readers of the literal races, a loud contravention of the Council's

Starting point is 00:04:11 reticence, almost the reticence of Scripture itself. Indeed, the Reverend author himself, in all his long pages on purgatory, does not, what observes, find room for the words of the Council in their entirety. And we, except as deliberate his conspicuous omission of such words as those condemnatory of the canvassing of such things, as are uncertain or labor under an appearance of error. Strange in truth might seem the injunction to avoid what is curious, if found embedded in a scrapbook of legends, of folklore, of hearsay episodes in relation to that state of expiation, about which the countess is so discreet, and which the great Cardinal Manning was content to refer to as a waiting among

Starting point is 00:05:05 the lilies. The devout author has a zeal that lacks the council's discretion. He has a nimble mind for conclusions, and a menace even for those who doubt what is at best option, which is not always even a pious opinion. So much, perhaps it is too much, by way of caution, seems due to the reader in issuing this 20th century edition of Father Shoup's volume. Moreover, some separate notes have been added at the end of the volume in actual correction or modification of the facts and sentiments appearing in the French edition and in the literal translation into English, which it has been thought most candid to make. Readers have approved theological handbooks will not be unaccustomed to the note which

Starting point is 00:05:56 descends from the text, a form of disagreement that goes to make the history of that development in the expression of unchanging Christian truth, which is the mark and glory of the living Catholic Church. The Reverend author passed to his rest in the November of 1904, 1905. End of Preface, recording by John Brandon. Section 1 of Purpose. Section 1 of Purpose. by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 1.

Starting point is 00:06:48 Purgatory in the Divine Plan. Furgatory occupies an important place in our holy religion. It forms one of the principal parts of the work of Jesus Christ and plays an essential role in the economy of the salvation of man. Let us call to mind that the Holy Church of God, considered as a whole, is composed of three parts. The church militant, the church triumphant, and the church suffering, or purgatory. This triple church constitutes the mystical body of Jesus Christ, and the souls in purgatory are no less his members than are the faithful upon earth, and the elect in heaven.

Starting point is 00:07:30 In the gospel, the church is ordinarily called the kingdom of heaven. Now, purgatory, just as the heavenly and terrestrial church, is a province of this vast kingdom. The three sister churches have incessant relations with each other, a continual communication which we call the communion of saints. These relations have no other object than to conduct souls to eternal glory, the final term to which all the elect tend. The three churches mutually assist, in peopling heaven, which is the permanent city, the glorious Jerusalem.

Starting point is 00:08:12 What then is the work which we members of the church militant have to do for the souls in purgatory? We have to alleviate their sufferings. God has placed in our hands the key of this mysterious prison. It is a prayer for the dead. Devotion to the souls in purgatory. End of Section 1. Recording by John Brandon. Section 2 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J.

Starting point is 00:08:44 This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 2. Prayer for the dead, fear and confidence. Prayer for the departed, sacrifices, and suffrages for the dead, form a part of Christian worship, and devotion towards the souls in purgatory is the devotion which the Holy Ghost infuses with charity into the hearts of the faithful.

Starting point is 00:09:14 It is a holy and wholesome thought, says Holy Scripture, to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from sins. In order to be perfect, devotion to the souls in purgatory must be animated both by a spirit of fear and a spirit of confidence. On the one hand, the sanctity of God and his justice inspires us with a salutary fear. On the other, His infinite mercy gives us boundless confidence. God is sanctity itself, much more so than the sun is light, and no shadow of sin can endure before his face. Thine eyes are pure, says the prophet. and thou canst not look on iniquity. When iniquity manifests itself in creatures,

Starting point is 00:10:04 the sanctity of God exacts expiation, and when this expiation is made in all the rigor of justice, it is terrible. It is for this reason that the scripture says again, holy and terrible is his name, as though it would say, his justice is terrible, because his sanctity is infinite.

Starting point is 00:10:27 The justice of God is terrible, and it punishes with extreme rigor, even the most trivial false. The reason is that these false, light in our eyes, are in no wise so before God. The least sin displeases him infinitely, and on account of the infinite sanctity which is offended, the slightest transgression assumes enormous proportions, and demands enormous atonement. This explains the terrible severity of the pains of the other life and should penetrate us with a holy fear. This fear of purgatory is a salutary fear. Its effect is not only to animate us with a charitable compassion

Starting point is 00:11:12 towards the poor suffering souls, but also with a vigilant zeal for our own spiritual welfare. Think of the fire of purgatory, and you will endeavor to avoid the least false. think of the fire of purgatory, and you will practice penance, that you may satisfy divine justice in this world rather than in the next. Let us, however, guard against excessive fear, and not lose confidence. Let us not forget the mercy of God, which is not less infinite than his justice. Thy mercy, Lord, is great above the heavens, says the prophet, and elsewhere the Lord is

Starting point is 00:11:55 gracious and merciful, patient and plenteous in mercy. This ineffable mercy should calm the most lively apprehensions and fill us with a holy confidence, according to the words intae domine, speravi, non-confundar in Eternum. In thee, O Lord, I have hoped, let me never be put to confusion. If we are animated with the this double sentiment, if our confidence in God's mercy is equal to the fear with which his justice inspires us, we shall have the true spirit of devotion to the souls in purgatory. This double sentiment springs naturally from the dogma of purgatory, rightly understood, a dogma which contains the double mystery of justice and mercy, of justice which punishes,

Starting point is 00:12:52 of mercy which pardons. It is from this double point of view that we are about to consider purgatory and illustrate its doctrine. End of Section 2. Recording by John Brandon. Section 3 of Pergatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 00:13:22 Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 3. The word purgatory, Catholic doctrine, Council of Trent, controverted questions. The word purgatory is sometimes taken to mean a place, sometimes as an intermediate state, between hell and heaven.

Starting point is 00:13:45 It is properly speaking the condition of souls, which at the moment of death are in the state of grace, but which have not completely expiated their faults, nor attain the degree of purity necessary to enjoy the vision of God. Furgatory is then a transitory state which terminates in a life of everlasting happiness. It is not a trial by which merit may be gained or lost, but a state of atonement and expiation. The soul has arrived at the term of its earthly career. That life was a time of trial, a time of merit for the soul, a time of mercy on the

Starting point is 00:14:24 part of God. This time once expired, nothing but justice is to be expected from God, whilst the soul can neither gain nor lose merit. She remains in the state in which death found her, and since it found her in the state of sanctifying grace, she is certain of never forfeiting that happy state, and of arriving at the eternal possession of God. Nevertheless, since she is burdened with certain debts of temporal punishment, she must satisfy divine justice by enduring this punishment in all its rigor. Such is the signification of the word purgatory

Starting point is 00:15:07 and the condition of the souls which are there. On this subject the Church proposes two truths, clearly defined as dogmas of faith. First, that there is a purgatory. Second, that the souls which are in purgatory, Purgatory may be assisted by the suffrages of the faithful, especially by the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Besides these two dogmatic points, there are several doctrinal questions which the Church has not decided, and which are more or less clearly solved by the doctors.

Starting point is 00:15:45 These questions relate, one, to the location of purgatory, two, to the nature of the sufferings, 3. To the number and condition of the souls which are in purgatory. 4. To the certainty which they have of their beatitude. 5. To the duration of their sufferings. 6. To the intervention of the living in their behalf and the application of the suffrages of the church. End of Section 3, recording by John Brandon. Section 4 of Pergatory.

Starting point is 00:16:21 by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 4. Location of Purgatory. Doctrine of Theologians. Catechism of the Council of Trent. St. Thomas.

Starting point is 00:16:44 Although faith tells us nothing definite regarding the location of purgatory, the most common opinion, that which most accords with the language. of Scripture, and which is the most generally received among theologians, places it in the bowels of the earth, not far from the hell of the reprobates. Theologians are almost unanimous, says Bellarmine, in teaching that purgatory, at least the ordinary place of expiation, is situated in the interior of the earth, that the souls in purgatory and the reprobate are in the same subterranean space in the deep abyss, which the scripture calls hell.

Starting point is 00:17:25 When we say in the Apostles' creed that after his death Jesus Christ descended into hell, the name hell, says the Catechism of the Council of Trent, signifies those hidden places where the souls are detained, which have not yet reached eternal beatitude. But these prisons are of different kind. One is a dark and gloomy dungeon, where the damned are continually tormented by evil spirits, and by a fire which is never extinguished. This place which is hell, properly so called, is also

Starting point is 00:18:03 named Gehenna, and Abyss. There is another hell which contains the fire of purgatory. There the souls of the just suffer for a certain time, that they may become in time. entirely purified before being admitted into their heavenly fatherland, where nothing defiled can ever enter. A third hell was that into which the souls of the saints who died before the coming of Jesus Christ were received, and in which they enjoyed peaceful repose, exempt from pain, consoled, and sustained by the hope of their redemption. They were those holy souls which awaited Jesus Christ in Abraham's bosom.

Starting point is 00:18:48 and which were delivered when Christ descended into hell. Our Savior suddenly diffused among them a brilliant light, which filled them with infinite joy, and gave them sovereign beatitude, which is the vision of God. Then was fulfilled the promise of Jesus to the good thief. This day thou shalt be with me in paradise. A very probable opinion, says St. Thomas,

Starting point is 00:19:16 and one which moreover corresponds with the words of the saints, in particular revelation, is that purgatory has a double place for expiation. The first will be destined for the generality of souls and is situated below near to hell. The second will be for particular cases, and it is from thence that so many apparitions occur. The Holy Doctor admits, then, like so many others, who share his opinion, that sometimes divine justice assigns a special place of purification to certain souls, and even permits them to appear either to instruct the living or to procure for the departed the suffrages of which they stand in need,

Starting point is 00:20:02 sometimes also for other motives worthy of the wisdom and mercy of God. Such is the general view concerning the location of purgatory. Since we are not writing a controversial, We add neither proofs, no refutations. These can be seen in authors, such as Suarez and Bellarmine. We will content ourselves by remarking that the opinion concerning a subterranean hell has nothing to fear from modern science. A science purely natural is incompetent in questions which belong as does this one, to the supernatural order. Moreover, we know that spirits may be in a place occupied by bodies, as though these bodies did not exist.

Starting point is 00:20:50 Whatever then the interior of the earth may be, whether it be entirely of fire, as geologists commonly say, or whether it be in any other state, there is nothing to prevent it serving as a sojourn of spirits, even of spirits clothed with a risen body. The Apostle St. Paul teaches us that the air is filled with a multitude of evil spirits. We have to combat, says he, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. On the other hand, we know that the good angels who protect us are no less numerous in the world.

Starting point is 00:21:29 Now if angels and other spirits can inhabit our atmosphere, whilst the physical world is not in the least degree changed, Why can not the souls of the dead dwell in the bosom of the earth? End of Section 4, recording by John Brandon. Section 5 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 5. Location of Purgatory, Revelations of the Saints.

Starting point is 00:22:10 St. Teresa, St. Louis. Bertrand, St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi. St. Teresa had great charity towards the souls in purgatory, and assisted them as much as lay in her power by her prayers and good works. In recompense, God frequently showed her the souls she had delivered. She saw them at the moment of their release from suffering, and of their entrance into heaven. Now they generally came forth from the bosom of the earth. I received tidings, she writes, of the death of a religious

Starting point is 00:22:45 who had formerly been provincial of that province and afterwards of another. I was acquainted with him, and he had rendered me great service. This intelligence caused me great uneasiness. Although this man was commendable, for many virtues, I was apprehensive for the salvation of his soul,

Starting point is 00:23:06 because he had been superior for the space of twenty-ness. years, and I always fear much for those who are charged with the care of souls. Much grieved, I went to an oratory. There I conjured up our divine Lord to apply to this religious the little good I had done during my life, and to supply the rest by his infinite merits in order that this soul might be freed from purgatory. Whilst I besought this grace with all the fervor of which I was capable, I saw on my right side this soul come forth from the depths of the earth and ascend into heaven in transports of joy. Although this priest was advanced in years, he appeared to me with the features of a man who had not yet attained the age of thirty,

Starting point is 00:23:57 and with a countenance resplendent with light. This vision, though very short, left me inundated with joy, and without a shadow of doubt as to the truth of what I had seen. As I was separated by a great distance from the place where this servant of God had ended his days, it was some time before I learned the particulars of his edifying death. All those who were witnesses of it could not behold without admiration, how he preserved consciousness to the last moment, the tears he shed and the sentiments of humility with which he surrendered his soul. to God. A religious of my community, a great servant of God, had been dead not quite two days.

Starting point is 00:24:42 We were saying the office for the dead, for her inquire. A sister was reading the lesson, and I was standing to say the versicle. When half of the lesson had been said, I saw the soul of this religious come forth from the depths of the earth, like the one of which I have just spoken, and go to heaven. In this same monastery there died at the age of 18 or 20 years another religious, a true model of fervor, regularity, and virtue. Her life had been but a tissue of maladies and sufferings patiently endured. I had no doubt, after having seen her live thus,

Starting point is 00:25:23 that she had more than sufficient merits to exempt her from purgatory. Nevertheless, while I was at office, before she was interred, and about a quarter of an hour after her death, I saw her soul, likewise, issue from the earth, and rise to heaven. Behold what St. Teresa writes. A like instance is recorded in the life of St. Louis Bertrand of the Order of St. Dominic. This life written by Father Antist, a religious of the same order, and who lived with the saint, is inserted in the Acta Sanctorum on the 10th of October.

Starting point is 00:26:00 In the year 1557, whilst St. Louis Bertrand resided at the convent of Valencia, the pest broke out in that city. The terrible plague spread rapidly threatening to exterminate the inhabitants, and each one trembled for his life. A religious of the community wishing to prepare himself fervently for death, made a general confession of his whole life to the saint. And on leaving him said, Father, if it should not please God to call me, I shall return and make known to you my condition in the other life. He died a short time afterwards, and the following night he appeared to the saint. He told him that he was detained in purgatory, on account of a few slight faults, which remained to be expiated, and begged the saint to recommend him to the community.

Starting point is 00:26:54 St. Louis communicated the request immediately to the prior, who hastened to rest, recommend the soul of the departed to the prayers and holy sacrifices of the brethren assembled in chapter. Six days later, a man of the town, who knew nothing of what had passed at the convent, came to make his confession to Father Louis, and told him that the soul of Father Clement had appeared to him. He saw, he said, the earth open, and the soul of the deceased father come forth all-glorious. It resembled, he added, a resplendent star, which rose, through the air towards heaven. We read in the life of St. Magdalene de Pazzi, written by her confessor,

Starting point is 00:27:36 Father Chapari, of the company of Jesus, that this servant of God had made witness of the deliverance of his soul under the following circumstances. One of her sisters in religion had died some time previous, when the saint being one day in prayer before the blessed sacrament saw issue from the earth the soul of that sister, still captive in the dungeons of purgatory. She was enveloped in a mantle of flames, under which a robe of dazzling whiteness protected her from the fierce heat of the fire,

Starting point is 00:28:10 and she remained an entire hour at the foot of the altar, adoring in inexpressible annihilation, the hidden god of the Eucharist. This hour of adoration, which Magdalene saw her perform, was the last of her penance. That hour passed, she arose and took flight to heaven. End of Section 5. Recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 00:28:41 Section 6 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 6. Location of Purgatory. St. Francis of Rome. St. Magdalene de Paz. It has pleased God to show in spirit the gloomy abodes of purgatory to some privileged souls,

Starting point is 00:29:10 who were to reveal the sorrowful mysteries thereof for the edification of the faithful. Of this number was the illustrious St. Francis, foundress of the Oblates, who died in Rome in 1440. God favored her with great lights concerning the state of souls in the other life. She saw hell and its terrible torments. She saw also the interior of purgatory, and the mysterious order. I had almost said hierarchy of expiations, which reigns in this portion of the Church of Jesus Christ. In obedience to her superiors,

Starting point is 00:29:50 who thought themselves bound to impose this obligation upon her, she made known all that God had manifested to her, and her visions written at the request of the venerable canon Madiotti, her spiritual director, have all the authenticity that can be desired in such matters. Now the servant of God declared that, after having endured with unspeakable horror the vision of hell, she came out of that abyss

Starting point is 00:30:18 and was conducted by her celestial guide into the regions of purgatory. There reigned neither horror nor disorder nor despair nor eternal darkness. Their divine hope diffused its light, and she was told that this place of purification was called also Sojourn of hope. She saw their souls which suffered cruelly,

Starting point is 00:30:44 but angels visited and assisted them in their sufferings. Hergatory, she said, is divided into three distinct parts, which are as the three large provinces of that kingdom of suffering, They are situated the one beneath the other, and occupied by souls of different orders. These souls are buried more deeply in proportion as they are more defiled and farther removed from the time of their deliverance.

Starting point is 00:31:15 The lowest region is filled with a fierce fire, but which is not dark like that of hell. It is a vast burning sea throwing forth immense flames. innumerable souls are plunged into its depths. They are those who have rendered themselves guilty of mortal sin, which they have duly confessed, but not sufficiently expiated during life. The servant of God then learned that for all forgiven mortal sin, there remains to be undergone a suffering of seven years.

Starting point is 00:31:49 This term cannot evidently be taken to mean a definite measure, since mortal sins differ in enormity, but as an average penalty. Although the souls are enveloped in the same flames, their sufferings are not the same. They differ according to the number and nature of their former sins. In this lower purgatory the saint beheld layics and persons consecrated to God.

Starting point is 00:32:16 The layics were those who, after a life of sin, had had the happiness of being sincerely converted. The persons consecrated to God were those who had not lived according to the sanctity of their state. At that same moment she saw descend the soul of a priest whom she knew, but whose name she does not reveal. She remarked that he had his face covered with a veil which concealed a stain. Although he had led an edifying life, this priest had not always observed strict temperance and had sought too eagerly the satisfactions of the table. The saint was then conducted into the intermediate purgatory,

Starting point is 00:32:57 destined for souls, which had deserved less rigorous chastisement. It had three distinct compartments, one resembled an immense dungeon of ice, a cold of which was indescribably intense. The second, on the contrary, was like a huge cauldron of boiling oil and pitch. The third had the appearance of a pond of liches, liquid metal, resembling molten, gold, or silver.

Starting point is 00:33:23 The upper purgatory, which the saint does not describe, is the temporary abode of souls which suffer little, except the pain of loss, and approach the happy moment of their deliverance. Such in substance is the vision of St. Francis relative to purgatory. The following is an account of that of St. Magdalene de Pazzi, a Florentine Carmelite, as it is related in her life by Father Chapari. It gives more of a picture of purgatory,

Starting point is 00:33:56 whilst the preceding vision but traces its outlines. Sometime before her death, which took place in 1607, the servant of God, Magdalene Depazi, being one evening with several other religious, in the Garden of the convent, was ravished in ecstasy. and saw purgatory open before her. At the same time, as she made known later,

Starting point is 00:34:23 a voice invited her to visit all the prisons of divine justice and to see how truly worthy of compassion are the souls detained there. At this moment she was heard to say, yes, I will go. She consented to undertake this painful journey. In fact, she walked for two hours round the garden, which was very large, pausing from time to time. Each time she interrupted her walk, she contemplated attentively the sufferings

Starting point is 00:34:54 which were shown to her. She was then seen to wring her hands in compassion. Her face became pale, her body bent under the weight of suffering, in presence of the terrible spectacle, with which she was confronted. She began to cry aloud in lamentation, mercy, my God mercy. Descend, O precious blood, and deliver these souls from their prison.

Starting point is 00:35:24 Poor souls you suffer so cruelly, and yet you are content and cheerful. The dungeons of the martyrs in comparison with these were gardens of delight. Nevertheless, there were others still deeper. How happy should I esteem myself, or I not obliged, to go down into them. She did descend, however, for she was forced to continue her way, but when she had taken a few steps, she stopped, terror-stricken,

Starting point is 00:35:56 and sighing deeply, she cried. What? Religious also, in this dismal abode? Good God! How they are tormented! Ah, Lord! She does not explain the nature of their sufferings, but the horror which he manifested in contemplating them caused her to sigh at each step she passed from thence into less gloomy places they were the dungeons of simple souls and of children in whom ignorance and lack of reason extenuated many faults Their torments appeared to her much more endurable than those of the others. Nothing but ice and fire were there.

Starting point is 00:36:43 She noticed that these souls had their angel guardians with them, who fortified them greatly by their presence, but she saw also demons whose dreadful forms increased their sufferings. Advancing a few paces she saw souls still more unfortunate, and she was heard to cry out. Oh, how horrible is this place. It is full of hideous demons and incredible torments. Who, oh my God, are the victims of these cruel tortures? Alas, they are being pierced with sharp swords. They are being cut into pieces.

Starting point is 00:37:21 She was answered that they were the souls whose conduct had been tainted with hypocrisy. Advancing a little, she saw a great multitude of souls, which were bruised, as it were, and crushed under a press. And she understood that they were those souls which had been addicted to impatience and disobedience during life. Whilst contemplating them, her looks, her sighs, her whole attitude, betokened compassion and terror. A moment later her agitation increased,

Starting point is 00:37:55 and she uttered a dreadful cry. It was the dungeon of lies, which now lay open before her. her. After having attentively considered it, she cried aloud. Lires are confined in a place in the vicinity of hell, and their sufferings are exceedingly great. Moulton lead is poured into their mouths. I see them burn, and at the same time tremble with cold. She then went to the prison of those souls, which had sinned through weakness, and she was heard to exclaim, Alas, I had thought to find you among these who have sinned through ignorance, but I am mistaken you burn with an intenser fire.

Starting point is 00:38:44 Further on she perceived souls which had been too much attached to the goods of this world, and had sinned by avarice. What blindness, said she, thus eagerly to see. a perishable fortune. Those whom formerly riches could not sufficiently satiate are here gorged with torments. They are smelted like metal in the furnace. From thence she passed into the place where those souls were imprisoned, which had formerly been stained with impurity. She saw them in so filthy and pestilential a dungeon that the sight produced nausea. She turned away quickly from that loathsome spectacle.

Starting point is 00:39:28 Seeing the ambitious and the proud, she said, behold, those who wished to shine before men. Now they are condemned to live in this frightful obscurity. Then she was shown those souls, which had been guilty of ingratitude towards God. They were a prey to unutterable torments, and as it were drowned in a lake of molten lead, for having by their ingratitude dried up the source of piety.

Starting point is 00:39:58 Finally, in the last dungeon, she was shown souls that had not been given to any particular vice, but which through lack of proper vigilance over themselves had committed all kinds of trivial faults. She remarked that these souls had share in the chastisements of all vices, in a moderate degree, because those faults committed only from time to time, rendered them less guilty than those committed through habit. After this last station, the saint left the garden, begging God never again to make her witness of so heart-rending a spectacle. She felt that she had not strength enough to endure it.

Starting point is 00:40:39 Her ecstasy still continued, and conversing with Jesus, she said to him, Tell me, Lord, what was your design in discovering to me those terrible prisons, of which I know so little and comprehended still less. I see now you wish to give me the knowledge of your infinite sanctity, and to make me detest more and more the least stain of sin, which is so abominable in your eyes. End of Section 6, recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 00:41:22 Section 7 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup. S.J. The Slipper-Vox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 7. Location of Furgatory. St. Ludwina of Shaitam. Let us narrate a third vision relating to the interior of Furgatory, that of St. Ludwina of Shaitam, who died April 11, 1433, and whose history, written by a contemporary priest has the most perfect authenticity. This admirable virgin, a true prodigy of Christian patience, was a prey to all the pains of the most cruel maladies for the period of 38 years. Her sufferings rendering sleep impossible to her.

Starting point is 00:42:12 She passed long nights in prayer, and then frequently wrapped in spirit. She was conducted by her angel guardian into the mysterious regions of purgatory. There she saw dwellings, prisons, diverse dungeons, one more dismal than the other. She met two souls that she knew, and she was shown their various punishments. It may be asked, what was the nature of those ecstatic journeys? And it is difficult to explain, but we may conclude from certain other circumstances that there was more reality in them than we might be led to believe. The Holy Invalid made similar journeys and pilgrimages upon earth to the holy places in Palestine,

Starting point is 00:43:01 to the churches of Rome, and to monasteries in the vicinity. She had an exact knowledge of the places which she had thus traversed, a religious of the monastery of St. Elizabeth, conversing one day with her, and speaking of the cells, of the charter room, of the refractory, etc., of his community. She gave him as exact and detailed a description of his house as though she had passed her life there. The religious, having expressed his surprise, No father, said she, that I have been through your monastery.

Starting point is 00:43:39 I have visited the cells. I have seen the angel guardians of all those who occupied them. One of the journeys which our saint made to purgatory occurred as follows. An unfortunate sinner, entangled in the corruptions of the world, was finally converted. Thanks to the prayers and urgent exhortations of Ludwina, he made a sincere confession of all his sins and received absolution, but had little time to practice penance,

Starting point is 00:44:09 for shortly after, he died of the plague. The saint offered up many prayers and sufferings for his soul, and sometime afterwards having been taken by her, angel guardian into purgatory, she desired to know if he was still there and in what condition. He is there, said her angel, and he suffers much. Would you be willing to endure some pain in order to diminish his? Certainly, she replied, I am ready to suffer anything to assist him. Instantly her angel conducted her into a place of frightful torture. Is this then hell, my brother? Asked the Holy Maiden, seized with horror.

Starting point is 00:44:57 No sister, answered the angel, but this part of purgatory is bordering upon hell. Looking around on all sides, she saw what resembles an immense prison, surrounded with walls of a prodigious height, the blackness of which, together with the monstrous stones, inspired her with horror.

Starting point is 00:45:19 Approaching this dismal enclosure, She heard a confused noise of lamenting voices, cries of fury, chains, instruments of torture, violent blows which the executioners discharged upon their victims. This noise was such that all the tumult of the world, in tempest or battle, could bear no comparison to it. What then is that horrible place? asked St. Ledwina of her good angel. Do you wish me to show it to you?

Starting point is 00:45:52 No, I beseech you, said she, recoiling with terror. The noise which I hear is so frightful that I can no longer bear it. How then can I endure the sight of those horrors? Continuing her mysterious route, she saw an angel seated sadly on the curb of a well. Who is that angel? she asked of her guide. It is, he replied, the angel guardian. of the sinner in whose lot you are interested. His soul is in this well, where it has a special

Starting point is 00:46:26 purgatory. At these words, Ledwina cast an inquiring glance at her angel. She desired to see that soul, which was dear to her, and endeavored to release it from that frightful pit. Her angel, who understood her, having taken off the cover of the well, a cloud of flames, together with a most plaintive cries came forth. Do you recognize that voice? said the angel to her. Alas, yes, answered the servant of God. Do you desire to see that soul? he continued. On her replying in the affirmative, he called him by his name,

Starting point is 00:47:09 and immediately our virgins saw appear at the mouth of the pit, a spirit all on fire, resembling incandes. metal, which said to her in a voice scarcely audible, O Lidwina, servant of God, who will give me to contemplate the face of the most high. The sight of this soul, a prey of the most terrible torment of fire, gave our saint such a shock that the sanctuary which she wore around her body was rent and twain, and no longer able to endure the sight,

Starting point is 00:47:46 she awoke suddenly from her ecstasy. The person's present perceiving her fear, asked her its cause. Alas, she replied, how frightful are the prisons of Burgessori. It was to assist the souls that I consented to descend thither. Without this motive, if the whole world were given to me, I would not undergo the terror which that horrible spectacle inspired. Some days later the same angel, whom she had seen so dejected, appeared to her with a joyful countenance.

Starting point is 00:48:25 He told her that the soul of his protege had left the pit and passed into the ordinary purgatory. This partial alleviation did not suffice the charity of Lidwina. She continued to pray for the poor patient and to apply to him the merits of her sufferings, until she saw the gates of heaven opened to him. End of Section 7, recording by John Brandon. Section 8 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J.

Starting point is 00:49:05 This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 8 Location of Purgatory St. Gregory the Great the deacon Pascassius and the priest of Chentem Chalet, Blessed Stephen of Franciscan, and the religious in his stall. Theophilus Renaud and the sick woman of Dole.

Starting point is 00:49:35 According to St. Thomas and other doctors, as we have previously seen, divine justice in particular cases assigns a special place upon earth for certain souls. This opinion we find confirmed by several facts, among which we quote the two mentioned by St. Gregory the Great in his dialogues. Whilst I was young, and still a layman, I heard told to the seniors who were well-informed men how the deacon Pascassius appeared to Germain, Bishop of Capua. Pascatius Deacon of the Apostolic Sea, whose books on the Holy Ghost are still extant, was a man of eminent sanctity, devoted to works of charity,

Starting point is 00:50:23 zealous for the relief of the poor, and most forgetful of self. A dispute having arisen concerning a pontifical election, Pascassius separated himself from the bishops, and joined the party disapproved by the Episcopacy. Soon after this, he died, with a reputation for sanctity which God confirmed by a miracle. An instantaneous cure was affected on the day of the funeral by the simple touch of his Dalmatic. Long after this, Germain Bishop of Capua was sent by the physicians to the baths of St. Angelo. What was his astonishment to find the same deacon, Pascassius, employed in the moment?

Starting point is 00:51:09 menial offices at the baths. I hear expiate, said the apparition, the wrong I did by adhering to the wrong party. I beseech of you. Pray to the Lord for me. You will know that you have been heard when you shall no longer see me in these places. Germain began to pray for the deceased, and after a few days, returning to the baths,

Starting point is 00:51:36 sought in vain for Pascassius, who had disappeared. beard. He had but to want to go a temporary punishment, says St. Gregory, because he had sinned through ignorance and not through malice. The same pope speaks of a priest, of Chentemchelle, now Civita Vecya, who also went to the warm baths. A man presented himself to serve him in the most menial offices, and for several days waited upon him with the most extreme kindness and even eagerness. The good priest, thinking that he ought to reward so much attention, came the next day with two loaves of blessed bread, and after having received the usual assistance of his kind servant,

Starting point is 00:52:22 offered him the loaves. The servant with a sad countenance replied, Why, father, do you offer me this bread? I cannot eat it. I whom you see was formerly the master of this place, and after my death I was sent back to the condition. in which you see me for the expiation of my faults. If you wish to do me good, ah, offer up for me the bread of the Eucharist. At these words he suddenly disappeared, and he, whom the priest had thought to be a man,

Starting point is 00:52:57 showed by vanishing that he was but a spirit. For a whole week the good priest devoted himself to works of penance, and each day offered up the sacred host in favor of the departed one. Then having returned to the same baths, he no longer found his faithful servant, and concluded that he had been delivered. It seems that divine justice sometimes condemns souls to undergo their punishment in the same place where they have committed their sins. We read in the chronicles of the friar's minors that Blessed Stephen, religious of that order had a singular devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, so that he passed a part of the night in adoration before it.

Starting point is 00:53:40 On one occasion, being alone in the chapel, the darkness, broken only by the faint glimmer of the little lamp, he suddenly perceived a religious, in one of the stalls. Stephen approached him, and asked if he had permission to leave his cell at such an hour. I am a deceased religious, he replied. Here, by a decree of God's justice, must I undergo my own. my purgatory, because here I sinned by tepidity and negligence at the divine office. The Lord permits me to make known my state to you, that you may assist me by your prayers. Touched with these words, Blessed Stephen immediately knelt down to recite the day profundus and other prayers, and he noticed that whilst he prayed, the features of the deceased

Starting point is 00:54:27 bore an expression of joy. Several times during the following nights, he saw the apparition in the same manner, but more happy each time as it approached the term of its deliverance. Finally, after the last prayer of Blessed Stephen, it arose all radiant from the stall, expressed its gratitude to its liberator, and disappeared in the brightness of glory. The following incident is so marvelous that we should hesitate to reproduce it, says Canon Postal, had it not been narrated by Father Theopheles Renaud, theologian and controversialist, who relates it as an event which happened in his time and almost under his very eyes. The Abbe Louvre adds that the vicar-general of the Archbishop of Basin-Kon, after having examined all the details, recognized its truth.

Starting point is 00:55:22 In the year 1629 at Dole in Frank Comte, Hugh Gay-Roy, a woman of the middle station in life, was confined to bed by inflammation of the the lungs, which endangered her life. The physician, considering it necessary to bleed her, in his awkwardness, caught an artery in the left arm, which speedily reduced her to the last extremity. The following day at dawn, she saw enter into her chamber, a young girl clad in white, of most modest deportment, who asked her if she was willing to accept her services, and to be nursed by her. The sick person delighted with the offer, and said, that nothing could give her greater pleasure, and instantly the stranger lighted the fire, approached Hugh Gay, and placed her gently on the bed, and then continued to watch by her,

Starting point is 00:56:14 and serve her like the most devoted infomerian. But oh wonder, contact with the hands of the unknown one was so beneficial that the dying person found herself greatly relieved, and soon felt entirely cured. Then she would absolutely be able to be able. Then she would absolutely know who the amiable stranger was, and called her that she might question her. But she withdrew, saying that she would return in the evening. In the meantime astonishment and curiosity were extreme when the tidings of this sudden cure spread abroad, and nothing was spoken of in dole but this mysterious event. When the unknown visitor returned in the evening, she said to Hugh Gay, without trying to

Starting point is 00:57:00 disguise herself. Know, my dear niece, that I am your aunt, Leonardo Colin, who died 17 years ago, leaving you an inheritance from her little property. Thanks to the divine bounty, I am saved, and it was the Blessed Virgin, to whom I had great devotion, who obtained for me this happiness. Without her I was lost. When death suddenly struck me, I was in the state of mortal sin, but the merciful Virgin Mary obtained from me perfect contrition, and thus saved me from eternal damnation. Since that time I am in purgatory, and our Lord permits me to finish my expiation

Starting point is 00:57:43 by serving you during fourteen days. At the end of that time I shall be delivered from my pains, if on your part you have the charity to make three pilgrimages for me, to three holy sanctuaries of the Blessed Virgin. Hugh Gay, astonished, knew not what to think of this language. Not being able to believe the reality of the apparition and fearing some snare of the evil spirit, she consulted her confessor,

Starting point is 00:58:13 Father Antony Rowland, a Jesuit, who advised her to threaten the unknown person with the exorcisms of the church. This menace did not disturb her. She replied tranquilly, that she feared not the prayers of the church. They have no power, she added, but against demons and the damned.

Starting point is 00:58:34 None whatever against predestined souls, who are in the grace of God as I am. Hugh Gay was not yet convinced. How, said she, to the young girl, can you be my Aunt Leonardi? She was old and worn, disagreeable and whimsical, whilst you are young, gentle, and obliging.

Starting point is 00:58:54 Ah, my dear niece, replied the apparition. My real body is in the tomb, where it will remain until the resurrection. This one which you see is one miraculously formed from the air to allow me to speak to you, to serve you, and obtain your suffrages. As regards my irritable disposition, 17 years of terrible suffering have taught me patience and meekness. know also that in purgatory we are confirmed in grace, marked with the seal of the elect, and therefore exempt from all vice. After such explanation, incredulity was impossible.

Starting point is 00:59:37 Hughay at once astounded and grateful, received with joy the services rendered during the fourteen days designated. She alone could see and hear the deceased, who came at certain hours and then disappeared. As soon as her strength permitted, she devoutly made the pilgrimages which were asked of her. At the end of fourteen days, the apparitions ceased. Leonardo appeared for the last time to announce her deliverance. She was then in a state of incomparable glory, of the most perfect beatitude. In her turn, she testified her gratitude to her niece, promised to pray for her and her whole family, and advised her ever to remember, amid the sufferings of this life, the end of our existence, which is the salvation of our soul.

Starting point is 01:00:30 End of Section 8. Recording by John Brandon. Section 9 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1. Chapter 9 The pains of purgatory Their nature Their rigor

Starting point is 01:00:58 Doctrine of theologians Bell are Mine St. Francis of Sales Fear and confidence There is in purgatory As in hell a double pain The pain of loss And the pain of sense

Starting point is 01:01:16 The pain of loss consists in being Deprived for time of the sight of God who is the supreme good, the beatific end for which our souls are made, as our eyes are for the light. It is a moral thirst which torments the soul. The pain of sense or sensible suffering is the same as that which we experience in our flesh. Its nature is not defined by faith, but it is a common opinion of the doctors that it consists in fire and other species of suffering. the fire of purgatory say the fathers is that of hell of which the rich glutton speaks quia crucior in hack flama i suffer he says cruelly in these flames

Starting point is 01:02:09 As regards the severity of these pains, since they are inflicted by infinite justice, they are proportioned to the nature, gravity, and number of sins committed. Each one receives, according to his works, each one must acquit himself of the debts with which he sees himself charged before God. Now these debts differ greatly in quality. Some which have accumulated during a long life have reached the ten thousand talents of the that is to say, millions and tens of millions, whilst others are reduced to a few farthings, the trifling remainder of that which has not been expiated on earth. It follows from this that the

Starting point is 01:02:55 souls undergo various kinds of sufferings, that there are innumerable degrees of expiation in purgatory, and that some are incomparably more severe than others. However, speaking in general, doctors agree in saying that the pains are most excruciating. The same fire, says St. Gregory, torments the damned and purifies the elect. Almost all theologians, says Bellarmine, teach that the reprobate and the souls in purgatory suffer the action of the same fire. It must be held as certain, writes the same Bellarmine, that there is no proportion between the sufferings of this life and those of purgatory. St. Augustine declares precisely the same in his commentary on Psalm 37. Lord, he says, chastise me not in thy wrath, and reject me not, with those to whom

Starting point is 01:03:54 thou hast said, go into eternal fire. But chastise me not in thine anger. Purify me rather in such manner in this life that I need not to be purified by fire in the next. Yes, I fear that fire, which has been enkindled for those who will be saved. It is true, but yet so as by fire. They will be saved, no doubt, after the trial of fire. But that trial will be terrible, that torment will be more intolerable than all the most excruciating suffering. in this world.

Starting point is 01:04:36 Behold what St. Augustine says, and what St. Gregory, venerable Bede, St. Anselam, and St. Bernard have set after him. St. Thomas goes even further. He maintains that the least pain of purgatory surpasses all the sufferings of this life whatsoever they may be.

Starting point is 01:04:57 Pain says B. Peter Lefevre is deeper and more acute when it directly attacks the soul and the mind, and when it reaches them only through the medium of the body. The mortal body, and the senses themselves, absorb an intercept of heart of a physical and even a moral pain. The author of the imitation explains this doctrine by a practical and striking sentence. Speaking in general of the sufferings of the other life,

Starting point is 01:05:30 there, he says, one hour of torment, will be more terrible than a hundred years of rigorous penance done here. To prove this doctrine, it is affirmed that all the souls in purgatory suffer the pain of loss. Now this pain surpasses the keenest suffering. But to speak of the pain of sense alone, we know what a terrible thing fire is. How feeble, soever, the flame which we enkindle in our houses. and what pain is caused by the slightest burn. How much more terrible must be that fire which is fed neither with wood nor oil, and which can never be extinguished, and kindled by the breath of God to be the instrument of his justice,

Starting point is 01:06:16 it seizes upon souls and torments them with incomparable activity, that which we have already said, and what we have still to say, is well qualified to inspire us, with that salutary fear recommended to us by Jesus Christ. But lest certain readers forgetful of the Christian confidence, which must temper our fears, should give themselves up to excessive fear, let us modify the preceding doctrine

Starting point is 01:06:45 by that of another doctor of the church. St. Francis of Sales, who presents the sufferings of purgatory, soothed by the consolations which accompany them. We may, says this holy and amiable director of souls, draw from the thought of purgatory more consolation than apprehension. The greater part of those who dread purgatory so much think more of their own interests than of the interests of God's glory.

Starting point is 01:07:15 This proceeds from the fact that they think only of the sufferings without considering the peace and happiness, which are there enjoyed by the holy souls. It is true that the torments are, so great that the most acute sufferings of this life bear no comparison to them. But the interior satisfaction, which is there enjoyed, is such that no prosperity, nor contentment upon earth, can equal it. The souls are in a continual union with God. They are perfectly resigned to his will. Or rather, their will is so transformed into that of God that they cannot will but

Starting point is 01:07:58 what God wills. So that if paradise were to be open to them, they would precipitate themselves into hell rather than appear before God with the stains with which they see themselves disfigured. They purify themselves willingly and lovingly, because such is the divine good pleasure. They wish to be there in the state wherein God pleases, and as long as it shall please him, They cannot sin, nor can they experience the least movement of impatience, nor commit the slightest imperfection. They love God more than they love themselves, and more than all things else. They love him with a perfect, pure, and disinterested love. They are consoled by angels. They are assured of their eternal salvation, and filled with a hope that can never be disappointed

Starting point is 01:08:55 in its expectations. Their bitterest anguish is soothed by a certain profound peace. It is a species of hell as regards the suffering. It is a paradise as regards the delight infused into their hearts by charity. Charity, stronger than death and more powerful than hell. Charity, whose lamps are all fire and flame. Canticle, eight. Happy state. continues the holy bishop, more desirable than appalling, since its flames are flames of love and charity. Such are the teachings of the doctors, from which it follows that if the pains of purgatory are rigorous, they are not without consolation. When imposing his cross upon us in this life, God pours upon it the unction of his grace. And in purifying the souls in purgatory,

Starting point is 01:09:55 like gold in the crucible, he tempers their flames by ineffable consolations. We must not lose sight of this consoling element, this bright side of the often gloomy picture which we are going to examine. End of Section 9, recording by John Brandon. Section 10 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup, S.J. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon Part 1, Chapter 10

Starting point is 01:10:33 Pains of Pergatory The Pain of Loss St. Catherine of Genoa St. Teresa Father Nairmberg After having heard the theologians and doctors of the church, let us listen to doctors of another kind.

Starting point is 01:10:52 They are saints who speak of the sufferings of the other life, and who relate what God has made known to them, by supernatural communication. St. Catherine of Genoa in her treatise on purgatory says, the souls endure torment so extreme

Starting point is 01:11:09 that no tongue can describe it, nor could the understanding conceive the least notion of it, if God did not make it known by a particular grace. No tongue, she adds, can express, no mind form any idea

Starting point is 01:11:25 of what purgatory is as to the suffering. It is equal to that of hell. St. Teresa in the castle of the soul, speaking of the pain of loss, expresses herself thus. The pain of loss, or the privation of the sight of God, exceeds all the most excruciating sufferings we can imagine, because the souls urged on towards God,

Starting point is 01:11:51 as to the center of their aspiration, are continually repulsed by his justice. Picture to yourself a shipwrecked mariner, who after having long battled with the waves comes at last within reach of the shore, only to find himself constantly thrust back by an invisible hand. What torturing agonies!

Starting point is 01:12:15 Yet those of the souls in purgatory are a thousand times greater. Father Nairmberg of the Company of Jesus, who died in the odor of sanctity at Madrid in 16. relates a fact that occurred at Trevis, and which was recognized, says Father Rosignoli by the Vicar General of the Diocese, as possessing all the characteristics of truth. On the Feast of All Saints, a young girl of rare piety saw appear before her, a lady of her acquaintance who had died some time previous. The apparition was clad in white, with a veil of the same color on her head, and holding in her hand a long rosary, a token of the tender devotion

Starting point is 01:13:02 she had always professed towards the queen of heaven. She implored the charity of her pious friend, saying that she had made a vow to have three masses celebrated at the altar of the Blessed Virgin, and that not having been able to accomplish her vow, this debt added to her sufferings. She then begged her to pay it in her place. The young person willingly granted the alms asked of her, and when the three masses had been celebrated, the deceased again appeared, expressing her joy and gratitude. She ever continued to appear each month of November,

Starting point is 01:13:41 and almost always in the church. Her friend saw her there, in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, overwhelmed with an awe of which nothing can give an idea. Not yet being able to see God face to face, she seemed to wish to indemnify herself by contemplating him, at least under the Eucharistic species. During the holy sacrifice of the Mass, at the moment of the elevation, her face became so radiant that she might have been taken for a seraph descended from heaven. The young girl, filled with admiration, declared, that she had never seen anything so beautiful.

Starting point is 01:14:25 Meanwhile, time passed, and notwithstanding the masses and prayers offered for her, that Holy Soul remained in her exile, far from the eternal tabernacles. On December 3rd, Feast of St. Francis Xavier, her protectress, going to receive communion at the Church of the Jesuits, the apparition accompanied her to the Holy Table, and then remained at her side, during the whole time of Thanksgiving, as though to participate in the happiness of Holy Communion and enjoy the presence of Jesus Christ. On December 8th, Feast of the Immaculate Conception,

Starting point is 01:15:07 she again returned, but so brilliant that her friend could not look at her. She visibly approached the term of her expiation. Finally, on December 10th, during Holy Mass, she appeared in a still more wonderful state. After making a profound genuflection before the altar, she thanked the pious girl for her prayers and rose to heaven, in company with her guardian angel.

Starting point is 01:15:36 Sometime previous, this holy soul had made known that she suffered nothing more than the pain of loss or the privation of God. But she added that that privation caused her intolerable torture. This revelation justifies the words of St. Christostom in his 47th homily. Imagine, he says,

Starting point is 01:15:59 all the torments of the world, you will not find one equal to the privation of the beatific vision of God. In fact, the torture of the pain of loss, of which we now treat, is according to all the saints and all the doctors, much more acute than the pain of sense,

Starting point is 01:16:19 It is true that in the present life we cannot understand this, because we have too little knowledge of the sovereign good for which we are created. But in the other life, that ineffable good seems to souls what bread is to a man famished with hunger, or fresh water, to one dying with thirst. Like health to a sick person tortured by long-suffering, it excites the most ardent desires, which torment without being able to satisfy them. End of Section 10. Recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 01:17:03 Section 11 of purgatory. By Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1. Chapter 11 The Pain of Sense Torment of Fire and Torment of Fire and torment of cold.

Starting point is 01:17:27 Venerable Bede and Drithelm. If the pain of loss makes but a feeble impression upon us, it is far different with the pain of sense. The torment of fire, the torture of a sharp and intense cold, affrights our sensibility.

Starting point is 01:17:48 This is why divine mercy wishing to excite a holy fear in our souls speaks but little of the pain of loss, but we are continually shown the fire, the cold, and other torments, which constitute the pain of sense. This is what we see in the gospel, and in particular revelations, by which God is pleased to manifest to his servants from time to time the mysteries of the other life. Let us mention one of these revelations. In the first place, let us see a series of these revelations. In the first place, let us see what the pious and learned Cardinal Bellarmine quotes from the venerable Bede.

Starting point is 01:18:33 England has been witness, in our own days, writes Bede, to a singular prodigy, which may be compared to the miracles of the first ages of the church. To excite the living, to fear the death of the soul, God permitted that a man, after having slept the sleep of death, should return to life and reveal what he had seen in the other world. The frightful, unheard-of details, which he relates, and his life of extraordinary penance, which corresponded with his words, produced a lively impression throughout the country. I will now resume the principal circumstances of this history.

Starting point is 01:19:18 There was in Northumberland, a man named Drithelm. who with his family led a most Christian life. He fell sick, and his malady increasing day by day, he was soon reduced to extremity and died, to the great desolation and grief of his wife and children. The latter passed the night in tears by the remains. But the following day before his internment, they saw him suddenly returned to life,

Starting point is 01:19:51 arise and place himself in a sitting posture. At this sight, they were seized with such fear that they all took to flight, with the exception of the wife, who, trembling, remained alone with her risen husband. He reassured her immediately. Fear not, he said. It is God who restores to me my life.

Starting point is 01:20:17 He wishes to show, in my person, a man raised from the dead. I have yet long to live upon earth, but my new life will be very different from the one I led heretofore. Then he arose, full of health, went straight to the chapel, or church of the place,

Starting point is 01:20:37 and there remained long in prayer. He returned home, only to take leave of those who had been dear to him upon earth, to whom he declared that he would live only to prepare himself for death, and advised them to do likewise. Then having divided his property into three parts, he gave one to his children, another to his wife, and reserved the third part

Starting point is 01:21:05 to give in arms. When he had distributed all to the poor, and had reduced himself to extreme indigence. He went and knocked at the door of a monastery and begged the abbot to receive him as a penitent religious, who would be a servant to all the others. The abbot gave him a retired cell, which he occupied for the rest of his life. Three exercises divided his time, prayer, the hardest labor, and extraordinary penances. The most rigorous fasts he accounted. He accounted. The most rigorous fasts he counted as nothing. In winter he was seen to plunge himself into frozen water, and remained there for hours and hours in prayer, whilst he recited the whole Salter of David. The mortified life of Drithelm, his downcast eyes, even his features, indicated a soul struck with fear of the

Starting point is 01:22:06 judgments of God. He kept a perpetual silence, but on being pressed to relate to for the edification of others, what God had manifested to him after his death, he thus described his vision. On leaving my body, I was received by a benevolent person, who took me under his guidance.

Starting point is 01:22:29 His face was brilliant, and he appeared surrounded with light. He arrived at a large, deep valley of immense extent, all fire on one side, all ice and snow on the other. On the one hand, graziers and cauldrons of flame, on the other, the most intense cold, and the blast of a glacial wind. This mysterious valley was filled with innumerable souls, which, tossed as by a furious tempest,

Starting point is 01:23:01 threw themselves from one side to the other. When they could no longer endure the violence of the fire, they sought relief amidst the ice and snow, but finding only a new torture, they cast themselves again into the midst of the flames. I contemplated in a stupor, these continual vicissitudes of horrible torments, and as far as my sight could extend, I saw nothing but a multitude of souls which suffered without ever having repose. Their very aspect inspired me with fear. I thought at first first that I saw hell. But my guide who walked before me turned to me and said, No, this is not as you think, the hell of the reprobate. Do you know, he continued,

Starting point is 01:23:56 what place this is? No, I answered. No, he resumed, that this valley, where you see so much fire and so much ice, is the place where the souls of those are punished, who during life have neglected to confess their sins, and who have deferred their conversion to the end. Thanks to a special mercy of God, they have had the happiness of sincerely repenting before death, of confessing and detesting their sins. This is why they are not damned, and on the great day of judgment will enter into the kingdom of heaven. several of them will obtain their deliverance before that time, by the merits of prayers, alms, and fasts,

Starting point is 01:24:47 offered in their favor by the living, and especially in virtue of the holy sacrifice of the Mass, offered for their relief. Such was the recital of Drithelm, when asked why he so rudely treated his body, why he plunged himself into frozen water, he replied that he had seen other torments and cold of another kind. If his brethren expressed astonishment that he could endure these extraordinary austerities, I have seen, said he, penance is still more astonishing. To the day when it pleased God to call him to

Starting point is 01:25:31 himself, he ceased not to afflict his body, and although broken down with age, he would accept no alleviation. The event produced a deep sensation in England. A great number of sinners touched by the words of Drithelm, and struck by the austerity of his life, became sincerely converted. This fact, adds Belor Mine, appears to me of incontestable truth. since, besides being conformable to the words of Holy Scripture, let him pass from the snow waters to excessive heat. Venerable Beed relates it as a recent and well-known event. More than this, it was followed by the conversion of a great number of sinners,

Starting point is 01:26:21 the sign of the work of God, who is accustomed to work prodigies in order to produce fruit in souls. Section 11, recording by John Brandon. Section 12 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 12. Pains of Pergatory

Starting point is 01:26:56 Belar Mine and St. Christine, the admirable. The learned and pious cardinal then proceeds to relate the history. history of St. Christine the Admiral, who lived in Belgium at the close of the 12th century, and whose body is preserved today in St. Trond, in the Church of the Redemptorist Fathers. The life of this illustrious virgin was, he says, written by Thomas de Contemporay, a religious of the Order of St. Dominic, an author worthy of credit and contemporary with the saint, Cardinal James DeVitri, in the preface to the life of Maria D'onies, speaks of a great number of

Starting point is 01:27:44 holy women and illustrious virgins, but the one whom he admires above all others is St. Christine. This servant of God, having passed the first years of her life in humility and patience, died at the age of 32. When she was about to be buried, and the body was already, in the church resting in an open coffin, according to the custom of the time, she arose, full of vigor, st.upefying with amazement the whole city of St. Trond, which had witnessed this wonder. The astonishment increased when they learned from her own mouth what had happened to her after her death. Let us hear her own account of it. As soon, said she, as my soul was separated from my body, it was received by angels, who conducted it to a very gloomy place,

Starting point is 01:28:43 entirely filled with souls. The torments which they there endured appeared to me so excessive that it is impossible for me to give any idea of their rigor. I saw among them many of my acquaintances, and deeply touched by their sad condition, I asked what place it was, for I believed it to be hell. My guide answered me that it was purgatory, where sinners were punished, who before death had repented

Starting point is 01:29:16 of their faults, but had not made worthy satisfaction to God. From thence I was conducted into hell, and there also I recognized, among the reprobates, some whom I had formerly known. The angels then

Starting point is 01:29:33 transported me into heaven, even to the throne of the divine majesty. The Lord regarded me with a favorable eye, and I experienced an extreme joy, because I thought to obtain the grace of dwelling eternally with him. But my heavenly father, seeing what passed in my heart,

Starting point is 01:29:53 said to me these words, assuredly, my dear daughter, you will one day be with me. Now, however, I allow you to choose either to remain with me henceforth from this time, or to return again to earth, to accomplish a mission of charity and suffering. In order to deliver from the flames of purgatory

Starting point is 01:30:18 those souls which have inspired you with so much compassion, you shall suffer for them upon earth, you shall endure great torments, without, however, dying from their effects. And not only will you, relieve the departed, let the example which you will give to the living, and your life of continual suffering, will lead sinners to be converted and to expiate their crimes. After having ended this new life, you shall return here laden with merits. At these words, seeing the great

Starting point is 01:30:55 advantages offered me for souls, I replied without hesitation that I would return to life, and I arose at that same instant. It is for this sole object, the relief of the departed, and the conversion of sinners, that I have returned to this world. Therefore be not astonished at the penances that I shall practice, nor at the life that you will see me lead from hence forward.

Starting point is 01:31:24 It will be so extraordinary that nothing like to it has ever been seen. All this was related by the saint, herself. Let us now see what the biographer adds in the different chapters of her life. Christine immediately commenced the work for which she had been sent by God. Renouncing all the comforts of life, and reduced to extreme destitution, she lived without house or fire, more miserable than the birds of the air, which have a nest to shelter them. Not content with these privations, she eagerly sought all that could cause her suffering. She threw herself into burning furnaces, and there suffering so great torture that she could no longer bear it, she uttered the most

Starting point is 01:32:17 frightful cries. She remained for a long time in the fire, and yet on coming forth no sign of burning was found upon her body. In winter, when the muse was frozen, she plunged herself into it, staying in that cold river, not only hours and days, but for entire weeks, all the while praying to God and imploring his mercy. Sometimes, whilst praying in the icy waters, she allowed herself to be carried by the current down to a mill, the wheel of which whirled her round. in a manner frightful to behold, yet without breaking or dislocating one of her bones. On other occasions, followed by dogs which bit and tore her flesh, she ran, enticing them into the thickets and among the thorns, until she was covered with blood. Nevertheless, on her

Starting point is 01:33:19 return, no wound or scar was to be seen. Such are the works of admirable penance described by the author of the life of St. Christine. This writer was a bishop, a suffragan of the Archbishop of Cambrai. And we have, says Bellarmine, reason for believing his testimony. Since he has for guarantee, another grave author, James Devitri, bishop and cardinal, and because he relates what happened in his own time

Starting point is 01:33:53 and even in the province where he lived. Besides the sufferings of this admirable virgin were not hidden. Everyone could see that she was in the midst of the flames without being consumed and covered with wounds, every trace of which disappeared a few moments afterwards. But more than this was the marvelous life she led for four 42 years, after she was raised from the dead. God clearly showing that the wonders wrought in her were by virtue from unhigh. The striking conversions which she affected and the evident

Starting point is 01:34:34 miracles which occurred after her death manifestly proved the finger of God, and the truth of that which after her resurrection she had revealed concerning the other life. Thus, argues Belorine, God will to silence those libertines, who make open profession of believing in nothing, and who have the audacity to ask in scorn, who has returned from the other world? Who has ever seen the torments of hell or purgatory? He hold two witnesses. They assure us that they have seen them, and that they are dreadful. What follows then, if not that the incredulous are inexcusable, and that those who believe

Starting point is 01:35:25 and nevertheless neglect due penance, are still more to be condemned? End of Section 12, recording by John Brandon. Section 13, a purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 13. Pains of Purgatory Brother Anthony Pereira

Starting point is 01:35:57 The venerable Angela Ptolemy To the two preceding facts We shall add a third taken from the annals of the Company of Jesus We speak of a prodigy Which was wrought in the person of Anthony Pereira Brother coadjutor of that company Who died in the Order of Sanctity

Starting point is 01:36:19 At the College of Evora In Portugal August 1st, 16, 45. Forty-six years previous, in 1599, five years after his entrance into the novitiate, this brother was attacked by a mortal malady in the island of St. Michael, one of the Azores. A few moments after he had received the last sacraments, in presence of the whole community, who had assisted him in his agony, he appeared to breathe forth his soul, and soon became as cold as a corpse.

Starting point is 01:36:56 The appearance, though almost imperceptible, of a slight beating of the heart, alone prevented them from interring him immediately. He was therefore left for three entire days upon his bed, and his body already gave evidence signs of decomposition, when suddenly, on the fourth day, he opened his eyes, breathed and spoke. He was then obliged by,

Starting point is 01:37:22 obedience to relate to his superior, Father Louis Pinheiro, all that had passed within him since the last terrible moments of his agony. We here give an abridge to count of it, as written by his own hand. I saw first, he says, from my deathbed, my father, St. Ignatius, accompanied by several other fathers from heaven, who came to visit his sick children, seeking, though, whom he thought worthy to be offered by him and his companions to our Lord. When he drew near to me I believed for a moment that he would take me, and my heart thrilled with joy. But soon he pointed out to me that of which I must correct myself

Starting point is 01:38:10 before obtaining so great a happiness. Then nevertheless, by a mysterious disposition of divine providence, the soul of Brother Perea separated itself momentarily from his body and immediately a hideous troop of demons rushing towards him filled him with terror at the same moment his guardian angel and St. Anthony of Padua

Starting point is 01:38:37 his countrymen and patron descended from heaven put to flight his enemies and invited him to accompany them to take a glimpse of and taste for a moment the joys and sufferings of eternity. They led me then, by turns, he adds,

Starting point is 01:38:56 towards a place of delights, where they showed me a crown of incomparable glory, but which I had not as yet merited. Then to the brink of an abyss, where I saw the reprobate souls fall into the eternal fire, crushed like the grains of wheat cast upon a millstone

Starting point is 01:39:15 that turns without intermission. The infernal gulf was like one of those lime kilns, where at times the flames are, as it were, stifled by the mass of materials thrown into them, but which feeds the fire that it may burst forth with more terrible violence. Led from thence to the tribunal of the sovereign judge, Anthony Perea heard himself condemned to the fire of purgatory, and nothing, he assures us, can give an idea of what he suffered there, nor of the state of agony to which the souls are reduced by the desire and the delay of the enjoyment of God

Starting point is 01:39:58 and of his sacred presence. When, by the command of God, his soul had been reunited with his body, the renewed tortures of his melody for six entire months, with the additional torture of fire and iron, caused the flesh, already incurably tainted with the corruption of his first death, to fall in pieces. Yet not this, nor the frightful penances to which he unceasingly delivered himself,

Starting point is 01:40:29 so far as obedience permitted, during the 46 years of his new life, could appease his thirst for suffering and expiation. All this, he said, is nothing in comparison with what the justice and infinite mercy of God has caused me not only to witness, but also to endure. In fine, as an authentic seal upon so many marvels, Brother Perea discovered to his superior in detail the secret designs of providence regarding the future restoration of the kingdom of Portugal, more than half a century before it happened.

Starting point is 01:41:09 But we may add without fear that the highest guarantee of all these prodigies was the astonishing degree of sanctity to which Brother Perea ceased not to elevate himself from day to day. Let us relate a similar instance which confirms in every point that which we have just read. We find it in the life of the venerable servant of God

Starting point is 01:41:34 Angela Ptolemy, a Dominican nun. She was raised from the dead by her own brother and gave a testimony of the rigor of God's judgments exactly conformable to the precedent. Blessed John Baptist Ptolemy, whose rare virtues and the gift of miracles had placed him on our altars, had his sister, Angela Ptolemy, the heroism of whose virtue has also been recognized by the church. She fell dangerously sick and her holy brother by earnest prayer, he sought her cure. Our Lord replied, as he did formerly to the sister of Lazarus, that he would not cure Angela,

Starting point is 01:42:21 but that he would do more. He would raise her from the dead, for the glory of God and the good of souls. She died recommending herself to the prayers of her holy brother. Whilst she was being carried to the tomb, Blessed John Baptist, in obedience, no doubt, to an inspiration of the Holy Spirit, approached the coffin, and in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ commanded His sister to come forth. Immediately she awoke us from a profound slumber and returned to life. That holy soul seemed struck with terror,

Starting point is 01:43:02 and related such things concerning the severity of God's judgments as make us shudder. She commenced, at the same time, to lead a life which proved the truth of her words. Her penance was frightful, not content with the ordinary practices of the saints, such as fasting, watching, hair-shirts, and bloody disciplines, she went so far as to cast herself into flames, and to roll herself therein until her flesh was entirely burnt. Her macerated body became an unresoled. object of pity and of horror. She was censured, and accused of destroying, by her excess,

Starting point is 01:43:46 the idea of true Christian penance. She continued nevertheless, and contented herself with replying, if you knew the rigors of the judgments of God, you would not speak thus. What are my trifling penances compared with the torments reserved in the other life, for those infidelities, which we so easily permit ourselves in this world. What are they? What are they? Would that I could do a hundred times more? There is no question here, as we see,

Starting point is 01:44:23 of the tortures to which great sinners, converted before death, are subjected, but of the chastisements which God inflicts upon a fervent religious, for the slightest fault. End of Section 13. Recording by John Brandon. Section 14 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 01:44:57 Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 14. Pains of Purgatory, Apparition of Foligno, The Dominican Religious of Zamora. The same rigor reveals itself in a more recent apparition, where a religious, who died after an exemplary life, makes known her sufferings in a manner calculated to inspire all souls with terror. The event took place on November 16, 1859, at Felino, near Assisi, in Italy.

Starting point is 01:45:34 It made a great noise in the country, and besides the visible mark which was seen, an inquiry made in due form by competent authority, establishes it as an incontestable fact. There was at the convent of Franciscan tertiaries in Foligno, a sister named Teresa Gesta, who had been for many years mistress of novices, and who at the same time had charge of the sacristy of the community.

Starting point is 01:46:05 She was born at Bostia in Corsica in 1797, and entered the monastery in the year 1826. Sister Teresa was a model of fervor in charity. We need not be astonished, said her director, if God glorifies her by some prodigy after her death. She died suddenly November 4, 1859, of a stroke of apoplexy. Twelve days later, on November 16th, a sister named Anna Felicia,

Starting point is 01:46:40 who succeeded her in office, went to the sacristan and was about to enter, when she heard moans, which appeared to come from the interior of the room. Somewhat afraid she hastened to open the door. There was no one. Again she heard moans, and so distinctly that notwithstanding her ordinary courage, she felt herself overpowered by fear. Jesus, Mary, she cried, what can that be?

Starting point is 01:47:11 She had not finished speaking when she heard a plaintive voice accompanied with a painful sigh. Oh my God, how I suffer. Odeo Capeeno Tanto. The sister stupefied immediately recognized the voice

Starting point is 01:47:29 of poor sister Teresa. Then the room was filled with the thick smoke and the spirit of Sister Teresa appeared. Moving to towards the door and gliding along by the wall. Having reached the door, she cried aloud, Behold a proof of the mercy of God. Saying these words, she struck the upper panel of the door, and there left the print of her right hand, burnt in the wood, as with a red-hot iron. She then disappeared. Sister Anna Felicia was left half dead with fright. She burst forth into loud cries

Starting point is 01:48:06 for help. One of her companions ran, then a second, and finally the whole community. They pressed around her, astonished to find a strong odor of burnt wood. Sister Anna Felicia told what had occurred, and showed them the terrible impression on the door. They instantly recognized the hand of Sister Teresa, which had been remarkably small, terrified they took to flight and ran to the choir where they passed. the night in prayer and penance for the departed, and the following morning all received holy communion for the repose of her soul. The news spread outside the convent walls, and many communities in the city united their prayers with those of the Franciscans.

Starting point is 01:48:55 On the third day, November 18th, Sister Anna Felicia, ongoing in the evening to her cell, heard herself called by her name, and recognized perfect. the voice of Sister Teresa. At the same instant, a globe of brilliant light appeared before her, illuminating her cell with the brightness of daylight. She then heard Sister Teresa pronounce these words in a joyful and triumphant voice. I died on a Friday, the day of the passion. And behold, on a Friday, I enter into eternal glory.

Starting point is 01:49:34 Be strong to bear the cross, be courageous to suffer, love poverty. Then, adding affectionately, adieu, adieu, adieu, she became transfigured, and like a light white and dazzling cloud, rose towards heaven and disappeared. During the investigation, which was held immediately, November 23rd, in the presence of a large number of witnesses, the tomb of Sister Teresa was opened,

Starting point is 01:50:08 and the impression upon the door was found to correspond exactly with the hand of the deceased. The door, with the burnt print of the hand, adds Monseigneur Seigour, is preserved with great veneration in the convent. The mother abbess, witness of the fact, was pleased to show it to me herself. Wishing to assure myself

Starting point is 01:50:31 of the perfect exactitude of these details related by Monsignor I wrote to the bishop of Foligno. He replied by giving me a circumstantial account, perfectly according with the above, and accompanied by a facsimile of the miraculous mark.

Starting point is 01:50:50 This narrative explains the cause of the terrible expiation to which Sister Teresa was subjected. After saying, Ah, how much I suffer, O D.O. K. peno Tanto, she added that it was for having in the exercise of her office as sacristan transgressed in some points the strict poverty prescribed by the rule. Thus we see divine justice

Starting point is 01:51:20 punishes most severely the slightest faults. It may here be asked why the apparition, when making the mysterious mark on the door, called it a proof of the mercy of God. It is because, giving us a warning of this kind, God shows us a great mercy. He urges us, in the most efficacious manner, to assist the poor suffering souls and to be vigilant in our own regard. While speaking on this subject, we may relate a similar instance which happened in Spain, and which caused great rumors in that country. Ferdinand of Castile thus relates it in his history of St. Dominic. A Dominican religious led a holy life in his convent at Samora, a city of the kingdom of Flaon. He was united in the bonds of a pious friendship with a Franciscan brother like himself, a man of great virtue.

Starting point is 01:52:21 One day, when conversing together on the subject of eternity, they mutually promised that, if it pleased God, the first who died, should appear to the other to give him, some salutary advice. The friar miner died first, and one day whilst his friend, the son of St. Dominic, was preparing the refectory, he appeared to him. After saluting him with respect and affection, he told him that he was among the elect, but that before he could be admitted to the enjoyment of eternal happiness, there remained much to be suffered for an infinity of small faults, of which he had not sufficiently repented during his life. Nothing on earth, he added,

Starting point is 01:53:10 can give an idea of the torments which I endure, and of which God permits me to give you a visible proof. Saying these words, he placed his right hand upon the table of the refectory, and the mark remained impressed upon the charred wood, as though it had been applied with a red-hot iron. Such was the lesson which the fervent deceit, East Franciscan gave to his living friend. It was of profit not only to him, but to all those who came to see the burnt mark, so profoundly significant. For this table became an object of piety,

Starting point is 01:53:49 which people came from all parts to look upon. It is still to be seen at Samora, says Father Rassignoli. At the time at which I write, to protect it, the spot has been covered with a sheet of copper. It was preserved until the end of the last century. Since then, it has been destroyed during the revolutions, like so many other religious memorials. End of Section 14, recording by John Brandon. Section 15 of F.gatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup, S.J.

Starting point is 01:54:33 This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 15 Pains of Furgatory The brother of St. Magdalene de Pazzi Stanislaus Chochasca Blessed Catherine de Rackanigi St. Magdalene de Pazzi, in her celebrated

Starting point is 01:54:59 vision where the different prisons of purgatory were thrown to her, saw the soul of her brother who had died after having led a most fervent Christian life. Nevertheless, this soul was detained in suffering for certain faults, which it had not sufficiently expiated upon earth. These, says the saint, are the most intolerable sufferings, and yet they are endured with joy. Ah, why are they not understood by those who lack the courage to bear their cross? Here below. Struck with this frightful spectacle which she had just contemplated, she ran to her prioress, and casting herself upon her knees, she cried out,

Starting point is 01:55:44 Oh, my dear mother, how terrible are the pangs of purgatory. Never could I have believed it, had not God manifested it to me, and nevertheless I cannot call them cruel. Rather, are they advantageous, since they lead to the ineffable bliss of paradise. To impress this more and more upon our minds, it has pleased God to give certain holy persons a small share in the pains of expiation, like a drop of the bitter cup, which the poor souls have to drink, a spark of the fire which consumes them. The historian Vizovius, in his history of Poland, under the date 1598, relates a miraculous event which happened to the venerable Stanislaus Chochaska, one of the luminaries of the daughter of St. Dominic in Poland.

Starting point is 01:56:38 One day, whilst this religious, full of charity for the departed, recited the rosary, he saw appear near him, a soul all enveloped in flames. As she besought him to have pity on her, and to

Starting point is 01:56:53 alleviate the intolerable sufferings which the fire of divine justice caused her to endure, the holy man asked her if this fire was more painful than that of earth, Ah, she cried, all the fires of earth compared to that of purgatory are like a refreshing breeze. Enius Ali-Lebis, or a locum tenant, seekum ardore, meocomperentor.

Starting point is 01:57:24 Stanislaus could scarcely believe it. I wish, he said, to have a proof. If God will permit for your relief and for the good of my soul, I consent to suffer a part of your pains. Alas, you could not do this. Know that no human being could endure such torment and live. However, God will permit you to feel it

Starting point is 01:57:49 in a light degree. Stretch forth your hand. Chochaska extended his hand and the departed let fall a drop of sweat, or at least of a liquid which resembled it. At the same instant, the religion uttered a piercing cry, and fell fainting to the ground. So frightfully intense was the pain. His brethren ran to the spot, and hastened to give him the assistance which his condition required.

Starting point is 01:58:20 When restored to consciousness, he related the terrible event which had occurred, and of which they had a visible proof. Ah, my dear fathers, he continued, if we knew the severity of the divine chastised we should never commit sin, nor should we cease to do penance in this life, in order to avoid expiation in the next. Stannislaus was confined to his bed from that moment. He lived one year longer, in the most cruel suffering caused by his terrible wound. Then, for the last time, exhorting his brethren to remember the rigors of divine justice, he peacefully slept in the Lord. The historian adds that this example reanimated fervor in all the monasteries of that province. We read of a similar fact in the life of Blessed Catherine de Rakhonigi.

Starting point is 01:59:17 One day when suffering so intensely as to need the assistance of her sisters in religion, she thought of the souls in purgatory, and to temper the heat of their flame, she offered to God the burning heat of her fever. At that moment being wrapped in ecstasy, she was conducted in spirit into the place of expiation, where she saw the flames and braziers, in which the souls are purified in great torture. Whilst contemplating, full of compassion, this piteous spectacle, she heard a voice which said to her, Catherine, in order that you may procure most efficaciously the deliverance of these souls, you shall participate in some manner in their torments.

Starting point is 02:00:06 At that same moment a spark detached itself from the fire and settled upon her left cheek. The sisters present saw the spark distinctly and saw also with horror that the face of the sick person was frightfully swollen. She lived several days in this state, and as Blessed Catherine told her sisters, the suffering caused by that simple spark,

Starting point is 02:00:30 Marr surpassed all that she had previously endured in the most painful maladies. Until that time, Catherine had always devoted herself with charity to the relief of the souls in purgatory. But from thenceforward, she redoubled her fervor and austerities to hasten their deliverance, because she knew by experience the great need in which they stood of her assistance. End of Section 15, recording by John Brandon. Section 16 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J.

Starting point is 02:01:15 This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 16. Haynes of Purgatory, St. Athaninas and the Religious. Father Rossignoli on a quarter of an hour in purgatory. Brother Angelicus That which shows still more the rigor of purgatory is that the shortest period of time there appears to be a very long duration.

Starting point is 02:01:47 Everyone knows that days of enjoyment pass quickly and appear short, whilst the time passed in suffering we find very long. Oh, how slowly passed the hours of the night for the poor sick, who spend them in sleeplessness and sleep. pain. We may say that the more intense the pain, the longer appears the shortest duration of time. This rule furnishes us with a new means of estimating the sufferings of purgatory. We find in the annals of the Friars minors under the year 1285, a fact which is also related by St. Antoninus in his suma, a religious man suffering for a long time from a

Starting point is 02:02:33 painful malady, allowed himself to be overcome by discouragement, and entreated God to permit him to die, that he might be released from his pains. He did not think that the prolongation of his sickness was a mercy of God, who wished to spare him more severe suffering. In answer to his prayer, God charged his angel guardian to offer him his choice, either to die immediately and submit to the pains of purgatory for three days, or to bear his sickness for another year, and then go directly to heaven. The sick man, having to choose between three days in purgatory

Starting point is 02:03:15 and one year of suffering upon earth, did not hesitate, but took the three days in purgatory. After the lapse of an hour, his angel went to visit him in his sufferings. On seeing him the poor patient complained that he had been left so long in those torments And yet he added, You promised that I should remain here but three days. How long? asked the angel, do you think you have already suffered?

Starting point is 02:03:46 At least for several years, he replied, And I had to suffer but three days. No, said the angel, that you have been here only one hour. The intensity of the pain deceives you as to the time. It makes an instant appear a day, and an hour, years. Alas, then, said he with a sigh,

Starting point is 02:04:11 I have been very blind and inconsiderate in the choice I have made. Pray God, my good angel, to pardon me, and permit me to return to earth. I am ready to submit to the most cruel maladies, not only for two years, but as long as it shall please him. Rather six years of horrible suffering than one single hour in this abyss of unutterable agonies. The following is taken from a pious author, quoted by Father Rossignoli.

Starting point is 02:04:45 Two religious, of eminent virtue, vied with each other in leading a holy life. One of them fell sick, and learned in a vision that he should soon die. that he should be saved, and that he should remain in purgatory, only until the first Mass should be celebrated for the repose of his soul. Full of joy at these tidings, he hastened to impart them to his friend, and entreated him not to delay the celebration of the Mass, which was to open heaven to him. He died the following morning, and his holy companion lost no time in celebrating the holy sacrifice. After Mass, whilst he was making his Thanksgiving, and still continuing to pray for his departed friend, the latter appeared to him, radiant with glory. But in a tone sweetly plaintive,

Starting point is 02:05:40 he asked why that one mass of which he stood in need had been so long delayed. "'My dear brother,' replied the religious, "'I delayed so long, you say?' I do not understand you. What? Did you not leave me to suffer more than a year before offering Mass for the repose of my soul? Indeed, my dear brother, I commenced Mass immediately after your death. Not a quarter of an hour had elapsed. Then, regarding him with emotion, the blessed soul cried out,

Starting point is 02:06:19 How terrible are those expiatory pains, since they have caused me to mistake minutes for a year. Serve God, my dear brother, with an exact fidelity, in order that you may avoid those chastisements. Farewell, I fly to heaven, where you will soon join me. This severity of divine justice, in regard to the most fervent souls, is explained by the infinite sanctity of God, who discovers things in that which appears to us most pure. The annals of the Order of St. Francis speak of a religious whose eminent sanctity had caused him to be surnamed Angelicus. He died in odor of sanctity at the monastery of the friars minors in Paris, and one of his brethren in religion, a doctor in theology, persuaded that

Starting point is 02:07:18 after a life so perfect, he had gone directly to heaven, and that he stood in no need of prayers, omitted to celebrate for him three masses of obligation, which according to the custom of the Institute were offered for each departed member. After a few days, whilst he was walking and meditating in a retired spot, the deceased appeared before him, enveloped in flames, and said to him in a mournful voice. Dear Master, I beg of you, have pity upon me. What, Brother Angelicus, do you need my assistance? I am detained in the fires of purgatory, awaiting the fruit of the holy sacrifice,

Starting point is 02:08:06 which you should have offered three times for me. Beloved, brother, I thought you were already in possession of eternal glory. after a life so fervent and exemplary as yours had been, I could not imagine that there remained any pain to be suffered. Alas! Alas! replied the departed. No one can believe, with what severity God judges and punishes his creatures. His infinite sanctity discovers in our best actions, defective spots, imperfections which displeased him.

Starting point is 02:08:45 He requires us to give an account, even to the last farthing. Usque ad novissimum quadrantum. End of Section 16, recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 17 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Libra Fox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 17. Pains of Purgatory

Starting point is 02:09:23 Blessed Quinziani The Emperor Maurice In the life of Blessed Stefana Quinziani, a Dominican nun, mention is made of a sister named Paula, who died at the convent of Mantua after a long life of eminent virtue. The body was carried to the church and placed uncovered in the choir among the religious.

Starting point is 02:09:46 During the recitation of the office, Blessed Quinziani knelt near the beer, recommending to God the deceased religious who had been very dear to her. Suddenly the latter let fall the crucifix, which had been placed between her hands, extended her left arm, seized the right hand of Blessed Quinciani, and pressed it tightly, as a poor patient in the burning heat of fever would ask the assistance of a friend. She held it for a considerable time, and then withdrawing her arm, sank back lifeless into the coffin. The religious, astonished at this prodigy, asked an explanation of the blessed sister. She replied that, whilst the deceased pressed her hand, an inarticulate voice had spoken in the depths of her heart, saying, help me, dear sister. Sucker me. in the frightful torture which I endure. Oh, if you knew the severity of the judge who desires all our love,

Starting point is 02:10:54 what atonement he demands for the least false, before admitting us to the reward. If you knew how pure we must be to see the face of God, pray, pray, and do penance for me, who can no longer help myself. Blessed Quincyani touched by the prayer of her friend imposed upon herself all kinds of penances and good works, until she learned, by a new revelation, that Sister Paula was delivered from her sufferings, and had entered into

Starting point is 02:11:30 eternal glory. The natural conclusion which follows from these terrible manifestations of divine justice is that we must hasten to make satisfaction for our sins in this life. surely a criminal condemned to be burned alive would not refuse a lighter pain if the choice were left to him. Suppose it should be said to him you can deliver yourself from that terrible punishment on condition that for three days you fast on bread and water. Should he refuse it? He who should prefer the torture of fire to that of a light penance, would he not be regarded as one who had lost his?

Starting point is 02:12:13 his reason? Now to prefer the fire of purgatory to Christian penance is an infinitely greater folly. The Emperor Maurice understood this, and acted wisely. History relates that this prince, notwithstanding his good qualities, which had endeared him to St. Gregory the Great, towards the close of his reign, committed a grave fault, and atoned for it by an exemplary repentance. Having lost a battle against the Khan, or king of the aviary, he refused to pay the ransom of the prisoners, although he was asked but a sixth part of a gold coin, which is less than a dollar of our money. This mean refusal put the barbarous conqueror into such a violent rage that he ordered the immediate massacre of all the Roman soldiers to the number of 12,000.

Starting point is 02:13:09 Then the emperor acknowledged his fault, and felt it so keenly that he sent money and candles to the principal churches and monasteries, to beg that God would be pleased to punish him in this life rather than in the next. These prayers were heard. In the year 602, wishing to oblige his troops to pass the winter on the opposite bank of the Danube, a mutiny arose among them. They drove away their general and proclaimed as emperor, Focus, a simple centurion. The imperial city followed the example of the army. Maurice was obliged to fly in the night,

Starting point is 02:13:54 after having divested himself of all marks of royalty, which now served but to increase his fears. Nevertheless, he was recognized. He was taken, together with his wife, five of his sons and three daughters. That is to say his entire family, with the exception of his eldest son, whom he had already caused to be crowned emperor,

Starting point is 02:14:19 and who thus far had escaped the tyrant. Maurice and his five sons were unmercifully slaughtered near Calcedon. The carnage began with the youngest of the princes, who was put to death before the eyes of the unfortunate father, without uttering a word of complaint. Remembering the pains of the other world, he esteemed himself happy to suffer in the present life. And throughout the massacre,

Starting point is 02:14:48 he spoke no other words than those of the psalmist. Thou art just, O Lord, And thy judgment is right. Psalm 118. End of Section 17, recording by John Brandon. Section 18 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup. S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 02:15:22 Part 1. Chapter 18. Pains of Pergatory. St. Perpetua. St. Gertrude. St. Catherine of Genoa. Brother John DeVia. As we have already said, the pain of sense has different degrees of intensity.

Starting point is 02:15:46 It is less terrible for those souls that have no grievous sins to atone for, or who, having already completed the most rigorous part of their expiation, approached the moment of their deliverance. Many of those souls suffered then no more than the pain of loss, and even begin to perceive the first rays of heavenly glory, and to have a foretaste of beatitude.

Starting point is 02:16:11 When St. Perpetua saw her young brother, Dinochrates, in Purgatory, the trial did not seem to be subjected to any cruel torture. The illustrious martyr herself writes the account of this vision in her prison at Carthage, where she was confined for the faith of Christ during the persecution under Septimus Severus in the year 205. Purgatory appeared to her under the figure of an arid desert, where she saw her brother, Dinochrates, who had died at the age of seven years. The child had an ulcer on his face, and tormented by thirst, he tried in vain to drink from the waters of a fountain, which was before him,

Starting point is 02:16:55 but the brim of which was too high for him to reach. The holy martyr understood that her brother was in the place of expiation, and that he besought the assistance of her prayers. She then prayed for him, and three days later, in another vision, she saw the same Dinocrates in the midst of lovely gardens. His face was beautiful, liked out of an angel. He was clad in a shining robe. The brink of the fountain was beneath him, and he drank copiously of those refreshing waters from a golden cup. The saint then knew that the soul of her young brother now enjoyed the bliss of paradise. We read in the revelations of St. Gertrude that a young religious of her convent,

Starting point is 02:17:43 for whom she had a special love on account of her great virtues, died in the most beautiful sentiments of piety. While she was fervently recommending this dear soul to God, she was wrapped in ecstasy and had a vision. The deceased sister was shown to her standing before the throne of God, surrounded by a brilliant halo and in rich garments. Nevertheless, she appeared sad and troubled. Her eyes were cast down, as though she were ashamed to appear before the face of God. It seemed as though she would hide herself and retire.

Starting point is 02:18:24 Gertrude, much surprised, asked of the divine spouse of virgins because of this sadness and embarrassment on the part of so holy a soul, Most sweet Jesus, she cried, why does not your infinite goodness invite your spouse to approach you and to enter into the joy of her Lord? Why do you leave her aside, sad and timid?

Starting point is 02:18:52 Then our Lord, with a loving smile, made a sign to that holy soul to draw near, but she more and more troubled, after some hesitation, all trembling, withdrew. At this sight, the saint addressed herself directly to the soul. What, my daughter? She said to her, do you retire when our Lord calls you? You that have desired Jesus during your whole life, withdraw now that he opens his arms to receive you? Ah, my dear mother, replied the soul, I am not worthy to appear before the Immaculate Lamb.

Starting point is 02:19:35 I have still some stains, which I contracted upon earth. To approach the Son of Justice, one must be as pure as a ray of light. I have not yet that degree of purity which he requires of his saints. Know that if the door of heaven were to be open to me, I should not dare to cross the threshold, before being entirely purified from all stain. It seems to me that the choir of virgins who follow the lamb would repulse me with horror,

Starting point is 02:20:08 and yet, continued the abbess, I see you surrounded with light and glory. What you see, replied the soul, is but the border of the garment of glory. To wear this celestial robe, we must not retain even the shadow of sin. This vision shows a soul very, near to the glory of heaven, but her enlightenment concerning the infinite sanctity of God

Starting point is 02:20:33 was of a different order from that which has been given to us. This clear knowledge causes her to seek, as a blessing, the expiation which her condition requires to render her worthy of the vision of the thrice holy God. This is precisely the exact teaching of St. Catherine of Genoa. We know that this saint received particular light from God concerning the state of the souls in purgatory. She wrote a work entitled, A Triatis on Purgatory, which was an authority equal to that of St. Teresa.

Starting point is 02:21:11 In Chapter 8, she thus expresses herself, The Lord is all merciful. He stands before us. His arms extended in order to receive us into his glory. but I see also that the divine essence is of such purity that the soul, unless she be absolutely immaculate, cannot bear the sight. If she finds in herself the least atom of imperfection,

Starting point is 02:21:38 rather than dwell with a stain in the presence of the divine majesty, she would plunge herself into the depths of hell. Finding in purgatory a means to blot out her stains, she casts herself into it. She esteems herself happy that by the effect of a great mercy, a place is given to her, where she can free herself

Starting point is 02:22:01 from the obstacles to supreme happiness. The history of the seraphic order makes mention of a holy religious named Brother John DeVia, who died piously in a monastery on the Canary Islands. His inframarian brother ascension, was in his cell praying and recommending to God the soul of the departed,

Starting point is 02:22:25 when suddenly he saw before him a religious of his order, but who appeared to be transfigured. So radiant was he that the cell was filled with a beautiful light. The brother almost beside himself with astonishment did not recognize him, but ventured to ask who he was, and what was the object of his visit? I am, answered the apparition, the spirit of Brother John DeVia. I thank you for the prayers

Starting point is 02:22:57 which you have poured forth to heaven in my behalf. And I come to ask of you one more act of charity. Know that, thanks to the divine mercy, I am in the place of salvation, among those predestined for heaven. The light which surrounds me is a proof of this.

Starting point is 02:23:17 yet I am not worthy to see the face of God, on account of an omission which remains to be expiated. During my mortal life, I omitted through my own fault, and that, several times, to recite the office for the dead, when it was prescribed by the rule. I beseech you, my dear brother,

Starting point is 02:23:39 for the love you bear Jesus Christ, to say those offices in such a manner that my debt may be paid, and I may go to enjoy the vision of my God. Brother Ascension ran to the Father Guardian, related what had happened, and hastened to say the office is required. Then the soul of Blessed Brother John DeVia appeared again, but this time more brilliant than before. He was in possession of eternal happiness. End of Section 18. Recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 02:24:23 Section 19 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup. S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Section 19. Pains of Purgatory. St. Magdalene de Pauze and Sister Benedicta. St. Gertrude.

Starting point is 02:24:46 Blessed Margaret M. Mary and Mother de Montau. We read in the life of St. Magdalene de Pauze that one of her sisters, named Maria Benedicta, a religious of eminent virtue, died in her arms. During her agony she saw a multitude of angels, which surrounded her with a joyful air, waiting until she should breathe forth her soul, that they might bear it to the heavenly Jerusalem, and at the moment she expired, the saint saw them receive the soul under the form of a dove, the head of which was of a golden hue, and disappear with her.

Starting point is 02:25:28 Three hours later, watching and praying near the remains, Magdalene knew that the soul of the deceased was neither in paradise nor purgatory, but in a particular place where without suffering any sensible pain, she was deprived of the sight of God. The following day, whilst Mass was being celebrated for the soul of Maria Benedicta, at the Sanctus, Magdalene was again wrapped in ecstasy, and God showed her that blessed soul in the glory to which she had been just admitted. Magdalene ventured to ask our Savior, why he had not allowed this dear soul to enter sooner, into His Holy Presence,

Starting point is 02:26:14 she received for answer that, in her last sickness, Sister Benedicta had shown herself too sensitive to the cares bestowed upon her, which interrupted her habitual union with God, and her perfect conformity to his divine will. Let us return to the revelations of St. Gertrude, to which we have just alluded.

Starting point is 02:26:38 There we shall find another instance which shows how, for certain circumstances, how, for certain souls at least, the Son of Glory is preceded by a dawn which breaks by degrees. A religious died in the flower of her age, in the embrace of the Lord. She had been remarkable for her tender devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. After her death, St. Gertrude saw her, brilliant with a celestial light, kneeling before the divine master, whose glorified wounds appeared like lighted torches. from whence issued five flaming rays that pierced the five senses of the deceased the countenance of the latter however was clouded by an expression of deep sadness

Starting point is 02:27:23 lord jesus cried the saint how comes it that whilst you thus illumine your servant why does she not experience perfect joy until now replied the good master this sister has been worthy to contemplate my glorify humanity only, and to enjoy the sight of my five wounds, in recompense for her tender devotion to the mystery of the Holy Eucharist. But unless numerous suffrages are offered in her favor, she cannot yet be admitted to the beatific vision, on account of some slight defects in the observation of her holy rules. Let us conclude what we have said concerning the nature of these pains by some details, which we find in the life of Blessed Margaret Mary of the visitation. They are taken in part from the memoir of Mother Grefere, who, wisely diffident on the subject of the extraordinary graces granted to Blessed Sister Margaret, recognize the truth only after

Starting point is 02:28:30 a thousand trials. Mother Filibert Emmanuel de Montau, Superior of Vanity, died February. 2, 1683, after a life which had edified the whole order. Mother Grefier recommended her specially to the prayers of Sister Margaret. After some time, the latter told her superior that our Lord had made known to her that this soul was most dear to him, on account of her love and fidelity in his service, and that an ample recompense awaited her in heaven, when she should have accomplished her purification. in purgatory.

Starting point is 02:29:11 The Blessed Sisters saw the departed in the place of expiation. Our Blessed Lord showed her the sufferings which she endured, and how greatly she was relieved by the suffrages and good works, which were daily offered for her throughout the whole order of the visitation. During the night from Holy Thursday to Good Friday, while Sister Margaret was still praying for her, he showed her the soul of the departed, as placed under the chalice which contained the sacred host on the altar of repose. There she participated in the merits of his agony, in the Garden of Olives.

Starting point is 02:29:53 On Easter Sunday, which that year fell on April 18, Sister Margaret saw the soul enjoying the commencement, as it were, of eternal felicity, desiring and hoping soon to be admitted to the vision and possession of God. Finally a fortnight after, on May 2nd, Sunday, Feast of the Good Shepherd, she saw the soul of the departed as rising sweetly into eternal glory, chanting melodiously the canticle of divine love.

Starting point is 02:30:27 Let us see how Blessed Margaret herself gives the account of this last apparition in a letter addressed on the same day, May 2nd, 16, to be. 23, to Mother de Sommeis at Dijon. Jesus forever. My soul is filled with so great a joy that I can scarcely restrain myself. Permit me, dear mother, to communicate it to your heart, which is one with mine in that of our

Starting point is 02:30:58 Lord. This morning, Sunday of the good shepherd, on my awaking, two of my good-suffering friends came to bid me adieu. Today the Supreme Pastor receives them into his eternal fold with a million other souls. Both joined this multitude of blessed souls, and departed singing canticles of joy. One is the good mother, Philippebert Emmanuel de Montau, the other, Sister Jean Catherine Gaison. One repeated unceasingly these words. Love triumphs, love rejoices in good, God. The other, blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, and the religious who live and die in the exact observance of their rules. Both desired that I should say to you on their part

Starting point is 02:31:50 that death may separate souls, but can never disunite them, if you knew how my soul was transported with joy. For whilst I was speaking to them, I saw them sink by degrees into glory, like a person who plunges into the vast ocean. They ask of you, in Thanksgiving to the Holy Trinity, one laudate, and three times Gloria Potry. As I desired them to remember us, their last words were that ingratitude is unknown in heaven. End of Section 19, recording by John Brandon. Section 20 of purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording has been the Domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 20. Diversity of the Pains. King Sancho and Queen Gouda. St. Lydwina and the soul transpierced. Blessed Margaret Mary and the bed of fire.

Starting point is 02:33:05 According to the saints, there is great diversity in the corporal pains of purgatory. Although fire is the principal instrument of torture, there is also the torment of cold, the torture of the members, and the torture applied to the different senses of the human body. This diversity of suffering seems to correspond to the nature of the sins, each one of which demands its own punishment, according to these words, Quia per quay peccot quis, per heikh et turquator. By what things a man sinneth, by the same also, is he tormented. It is just that it should be so with regard to the chastisement, since the same diversity exists in the distribution of the reward.

Starting point is 02:33:55 In heaven each one receives according to his works, and as venerable Bede says, each one receives his crown, his robe of glory. For the martyr this robe is of a rich purple color, whilst that of the confessor has the brilliancy of, of a dazzling whiteness. The historian John Vasquez, in his chronicle of the year 940, relates how Sancho, king of Leon, appeared to Queen Gouda,

Starting point is 02:34:24 and by the piety of this princess, was delivered from purgatory. Sancho, who had led a truly Christian life, was poisoned by one of his subjects. After his death, Queen Gouda passed her time in praying and causing prayers to be offered for the repose of his soul. not content with having a great number of masses offered for his release in order that she might weep and pray near the dear remains she took the veil in the convent of castilla where the body of her husband had been deposited

Starting point is 02:34:58 One Saturday, while praying at the feet of a Blessed Virgin and recommending to her the soul of her departed husband, Sancho appeared to her. But in what condition? Great God he was clad in garments of mourning, and wore a double row of red-hot chains around his waist. Having thanked his pious widow for her suffrages, he conjured her to continue her work of charity. Ah, if you knew Gouda what I suffer, said he to her, you would do still more. By the bowels of divine mercy, I conjure you, help me, dear Gouda, help me, for I am devoured by these flames. The Queen redoubled her prayers and good works.

Starting point is 02:35:46 She distributed alms among the poor, caused masses to be celebrated in all parts of the country, and gave to the convent a magnificent, an sufficient ornament for use of the altar. At the end of forty days, the king again appeared. He had been relieved of the burning sanctuary, and of all his other sufferings. In place of his robes of mourning, he wore a mantle of dazzling whiteness,

Starting point is 02:36:13 like the sacred ornament which Gouda had given to the convent. Behold me, dear Gouda, said he, thanks to your prayers, delivered from all my sufferings. May you be forever blessed. Persevere in your holy exercises. Often meditate upon the severity of the pains of the other life, and upon the joys of paradise,

Starting point is 02:36:37 whither I go to await you. With these words he disappeared, leaving the pious guda overflowing with consolation. One day, a woman quite disconsolate, went to tell St. Lidwina that she had lost her brother. My brother has just a child. died, she said, and I come to recommend his poor soul to your charity. Offer to God for him some prayers and a part of the sufferings occasioned by your malady.

Starting point is 02:37:08 The holy patient promised her to do so. And sometime after, in one of her frequent ecstasies, she was conducted by her angel guardian into the subterranean dungeons, where she saw with extreme compassion, the torments of the poor souls plunged in flames. One of them in particular attracted her attention. She saw him, trans-pierced by iron pins. Her angel told her that it was the deceased brother of that woman who had asked her prayers. If you wish, he added, to ask any grace in his favor, it will not be refused to you. I ask then, she replied.

Starting point is 02:37:51 that he may be delivered from those horrible irons that transpierce him. Immediately she saw them drawn from the poor sufferer, who was then taken from this special prison, and placed in the one occupied by those souls that had not incurred any particular torment. The sister of the deceased, returning shortly after, to St. Ledwina, the latter made known to her the condition of her brother, and advised her to assist him by multiplying her prayers and alms for the repose of his soul.

Starting point is 02:38:26 She herself offered to God her supplications and sufferings, until finally he was delivered. We read in the life of Blessed Margaret Mary that a soul was tortured in a bed of torments on account of her indolence during life. At the same time, she was subjected to a particular torture in her heart, on account of certain wicked sentiments, and in her tongue in punishment of her uncharitable words. Moreover, she had to endure a frightful pain of an entirely different nature,

Starting point is 02:39:01 caused neither by fire nor iron, but by the sight of a condemned soul. Let us see how the Blessed Margaret describes it in her writing. I saw in a dream, she says, one of our sisters who had died sometime previous, She told me that she suffered much in purgatory, but that God had inflicted upon her a suffering which surpassed all other pains by showing her one of her near relatives precipitated into hell.

Starting point is 02:39:33 At these words I awoke, and felt as though my body was bruised from head to foot, so that it was with difficulty I could move. As we should not believe in dreams, I paid little attention to this one, But the religious obliged me to do so in spite of myself. From that moment she gave me no rest, and said to me incessantly, Pray to God for me, offer to him your sufferings united to those of Jesus Christ to alleviate

Starting point is 02:40:03 mine, and give me all you shall do until the first Friday in May, when you will please communicate for me. This I did with permission of my superior. Meanwhile, the pain which this suffering soul caused me increased to such a degree that I could find neither comfort nor repose. Obedience obliged me to seek a little rest upon my bed, but scarcely had I retired when she seemed to approach me saying, You recline at your ease upon your bed. Look at the one upon which I lie, and where I endure intolerable sufferings. I saw that bed, and the very thought of it makes me shudder. The top and bottom was of sharp flaming points, which pierced the flesh.

Starting point is 02:40:55 She told me, then, that this was on account of her sloth and negligence in the observance of the rules. My heart is torn, she continued, and causes me the most terrible suffering, for my thoughts of disapproval and criticism of my superiors. My tongue is devoured by vermin, and as it were torn from my mouth continually, for the words I spoke against charity, and my little regard for the rule of silence. Ah, would that all souls consecrated to God could see me in these torments. If I could show them what is prepared for those who live negligently in their vocation,

Starting point is 02:41:36 their zeal and fervor would be entirely renewed, and they would avoid those faults, which now caused me to suffer so much. At this sight I melted into tears. Alas! said she, one day passed by the whole community in exact observance would heal my parched mouth. Another pass in the practice of holy charity would cure my tongue.

Starting point is 02:42:03 And a third, passed without any murmuring or disapproval of superiors, would heal my bruised heart. but no one thinks to relieve me. After I had offered the communion, which she had asked of me, she said that her dreadful torments were much diminished, but she had still to remain a long time in purgatory, condemned to suffer the pains due to those souls

Starting point is 02:42:29 that had been tepid in the service of God. As for myself, adds Blessed Margaret Mary, I found that I was freed from my sufferings, which I had been told would not diminish until the soul herself should be relieved. End of Section 20, recording by John Brandon. Section 21 of purgatory by Reverend F.X. You Pes-J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 02:43:08 Part 1, Chapter 21. Diversity of the Pains Blasio raised from the dead by St. Bernardine. Venerable Francis of Pampluna and the pen of fire. St. Corpius and King Maliki. The celebrated Blasio Massiae, who was raised from the dead by St. Bernardine of Siena, saw that there was great diversity in the pains of purgatory. The account of this miracle is given at length,

Starting point is 02:43:45 in the Acta Sanctorum. A short time after the canonization of St. Bernardine of Siena, there died at Cassia, in the kingdom of Naples, a child aged 11 years, named Blasio Messiai. His parents had inspired him with the same devotion, which they themselves had towards this new saint, and the latter was not slow to recompense it. The day after his death, when the body was being carried to the grave, Blasio awoke as from a profound slumber, and said that St. Bernardine had restored him to life in order to relate the wonders which the saint had shown him in the other world.

Starting point is 02:44:34 We can easily understand the curiosity, which this event produced. For a whole month, young Blasio did nothing but talk of what he had seen, and answer the questions put to him by visitors. He spoke with the simplicity of a child, but at the same time with an accuracy of expression and a knowledge of the things of the other life far above his years. At the moment of his death, he said St. Bernardine appeared to him,

Starting point is 02:45:06 and taking him by the hand said, Be not afraid, but pay great attention to what I'm going to show you, so that you may remember and afterwards be able to relate it. Now the saint conducted his young protege successively into the regions of hell, purgatory, limbo, and finally allowed him to see heaven. In hell, Blasio saw indescribable horrors and the divers tortures by which the proud,

Starting point is 02:45:39 the avaricious, the impure, and other sinners are torrentous, are tormented. Amongst them he recognized several whom he had seen during life, and he even witnessed the arrival of two who had just died. Butcherelli and Frasca. The latter was damned for having kept ill-gotten goods in his possession. The son of Frosca, struck by this revelation as by a thunderbolt, and knowing well the truth of the statement, hastened to make complete restitution. And, not content with this act of justice that he might not expose himself, to share one day the sad lot of his father. He distributed the rest of his fortune to the poor, and embraced the monastic

Starting point is 02:46:26 life. From thence, conducted into purgatory, Lazio there saw the most dreadful torments, varied according to the sins of which they were the punishment. He recognized a great number of souls, and several begged him to acquaint their parents and relatives with their suffering condition. They even indicated the suffrages and good works of which they stood in need. When interrogated as to the state of a departed soul, he answered without hesitation, and gave the most precise details. Your father, said he to one of his visitors, has been in purgatory since such a day. He charged you to pay such a sum in arms, and you have neglected to do so. Your brother, he said to another, asked you to have so many masses celebrated. You agreed to do so,

Starting point is 02:47:29 and you have not fulfilled your engagement. So many masses remain to be said. Blasio also spoke of heaven, the last place into which he had been taken. but he spoke almost like St. Paul, who having been ravished to the third heaven, whether with his body or without his body, he knew not. There heard mysterious words, which no mortal tongue could repeat. What most attracted the attention of the child was the immense multitude of angels that surrounded the throne of God, and the incomparable beauty of the Blessed Virgin Mary, elevated above all, all the choirs of angels.

Starting point is 02:48:14 The life of venerable Mary Francis of the Blessed Sacrament, a religious of Pampluna, presents several facts which show that the pains of purgatory are suited to the false to be expiated. This venerable servant of God had the most intimate communication with the souls in purgatory, so that they came in great numbers and filled her cell, humbly waiting, each one in turn, to be assisted by her prayers.

Starting point is 02:48:47 Frequently, the more easily to excite her compassion, they appeared with the instruments of their sins, now become the instruments of their torture. One day she saw a religious, surrounded by costly pieces of furniture, such as pictures, armchairs, etc., all in flames. She had collected these things in her cell, contrary to her vow of religious poverty, and after her death they became her torment. A notary appeared to her one day, with all the insignia of his profession.

Starting point is 02:49:27 Being heaped upon him, the flames which issued therefrom, caused him the most intense suffering. I have used this pen, this ink, this paper, said he, to draw up illegal deeds. I also had a passion for gambling, and these cards, which I am forced to hold continually in my hands, now constitute my punishment. This flaming purse contains my lawful gains and causes me to expiate them.

Starting point is 02:50:01 From all this we should draw great and salutary instruction. Creatures are given to man as a means to serve God. They must be the instruments of virtue and good works. If he abuse them and make them instruments of sin, it is just they should be turned against him and become the instruments of his chastisement. The life of sane Corpheus, an Irish bishop, which we find in the Bollandists on March 6th, furnishes us with another example of the same kind. One day, whilst the holy prelate was in prayer after the office, he saw appear before him a horrible spectre,

Starting point is 02:50:49 with livid countenance, a collar of fire about his neck, and upon his shoulders a miserable mantle all in tatters. Who are you? asked the saint, not in the least disturbed. I am a soul from the other life. What has brought you to the sad condition in which I see you? My faults have drawn this chastisement upon me. Notwithstanding the misery to which I now see myself reduced, I am Maliki, former king of Ireland.

Starting point is 02:51:27 In that high position I could have done much good, and it was my duty to do so. I neglected this, and therefore I am punished. Did not do penance for my faults. I did not do sufficient penance. And this is due to the culpable weakness of my confessor, whom I bent to my caprices by offering him a gold ring. It is on this account that I now wear a collar of fire about my neck.

Starting point is 02:52:01 I should like to know, continued the bishop, Why you are covered with these rags? It is another chastisement. I did not clothe the naked. I did not assist the poor with charity, respect, and liberality, which became my dignity of king and my title of Christian. This is why you see me clothed like the poor, and covered with a garment of confusion.

Starting point is 02:52:32 The biography adds that St. Corpius with his chapter united in prayer, and at the end of six months, obtained a mitigation of the sufferings, and somewhat later the entire deliverance of King Maliki. End of Section 21, recording by John Brandon. Section 22 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup, S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Art 1. Chapter 22. Duration of purgatory.

Starting point is 02:53:19 Opinions of the doctors. Bell are mine. Calculations of Father Mumford. Faith does not teach us the precise duration of the pains of purgatory. We know in general that they are measured by divine justice. and that for each one they are proportioned to the number and gravity of the false which he has not yet expiated. God may, however, without prejudice to his justice, abridge these sufferings by augmenting their intensity. The church militant also may obtain their remission by the holy sacrifice of the Mass

Starting point is 02:53:59 and other suffrages offered for the departed. According to the common opinion of the doctors, The expiatory pains are of long duration. There is no doubt, says Bellarmine, that the pains of purgatory are not limited to ten or twenty years, and that they last in some cases entire centuries. But allowing it to be true that their duration did not exceed ten or twenty years, can we account it as nothing to have to endure for ten or twenty years

Starting point is 02:54:33 the most excruciating sufferings without the least alleviation. If a man was assured that he should suffer some violent pain in his feet or his head or teeth for the space of twenty years, and that without ever sleeping or taking the least repose, would he not a thousand times rather die than live in such a state? And if the choice were given to him between a life thus miserable and the loss of all his temporal goods, would he be given to him? Would he, hesitate to make the sacrifice of his fortune, to be delivered from such a torment. Shall we then find any difficulty in embracing labor and penance to free ourselves from the sufferings of purgatory? Shall we fear to practice the most painful exercises?

Starting point is 02:55:28 Vigils, fasts, almsgiving, long prayers, and especially contrition, accompanied with sighs and sighs and tears? These words comprise the whole doctrine of the saints and theologians. Father Mumford of the company of Jesus and his treatise son, charity, towards the departed, bases the long duration of purgatory on a calculation of probability, which we shall give in substance. He goes out on the principle that, according to the words of the Holy Ghost, the just man falls seven times a day. That is to say that even those who apply themselves most perfectly to the service of God,

Starting point is 02:56:13 notwithstanding their good will, commit a great number of false in the infinitely pure eyes of God. We have but to enter into our own conscience, and they are analyzed before God our thoughts, our words, and works, to be convinced of this sad effect of human misery. Oh, how easy it is to lack respect and prayer, to prefer our ease to the accomplishment of duty,

Starting point is 02:56:41 to sin by vanity, by impatience, by sensuality, by uncharitable thoughts and words, by want of conformity to the will of God. The day is long. Is it very difficult for even a virtuous person to commit? I do not say seven, but twenty or three, 30 of this kind of faults and imperfections? Let us take a moderate estimate, and suppose that you commit about 10 faults a day. At the end of 365 days, you will have a sum of 3,650 faults. Let us diminish, and to facilitate the calculation, place it at 3,000 per year. At the end of 10 years, this will amount to 30,000, and at the end of 10 years, this will amount to 30,000,

Starting point is 02:57:30 and at the end of 20 years to 60,000. Suppose that of these 60,000 false, you have expiated one half by penance and good works. There will still remain 30,000 to be atoned for. Let us continue our hypothesis. You die after these 20 years of virtuous life and appear before God with the debt of 30,000 false, which you must discharge in purgatory.

Starting point is 02:58:00 How much time will you need to accomplish this expiation? Suppose on an average each vault requires one hour of purgatory. This measure is very moderate if we judge by the revelations of the saints. But at any rate, this will give you a purgatory of 30,000 hours. Now do you know how many years these 30,000 hours represent? Three years, three months, and fifteen days. Thus, a good Christian, who watches over himself, who applies himself to penance and good works, finds himself liable to three years, three months, and fifteen days of purgatory.

Starting point is 02:58:47 The preceding calculation is based on an estimate which is lenient in the extreme. Now, if you extend the duration of a pain, and instead of an hour you take a day for the expiation of a fault, if instead of having nothing but venial sins, you bring before God a debt, resulting from mortal sins, more or less numerous, which you formerly committed. If you assign on the average, as St. Francis of Rome says, seven years for the expiation of one mortal sin, remitted as to the guilt, who does not see that we arrive at an appalling duration, and that the expiation may easily be prolonged for many years, and even for centuries. Years and centuries in torments? Oh, if we only thought of it. With what care should we not avoid the least false? With what fervor should we not practice penance

Starting point is 02:59:48 to make satisfaction in this world? End of Section 22. Recording by John Brandon. Section 23 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 23 Duration of Purgatory The Cistercian abbot, and Pope Innocent III, John de Lierre, in the life of St. Ligarda, written by her contemporary, Thomas day contemporary. Mention is made of a religious who was otherwise fervent, but who for an excess of

Starting point is 03:00:42 zeal was condemned to forty years of purgatory. This was an abbot of the Cistercian order named Simon, who held St. Luttgarta in great veneration. The saint on her part willingly followed his advice, and in consequence a sort of spiritual friendship was formed between them. but the abbot was not as mild towards his subordinates as he was towards this saint. Severe with himself, he was also severe in his administration, and carried his exactions in matters of discipline even to harshness, forgetting the lesson of the divine master, who teaches us to be meek and humble of heart.

Starting point is 03:01:28 Having died, and whilst St. Luttgarta was fervently praying and imposing penances upon herself, For the repose of his soul, he appeared to her, and declared that he was condemned to forty years of purgatory. Fortunately he had in Luttgarta a generous and powerful friend. She redoubled her prayers and austerities, and having received from God the assurance that the departed soul should soon be delivered, a charitable saint replied,

Starting point is 03:02:01 I will not cease to weep, I will not cease to importune your mercy until I see him freed from his pains. Since I am mentioning St. Luttgarta ought I to speak of the celebrated apparition of Pope Innocent III. I acknowledged the perusal of this incident shocked me, and I would fain pass it over in silence. I was reluctant to think that a Pope, and such a Pope, had been condemned to so long and terrible a purgatory. We know that Innocent the Third, who presided at the celebrated Council of Lateran in 1215,

Starting point is 03:02:42 was one of the greatest pontiffs who ever filled the chair of St. Peter. His piety and zeal led him to accomplish great things for the Church of God and holy discipline. How then admit that such a man was judged with so great severity at the same time, Supreme Tribunal. How reconciled this revelation of St. Luttgarta with divine mercy? I wish, therefore, to treat it as an illusion and sought for reason in support of this idea.

Starting point is 03:03:16 What I found on the contrary that the reality of this apparition is admitted by the gravest authors and that it is not rejected by any single one. Moreover, the biographer Thomas Day Contemporary is very explicit and at the same time very reserved. Remark-reader, he writes, at the end of his narrative, that it was from the mouth of the pious Lottgartha herself that I heard of the false revealed by the defunct, and which I omit here, through respect for so great a pope. Aside from this, considering the event in itself, can we find any good reason for calling it into question. Do we not know that God makes no exception of persons? That the popes appear before his tribunal, like the humblest of the faithful, that all the great and the lowly are equal before him,

Starting point is 03:04:13 and that each one receives according to his works? Do we not know that those who govern others have a great responsibility, and will have to render a severe account? Judiciary diurisimum, his qui, pre-sunt fiat. A most severe judgment shall be for them that bear rule. It is the Holy Ghost that declares it. Now Innocent the Third reigned for eighteen years, and during most turbulent times, and, add the Bolandists, it is not written that the judgments of God are inscrutable,

Starting point is 03:04:55 and often very different from the judgments of men. Judiciatua Abysus Multa The reality of this apparition cannot then be reasonably called in question. I see no reason for omitting it since God does not reveal mysteries of this nature for any other purpose,

Starting point is 03:05:19 then they should be made known for the edification of his church. Pope Innocent III died July 16, 1216, the same day he appeared to St. Lugarda in her monastery at A. Wears in Brabant. Surprised to see a spectre enveloped in flames, she asked who he was and what he wanted. I am Pope Innocent, he replied. Is it possible that you, our common father, should be in such a state? It is but too true. I am expiating three faults, which might have caused my eternal perdition. Thanks to the Blessed Virgin Mary, I have obtained pardon for them, but I have to make atonement. Alas, it is terrible, and it will last for centuries if you do not come to my assistance.

Starting point is 03:06:16 In the name of Mary, who has obtained for me the favor of appealing to you, help me. With these words, he disappeared. Lugarda announced the Pope's death to her sisters, and together they betook themselves to prayer and penitential works, in behalf of the august and venerated pontiff, whose demise was communicated to them, some weeks later from another source. Let us add here a more consoling fact, which we find in the life of the same same. A celebrated preacher named John de Lierre was a man of great piety and well known to our saint. He had made a contract with her, by which they mutually promised, that the one who should die first, with the permission of God, should appear to the other. John was the first to depart this life, having undertaken a journey to Rome for the arrangement of certain affairs in the interest of the religious.

Starting point is 03:07:20 he met his death among the Alps. Faithful to his promise, he appeared to Luttgarta in the celebrated cloister of Aviers. On seeing him, the saint had not the slightest idea that he was dead and invited him, according to the rule, to enter the parlor that she might converse with him. I am no more of this world, he replied, and I come here only in fulfillment of my promise.

Starting point is 03:07:50 At these words Lutt Garta fell on her knees, and remained for some time quite confounded. Then raising her eyes to her blessed friend, Why, said she, are you clothed in such splendor? What does this triple robe signify, with which I see you adorned? The white garment, he replied, signifies virginal purity, which I have always preserved. The red tunic implies that. the labors and sufferings which have prematurely exhausted my strength, and the blue mantle

Starting point is 03:08:26 which covers all, denotes the perfection of the spiritual life. Having said these words, he suddenly left Luttgarta, who remained divided between regret for having lost so good a father, and the joy she experienced on account of his happiness. St. Vincent Ferrer, the celebrated wonder-worker of the Order of St. Dominic, who preached with so much eloquence the great truth of the judgment of God, had a sister who remained unmoved either by the words or example of her saintly brother. She was full of the spirit of the world, intoxicated with its pleasures, and walked with rapid strides towards her eternal ruin. Meanwhile, the saint prayed for her conversion, and his prayer was finally answered. The unfortunate sinner fell mortally sick,

Starting point is 03:09:23 and at the moment of death, entering into herself, she made her confession with sincere repentance. Some days after her death, whilst her brother was celebrating the holy sacrifice, she appeared to him in the midst of flames and a prey to the most intolerable torments. Alas, my dear brother, said she, I am condemned to undergo these torments until the day of the last judgment. Nevertheless, you can assist me. The efficacy of the Holy Sacrifice is so great. Offer for me about thirty masses, and I may hope the happiest result. The saint hastened to exceed to her request. He celebrated the 30 Masses, and on the 30th day his sister again appeared to him,

Starting point is 03:10:22 surrounded by angels and soaring to heaven. Thanks to the virtue of the divine sacrifice. An expiation of several centuries was reduced to 30 days. This example shows us at once the duration of the pains which a soul may incur, and the powerful effect of the holy sacrifice of the Mass, when God is pleased to apply it to a soul. But this application, like all other, suffrages, does not always take place,

Starting point is 03:10:57 at least not always in the same plainitude. End of Section 23, recording by John Brandon. Section 24 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Livervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon Part 1, Chapter 24 Duration of Pergatory The Duelist

Starting point is 03:11:30 Father Schufz and the Apparition at Antwerp. The following example shows not only the long duration of the punishment inflicted for certain faults, but also the difficulty of inclining divine justice in favor of those who have committed false of this nature. The history of the Order of the Visitation mentions among the first religious of that institute,

Starting point is 03:11:59 Sister Marie Denise, called in the world Mademoiselle Marie Martinot. She was most charitably devoted to the souls in purgatory, and felt herself particularly drawn to recommend to God in a special manner those who held high positions in the world, for she knew by experience the dangers to which their positions exposed them. A certain prince whose name is not given,

Starting point is 03:12:28 but who it is believed belonged to the House of France, was killed in a duel, and God permitted him to appear to Sister Denise, to ask of her the assistance, of which he stood so greatly in need. He told her that he was a child, not damned, although his crime merited damnation. Thanks to an act of perfect contrition, which he had made at the moment of death, he had been saved. But, in punishment, for his guilty

Starting point is 03:12:58 life and death, he was condemned to the most rigorous chastisement in purgatory, until the day of judgment. The charitable sister, deeply touched by the state of this soul, generously offered herself as a victim for him. But it is impossible to say what she had to suffer for many years in consequence of that heroic act. The poor prince left her no repose and made her partake of his torments. She completed her sacrifice by death, but before expiring she confided to her superior that in return for so much expiation she had obtained for her protege the remission of but a few hours of pain. When the Superior expressed her astonishment at this result, which seemed to her entirely disproportionate with what the sister had suffered, Sister Denise replied,

Starting point is 03:13:57 Ah, my dear mother, the hours of purgatory are not computed like those of earth. Years of grief, weariness, poverty, or sickness in this world are nothing compared to one hour of the suffering of purgatory. It is already much that divine mercy permits us to exercise any influence whatever over his justice. I am less moved by the lamentable

Starting point is 03:14:24 state in which I have seen this soul languish than by the extraordinary return of grace which has consummated the work of his salvation. The act in which the prince died merited hell. A million others might have found

Starting point is 03:14:39 their eternal perdition in the same act in which he found his salvation. He recovered consciousness, but for one instant, just time sufficient, to cooperate with that precious movement of grace, which disposed him to make an act of perfect contrition. That blessed moment seems to me to be an excess of the goodness, clemency, and infinite love of God.

Starting point is 03:15:05 Thus spoke Sister Denise. She admired at once the severity of God's justice, and his infinite mercy. Both one and the other shown forth in this example in the most striking manner. Continuing the subject of the long duration of purgatory, we will here relate an instance of more recent occurrence. Father Philip Schufts of the Company of Jesus,

Starting point is 03:15:32 who died in Louvain in 1878, related the following fact which happened in Antwerp during the first years of his ministry in that city. He had just preached a mission and had returned to the College of Notre Dame, then situated in the Rue Lempirur, when he was told, someone asked for him in the parlor. Descending immediately, he found there two young men

Starting point is 03:15:59 in the flower of their age, with a pale and sickly child of about ten years. Father, said they, here is a poor child that we have adopted and who deserves our protection because he is good and pious. We feed and educate him. And for more than a year that he has formed part of our family, he has been happy and enjoyed good health. It is only for the last few weeks that he has commenced to grow thin and pine away, as you now see him.

Starting point is 03:16:33 What is the cause of this change? asked the father. It is fright, they replied. The child is awakened every night by apparitions. A man he assures us presents himself before him

Starting point is 03:16:49 and he sees him as distinctly as he sees us in full daylight. This is the cause of his continual fear and uneasiness. Become father to ask of you some remedy.

Starting point is 03:17:04 My friends, replied Father Schufz. With God there is a remedy for all things. Begin both of you by making a good confession and communion. Beg God to deliver you from all evil and fear nothing. As for you, my child, say your prayers well. Then sleep so soundly that no ghosts can awake you. He then dismissed them,

Starting point is 03:17:33 telling them to return in case anything more should happen. Two weeks passed, and they again returned. Father, said they, we have followed your orders, and yet the apparitions continue as before. The child always sees the same man appear. From this evening, said Father Schoves, watch at the door of the child's room,

Starting point is 03:17:59 provided with paper and ink, with which to write the answers. When he warned you of the presence of, of that man, ask in the name of God who he is, the time of his death, where he lived, and why he returns. The following day they returned, carrying the paper on which was written the answers which they had received. We saw, they said, the man that appears to the child. They described him as an old man, of whom they could but see the bus. and he wore a costume of the olden times.

Starting point is 03:18:40 He told them his name, and the house in which he had dwelt in Antwerp. He died in 1636, had followed the profession of banker, in that same house, which in his time comprised the two houses, which today may be seen situated to the right and left of it.

Starting point is 03:19:02 Let us remark here that certain documents which prove the accurate, of these indications have since been discovered in the archives of the city of Antwerp. He added that he was in purgatory, and that few prayers had been said for him. He then begged the persons of the house to offer holy communion for him, and finally asked that a pilgrimage might be made for him to Notre Dame de Fivre, and another to Notre Dame de Chappelle in Brussels. You will do well to comply with all these requests, said Father Shufs,

Starting point is 03:19:40 and if the spirit returns before speaking to him, require him to say, The Pater, Ave, and Credo. They accomplished the good works indicated with all possible piety, and many conversions were affected. When all was finished, the young men returned. Father, he prayed, they said to Father Shufs, but in a tone of indescribable faith and piety. We never heard anyone pray thus.

Starting point is 03:20:13 What reverence in the Our Father, what love in the Hail Mary, what fervor in the I believe. Now we know what it is to pray. Then he thanked us for our prayers. He was greatly relieved, and what have been entirely delivered had not an assistant in our shop,

Starting point is 03:20:36 made a sacrilegious communion. We have, they continued, reported these words to the person. She turned pale, acknowledged her guilt, then running to her confessor, hastened to repair her crime. Since that day, Ed's father shoots,

Starting point is 03:20:57 that house has never been troubled. The family that inhabited have prospered rapidly, and today they are rich. The two brothers continued to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner, and their sister became a religious in a convent,

Starting point is 03:21:15 of which she is at the present time superior. Everything leads us to believe that the prosperity of that family was the result of the succor given to the departed soul. After two centuries of punishment, there remained to the latter, but a small part of the expiation

Starting point is 03:21:34 and the performance of some good works which he asked. When these were accomplished, he was delivered and wished to show his gratitude by obtaining the blessings of God upon his benefactors. End of Section 24. Recording by John Brandon. Section 25 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S. Chey.

Starting point is 03:22:05 This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 25. Duration of Pergatory. The Abbey of La Trobe. A hundred years of suffering for delay in the reception of the last sacraments. The following incident is related with authentic proof by the journal The Mond in the number of April 1860. It took place in America, in the Abbey of the Benedictans, situated in the village of La Trobe. A series of apparitions occurred during the course of the year 1859. The American press took up the matter and treated those grave questions with its usual levity. In order to put a stop to the scandal, the abbot Wimmer, Superior of the House, addressed the following letter to the newsman.

Starting point is 03:23:03 papers. The following is a true statement of the case. In our abbey of St. Vincent near La Trobe, on September 10, 1859, a novice saw an apparition of a Benedictine in full choir dress. This apparition was repeated every day from September 18 until November 19, either at 11 o'clock at noon or at two o'clock in the morning. It was only on the 19th of November that the novice interrogated the spirit in presence of another member of the community and asked the motive of these apparitions. He replied that he had suffered for 77 years for having neglected to celebrate seven masses of obligation, that he had already appeared at different times to seven other Benedictans, but that he had not been heard.

Starting point is 03:23:58 and that he would be obliged to appear again after eleven years if the novice did not come to his assistance. Finally, the Spirit asked that these seven masses might be celebrated for him. Moreover, the novice must remain in retreat for seven days, keep strict silence, and during thirty days recite three times a day the Psalm Miscerary. His bare feet and his arms extended in the form of a cross. cross. All the conditions were fulfilled between November 20th and December 25th, and on that day, after the celebration of the last mass, the apparition disappeared. During that period, the spirit showed itself several times, exhorting the novice in the most urgent manner to pray for the souls

Starting point is 03:24:51 in purgatory. For said he, they suffer frightfully, and are extremely grateful to to those who cooperate in their deliverance. He added, sad, to relate, that of the five priests who had died in our abbey, not one had yet entered heaven, all were suffering in purgatory. I do not draw any conclusion, but this is correct.

Starting point is 03:25:16 The account signed by the hand of the abbot is an incontestable historical document. As regards the conclusion which the venerable prelate leaves, us to draw, it is evident. Seeing that a religious is condemned to purgatory for 77 years, let it suffice for us to learn the necessity of reflecting on the duration of future punishment, as well as for priests and religious, as for the ordinary faithful, living in the midst of the corruption of the world. A too frequent cause of the long continuance of purgatory is that many

Starting point is 03:25:56 deprive themselves of a great means established by Jesus Christ, for shortening it, by delaying when dangerously sick to receive the last sacraments. These sacraments, destined to prepare souls for their last journey, to purify them from the remains of sin, and to spare them the pains of the other life, require in order to produce their effects, that the sick person receives them with the requisite dispositions. Now, the longer they are deferred, and the faculties of the sick person allow to become weak, the more defective do these dispositions become. What do I say? Very often it happens, in consequence of this imprudent delay, that the sick person dies deprived of this absolutely necessary help. The result is that if the deceased is not damned, he is plunged

Starting point is 03:26:56 into the deepest abysses of purgatory, loaded with all the weight of his debts. Michael Aylix speaks of an ecclesiastic, who instead of promptly receiving the extreme unction and therein giving a good example to the faithful, was guilty of negligence in this respect, and was punished by a hundred years of purgatory. Knowing that he was seriously ill and in danger of death, this poor priest should have made known his condition, and immediately had recourse to the suckers which the Mother Church reserves for her children in that supreme hour. He omitted to do so, and whether through an illusion common among sick people he would not declare the gravity of his situation, or whether he was under the influence of that fatal prejudice, which causes weak

Starting point is 03:27:48 Christians to defer the reception of the last sacraments, he neither asked for nor thought of receiving them. But we know how death comes by stealth. The unfortunate man deferred so long that he died without having had the time to receive either the viaticum or extra munction. Now God was pleased to make use of this circumstance to give a great warning to others. The deceased himself came to make known to a brother ecclesiastic that he was condemned to purgatory for a hundred years. I am thus punished, he said, for delaying to receive the grace of the last purification. Had I received the sacraments as I ought to have done, I should have escaped death through the virtue of extreme unction, and I should have had time to do penance.

Starting point is 03:28:44 End of Section 25. Recording by John Brandon Section 26 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 26.

Starting point is 03:29:08 Duration of Purgatory Venerable Catherine Palluzzi and Sister Bernardine. Brothers Finetti and Rudolfini. St. Peter Claver. and the two poor women. Let us cite some other examples, which will serve to convince us still more

Starting point is 03:29:30 of the long duration of the sufferings of purgatory. We shall see therein that divine justice is relatively severe toward souls call to perfection and who have received much grace. Does not Jesus Christ say in the Gospel, unto whom much is given, of him much shall be required?

Starting point is 03:29:53 and to whom they have committed much, of him they will demand the more. We read in the life of venerable Catherine Palluzzi that a holy religious who died in her arms was not admitted to eternal beatitude until after she had passed an entire year in purgatory. Catherine Palluzzi led a holy life in the diocese of Napi in Italy, where she founded a convent of Dominicans. There lived with her a religious named Bernardine, who was far advanced in the ways of the spiritual life. These two saints emulated each other in fervor, and helped each other to progress more and more

Starting point is 03:30:36 in the perfection to which God called them. The biographer of Venerable Catherine compares them to two live coals that communicate heat to each other, and again to two harps, tuned to harmonize together in one moment. perpetual hymn of love to the greater glory of God. Bernardine died, a painful malady, which she bore with Christian patience, carried her to the grave. When about to expire, she told Catherine

Starting point is 03:31:07 that she would not forget her before God, and if God so permitted, she would return to converse with her on such spiritual matters as would contribute to her sanctification. Catherine prayed much for the soul of her friend, and at the same time besought God to allow her to appear to her. An entire year elapsed, and the deceased did not return. Finally, on the anniversary of the death of Bernardine, Catherine, being in prayer, saw a pit from whence issued volumes of smoke and flames.

Starting point is 03:31:45 Then she perceived coming out of the pit a form surrounded by dark clouds. By degrees these vapors were dispersed, and the apparition became radiant with an extraordinary brilliancy. In this glorious personage, Catherine recognized Bernardine, and ran towards her. Is it you, my dearest sister? said she, but whence do you come? What signifies this pit, this fiery smoke? Does your purgatory end only today? You are right, replied the son.

Starting point is 03:32:21 soul. For a year I have been detained in that place of expiation. And today for the first time shall I enter heaven. As regard yourself, persevere in your holy exercises. Continue to be charitable and merciful, and you will obtain mercy. The following incident belongs to the history of the society of Jesus. Two scholastics or young religious of that institute, brothers Finetti and Rudolfini pursued their studies at the Roman College towards the end of the 16th century. Both were models of piety and regularity. Both also received a warning from heaven, which they disclosed, according to the rule, to their spiritual director. God made known to them their approaching death, and the suffering that awaited them in purgatory. One must to remain there for two

Starting point is 03:33:22 years the other four. They died, in fact, one after the other. Their brethren and religion immediately offered the most fervent prayers and all kinds of penances for the repose of their souls. They knew that if the sanctity of God imposes long expiations upon his elect, they may be abridged and entirely remitted by the suffrages of the living. If God is severe towards those who have received much knowledge and grace, on the other hand, he is very indulgent, towards the poor, and the simple, provided they serve him with sincerity and patience.

Starting point is 03:34:02 St. Peter Claver, of the Company of Jesus, Apostle of the Negroes of Carthagena, knew of the purgatory of two souls who had led poor and humble lives upon earth. Their sufferings were reduced to a few hours. We find the following, account of it in the life of this great servant of God. He had persuaded a virtuous niggress, named Angela, to take into her house another niggress named Ursula, who had lost the use of her

Starting point is 03:34:34 limbs and was covered with sores. One day when he went to visit them, as he did from time to time, to hear their confessions, and to carry them some little provisions, the charitable hostess told him, with grief that Ursula was at the point of death. No, no, replied the father, consoling her. She has yet four days to live, and she will not die until Saturday. When Saturday came, he said mass for her intention and went out to prepare her for death. After spending some time in prayer, he said to the hostess with an air of confidence, Be consoled.

Starting point is 03:35:17 God loved Ursula. She will die today, but she will be only three hours in purgatory. Let her remember me when we shall be with God, that she may pray for me, and for the one who until now has been a mother to her. She died at noon, and the fulfillment of one part of the prophecy gave great reason for belief in the accomplishment of the other. Another day, having gone to hear the confession of a poor sick person whom he was accustomed to visit, he learned that she was dead. The parents were extremely afflicted, and he himself, who had not believed her to be so near her end, was inconsolable at the thought of not having been able to assist her in her last moments. He knelt down to pray by the corpse, then suddenly rising, with a severe countenance, he said,

Starting point is 03:36:16 Such a death is more worthy of our envy than our tears. This soul is condemned to purgatory, but only for 24 hours. Let us endeavor to shorten this time by the fervor of our prayers. Enough has been said on the duration of the pains. We see that they may be prolonged to an appalling degree. Even the shortest, if we consider their severity, are long.

Starting point is 03:36:44 Let us endeavor to shorten them for others, and to mitigate them for ourselves, or better still, to prevent them altogether. Now we prevent them by removing the causes. What are the causes? What is the matter of expiation in purgatory? End of Section 26, recording by John Brandon. Section 27 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup. This Libravox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 03:37:22 Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 27. The cause of suffering. Matter of the expiations of purgatory. Doctrine of Suarez. St. Catherine of Genoa. Why must souls thus suffer before being admitted to see the face of God? What is the matter?

Starting point is 03:37:45 What is the subject of these expiations? What has the fire of purgations? purgatory to purify, to consume in them. It is, say, the doctors, the stains left by their sins. But what is here understood by stains? According to most theologians, it is not the guilt of sin, but the pain, or the debt of pain, proceeding from sin. To understand this well, we must remember that sin produces a double effect on the soul, which we call the debt, reatus, of guilt, and the debt of pain. It renders the soul not only guilty, but deserving of pain or chastisement. Now, after the guilt is pardoned, it generally happens that the pain remains to be undergone,

Starting point is 03:38:34 either entirely or in part, and this must be endured, either in the present life or in the life to come. The souls in purgatory retain not the slightest stain of guilt. The venial guilt, which they had at the moment of their death, has disappeared in the order of pure charity, with which they are inflamed in the other life, but they still bear the debt of suffering, which they had not discharged before death. This debt proceeds from all the faults committed during their life, especially from mortal sins remitted as to the guilt, but which they have neglected to expiate by worthy fruits of exterior penance. Such is the common teaching of theologians, which Suarez sums up in his treatise on the

Starting point is 03:39:29 sacrament of penance. We conclude then, he says, that all venial sins, with which a just man dies, are remitted as to the guilt. At the moment when the soul is separated from the body, by virtue of an act of love of God, and the perfect contrition, which it then excites over all its past faults. In fact, the soul at this moment knows its condition perfectly, and the sins of which it has been guilty before God. At the same time, it is the mistress of its faculties,

Starting point is 03:40:03 to be able to act. On the other hand, on the part of God, the most efficacious helps are given to her, that she may act according to the measure of sanctifying grace which she possesses. It follows, then, that in this perfect disposition, the soul acts without the least hesitation. It turns directly towards its God, and finds itself freed from all its venial sins, by an act of sovereign loathing of sin. This universal, at efficacious act, suffices for the remission of,

Starting point is 03:40:41 of their guilt. All stain of guilt has then disappeared, but the pain remains to be endured, in all its rigor and long duration, at least for those souls that are not assisted by the living. They cannot obtain the least relief for themselves, because the time of merit has passed. They can no longer merit. They can but suffer, and in that way pay for the terrible justice of God, all that they owe, even to the last farthing. Usquay ad novissimum quadrentum. These debts of pain are the remains of sin, and a kind of stain which intercepts the vision of God, and places an obstacle to the union of the soul with its last end.

Starting point is 03:41:34 Since the souls in purgatory are freed from the guilt of sin, writes St. Catherine of Genoa, there is no other barrier between them and their union with God, save the remains of sin, from which they must be purified. This hindrance, which they feel within them, causes them to suffer the torments of the damned, of which I have spoken elsewhere, and retards the moment when the instinct by which they are drawn towards God, as to their sovereign beatitude, will attain its full perfection. They see clearly, How serious before God is even the slightest obstacle raised by the remains of sin, and that it is by necessity of justice that he delays the full gratification of their desire of everlasting bliss.

Starting point is 03:42:24 This sight enkindles within them a burning flame like that of hell, yet without the guilt of sin. End of Section 27. Recording by John Brandon. Section 28 of Purgatory By Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon Heart 1, Chapter 28

Starting point is 03:42:56 Matter of expiation The Remains of Mortal Sin Lord Storton Sins of Lust, not fully expiated upon Earth. St. Ludwina We have said that the total amount of the debt of suffering for purgatory comes from all the false not atoned for upon earth, but especially from mortal sins remitted to their guilt.

Starting point is 03:43:24 Now men who pass their whole lives in a habitual state of mortal sin and who delay their conversion until death, supposing that God grants them that rare grace, will have to undergo the most frightful punishment. The example of Lord Storton gives them good cause for reflection. Lord Storton, an English nobleman, was at heart a Catholic, although to retain his position at court, he regularly attended the Protestant service.

Starting point is 03:43:53 He kept a Catholic priest concealed in his house at the risk of great danger, promising himself to make good use of his ministry by being reconciled with God at the hour of his death. But he met with a sudden accident, and as often happens in such cases by a just decree of God, he had not the time to realize his desire of tardy conversion. Nevertheless, divine mercy, taking into consideration what he had done for the persecuted Catholic Church in England.

Starting point is 03:44:24 Thou'd saved him the grace of perfect contrition, and consequently secured his salvation, but he had to pay dearly for his culpable negligence. Years passed by. his widow married again and had children. It was one of her daughters, Lady Arindell, who relates this fact as an eyewitness. One day my mother asked Father Cornelius,

Starting point is 03:44:49 a Jesuit of much merit, and who later died a martyr. To say mass for the repose of the soul of John, Lord Storton, her first husband. He promised to do so, and whilst at the altar between the consecration and the memento for the dead, he paused for a long time

Starting point is 03:45:09 as if absorbed in prayer. After Mass, in an exhortation which he addressed to those present, he told them of a vision which he had just had during the Holy Sacrifice. He had seen an immense forest

Starting point is 03:45:25 stretched out before him, but entirely on fire, forming one vast cauldron. In the midst of it was the deceased, nobleman, uttering lamentable cries, be wailing the guilty life he led in the world and at court. Having made a full confession of his fault, the unfortunate man ended with these words, which Holy Scripture places in the mouth of Job.

Starting point is 03:45:52 Have pity on me. Have pity on me. At least you, my friends, for the hand of the Lord hath touched me. He then disappeared. Whilst relating this, Father Cornelia shed abundance of tears, and we all, members of the family, to the number of 24 persons swept also. Suddenly, whilst the father was still speaking, we've received upon the wall against which the altar stood,

Starting point is 03:46:22 what seemed to be the reflection of burning coals. Such is the recital of Dorothy, Lady Arrendel, which may be read in the history of England by Daniel. St. Lidwina saw in purgatory a soul that suffered also for mortal sins, not sufficiently expiated on earth. The incident is thus related in the life of the saint. A man who had been for a long time a slave of the demon of impurity finally had the happiness of being converted. He confessed his sins with great contrition, but prevented by death, he had not time to atone by just penance for his numerous sins. Ledwina, who knew him well, prayed much for him.

Starting point is 03:47:10 Twelve years after his death, she still continued to pray, when in one of her ecstasies, being taken into purgatory by her angel guardian, she heard a mournful voice issuing from a deep pit. It is the soul of that man, said the angel, for whom you have prayed with so much fervor and constancy. She was astonished to find him so deep in purgatory, twelve years after his death. The angel, seeing her so greatly affected, asked if she was willing to suffer something for his deliverance.

Starting point is 03:47:48 With all my heart, replied the charitable maiden. From that moment she said, suffered new pains and frightful torments, which appeared to surpass the strength of human endurance. Nevertheless, she bore them with courage, sustained by a charity stronger than death, until it pleased God to send her relief. She then breathed as one restored to a new life, and at the same time she saw that soul for which she had suffered so much, come forth from the abyss as white as snow and take its flight to heaven. End of Section 28. Recording by John Brandon

Starting point is 03:48:31 Section 29 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon Part 1, Chapter 29. Matter of Expiation Worldliness St. Bridget, the young person, the soldier, Blessed Mary Villani, and the worldly lady. Souls that allow themselves to be dazzled by the vanities of the world, even if they have the good fortune to escape damnation,

Starting point is 03:49:17 will have to want to grow terrible punishment. Let us open the revelations of St. Bridget, which are held in such esteem by the church. We read there in book six, that the saint saw herself transported in spirit into purgatory, and that among others she saw there a young lady of high birth who had formerly abandoned herself to the luxury and vanities of the world. This unfortunate soul related to her the history of her life and the sad state in which she then was. Happily, said she, before death, I confessed my sins, in such dispositions as to escape hell. But now I suffer here to expiate the worldly life

Starting point is 03:50:02 that my mother did not prevent me from leading. Alas, she added with a sigh. This head which loved to be adorned, and which sought to draw the attention of others, is now devoured with flames within and without. And these flames are so violent that every moment it seems to me that I must die. These shoulders, these arms, which I love to see admired, are cruelly bound in chains of red-hot iron.

Starting point is 03:50:32 These feet formerly trained for the dance are now surrounded with vipers, that tear them with their fangs, and soil them with their filthy slime. All these members, which I have adorned with jewels, flowers, and divers other ornaments, are now a prey to the most horrible torture. Oh, mother, mother, she cried. How culpable have you been in my regard? It was you, who by a fatal indulgence, encouraged my taste for display and extravagant expense. It was you that took me to theatres, parties, and balls, and to those worldly assemblies, which are the ruin of souls.

Starting point is 03:51:16 If I have not incurred eternal damnation, it was because a special grace of God's mercy touched my heart with sincere repentance. I made a good confession, and thus I have been delivered from hell, yet only to see myself precipitated into the most horrible torments of purgatory. We have remarked already that what is said of the tortured members must not be taken literally because the soul is separated from the body. but God supplying the want of corporal organs makes the soul experience such sensations

Starting point is 03:51:53 as have been just described. The biographer of the saint tells us that she related this vision to a cousin of the deceased, who was likewise given to the illusions of worldly vanity. The cousin was so struck that she renounced the luxuries and dangerous amusements of the world

Starting point is 03:52:13 and devoted the remainder of her life. to penance in an austere religious order. The same St. Bridget during another ecstasy beheld the judgment of a soldier who had just died. He had lived in the vices too common in his profession, and would have been condemned to hell had not the Blessed Virgin, whom he had always honored, preserved him from that misfortune

Starting point is 03:52:40 by obtaining for him the grace of a sincere repentance. The saints saw him appear before the judgment seat of God, and condemned to a long purgatory for the sins of all kinds which he had committed. The punishment of the eyes, said the judge, shall be to contemplate the most frightful objects, that of the tongue to be pierced with pointed needles and tormented with thirst, that of the touch to be plunged in an ocean of fire. Then the Holy Virgin interceded and obtained some mitigation of the rigor of the sentence.

Starting point is 03:53:21 Let us relate still another example of the chastisements reserved for worldlings in purgatory, when they have not, like the rich glutton of the gospel, been buried in hell. Blessed Mary Villani, a Dominican religious, had a lively devotion to the holy souls, and it often happened that they appeared to her, either to thank her or to beg the assistance of her prayers and good works. One day whilst praying for them with great fervor, she was transported in spirit to their prison of expiation. Among the souls that suffered there, she saw one more cruelly tormented than the others, in the midst of flames, which entirely enveloped her. Touched with compassion, the servant of God interrogated.

Starting point is 03:54:11 the soul. I have been here, she replied for a very long time, harnished for my vanity, and my scandalous extravagance. Thus far I have not received the least alleviation. Whilst I was upon earth being wholly occupied with my toilet, my pleasures, and worldly amusements, I thought very little of my duties as a Christian, and fulfilled them only with great reluctance, and in a slothful manner. My only serious thought was to further the worldly interests of my family. See now how I am punished? They bestow not so much as a passing thought upon me.

Starting point is 03:54:56 My parents, my children, those friends with whom I was most intimate, all have forgotten me. Mary Villani begged this soul to allow her to feel something of what she suffered. and immediately it appeared as though a finger of fire touched her forehead. And the pain which she experienced instantly caused her ecstasy to cease. The mark remained, and so deep and painful was it, that two months afterwards it was still to be seen, and caused the holy religious, most terrible suffering. She endured this pain in the spirit of penance,

Starting point is 03:55:37 for the relief of the soul that had appeared to her. And sometime later, the same soul came to announce her deliverance. End of Section 29, recording by John Brandon. Section 30 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup as Jay. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 30. of expiation, sins of youth, St. Catherine of Sweden and the Princess Gita.

Starting point is 03:56:21 It often happens that Christians do not sufficiently reflect on the necessity of doing penance for the sins of their youth. They must one day be atoned for by the most rigorous penance of purgatory. Such was the case with the Princess Gita, daughter-in-law of St. Bridget, as we read in the lives of the Saints, March 24th, life of St. Catherine. St. Bridget was in Rome with her daughter, Catherine, when the latter had an apparition of the soul of her sister-in-law, Gida, of whose death she was ignorant.

Starting point is 03:56:59 Being one day in prayer in the ancient basilica of St. Peter, Catherine saw before her a woman dressed in a white robe and black mantle, and who came to ask her prayers for a person who was dead. It is one of your countrywomen, she added, who need your assistance. Her name? asked the saint. It is the Princess Gita of Sweden, the wife of your brother Charles.

Starting point is 03:57:27 Catherine then begged the stranger to accompany her to her mother Bridget, to impart to her the sad tidings. I am charged with a message for you alone, said the stranger, and I am not allowed to make any other visits, for I must depart immediately. You have no reason to doubt the truth of this fact. In a few days another messenger will arrive from Sweden, bringing the gold crown of Princess Gita. She has bequeathed it to you by testament in order to secure the assistance of your prayers. But extend to her, from this very moment, your charitable aid,

Starting point is 03:58:08 for she stands in most urgent need of your suffrages. With these words, she withdrew. Catherine would have followed her, but although her costume could have easily distinguished her, she was nowhere to be seen. Struck and surprised with this strange adventure, she hastened to return to her mother and related all that had happened.

Starting point is 03:58:33 St. Bridget replied with a smile, It is your sister-in-law, Gita herself, that appear to you. Our Lord has been pleased to reveal this to me. The dear departed died in the most consoling sentiments of piety. That is why she attained the favor of appearing to you asking your prayers. She has still to expiate the numerous faults of her youth. Let us both do all in our power to give her relief. The gold crown, which she said,

Starting point is 03:59:05 sends you, imposes this obligation upon you. A few weeks later, an officer from the court of Prince Charles arrived in Rome, carrying the crown, and believing himself to be the first to convey the tidings of the death of Princess Gita. The beautiful crown was sold, and the money used for masses and good works for the repose of the soul of the deceased princess. End of Section 30, recording by John Brandon. Section 31 of Pergatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J.

Starting point is 03:59:47 This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1. Chapter 31. Matter of expiation. Scandal given. Immodest paintings. Father Zucci and the novice. Those who have had the misfortune, to give bad example,

Starting point is 04:00:12 and to wound or cause the perdition of souls by scandal, must take care to repair all in this world, if they would not be subjected to the most terrible expiation in the other. It was not in vain that Jesus Christ cried out, Woe to the world because of scandals. Woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh. Here what Father Rossignoli relates in his Merval's Du Purgatory. A painter of great skill and otherwise exemplary life

Starting point is 04:00:50 had once made a painting, not at all conformable to the strict rules of Christian modesty. It was one of those paintings which under the pretext of being works of art are found in the best families, and the sight of which causes the loss of so many souls. True art is an inspiration from heaven, which elevates the soul to God. Profane art, which appeals to the senses only, which presents to the eye nothing but the beauties of flesh and blood, is but an inspiration of the evil spirit. His works, brilliant, though they may be, are not works of art, and the name is falsely attributed to them.

Starting point is 04:01:35 They are the infamous productions of a corrupt imagination. The artist of whom we speak had allowed himself to be misled in this point by bad example. Soon, however, renouncing this pernicious style, he confined himself to the production of religious pictures, or at least of those which were perfectly irreproachable. Finally, he was painting a large picture in the convent of the discalced Carmelites, when he was attacked by a mortal malady. Feeling that he was about to die, he asked the prior to allow him to be interred in the church of the monastery, and bequeathed to the community his earnings, which amounted to a considerable sum of money,

Starting point is 04:02:29 charging them to have masses set for the repose of his soul. He died in pious sentiments, and a few days passed, when a religious who had stayed in the choir after matins saw him appear in the midst of flames, and sighing piteously. What? said the religious, have you to endure such pain,

Starting point is 04:02:56 after leading so good a life and dying so holy, a death? Alas, replied he, it is on account of the immodest picture that I painted some years ago. When I appeared before the tribunal of the sovereign judge, a crowd of accusers came to give evidence against me. They declared that they had been excited to improper thoughts and evil desires by a picture, the work of my hand. In consequence of the bad thoughts, some were in purgatory, others in hell.

Starting point is 04:03:35 The latter cried for vengeance, saying that having been the cause of their eternal perdition, I deserved at least the same punishment. Then the Blessed Virgin and the saints, whom I had glorified by my pictures, took up my defense. They represented to the judge, that that unfortunate painting had been the work of youth, and of which I had repented, that I had repaired it afterwards by religious objects, which had been a source of edification, two souls. In consideration of these and other reasons, the sovereign judge declared that, on account of my repentance and my good works, I should be exempt from damnation. But at the same time, he condemned me to these flames, until that picture should be burned.

Starting point is 04:04:27 so that it could no longer scandalize anyone. Then the poor sufferer implored the religious to take measures to have the painting destroyed. I beg of you, he added, go in my name to such a person, proprietor of the picture. Tell him, in what a condition I am for having yielded to his entreaties to paint it,

Starting point is 04:04:52 and conjure him to make a sacrifice of it. if he refuses woe to him. To prove that this is not an illusion, and to punish him for his own fault, tell him that before long he will lose his two children. Should he refuse to obey him who has created us both? He will pay for it by a premature death. The religious delayed not to do what the poor soul asked of him,

Starting point is 04:05:23 and went to the owner of the picture. The latter, on hearing these things, seized the painting and cast it into the fire. Nevertheless, according to the words of the deceased, he lost his two children in less than a month. The remainder of his days he passed in penance were having ordered and kept that immodest picture in his house. If such are the consequences of an immodest picture,

Starting point is 04:05:52 What then will be the punishment of the still more disastrous scandals resulting from bad books, bad papers, bad schools, and bad conversations? Fe Mundo a scandalis Pha hominy illi per quem scandalum vain it. Woe to the world, because of scandals, woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh. Scandal makes great ravages in souls by the seduction of innocence. Ah, those accused seducers.

Starting point is 04:06:31 They shall render to God a terrible account of the blood of their victims. We read the following in the life of Father Nicholas Zucci, written by Father Daniel Bartoli of the Company of Jesus. The holy and zealous Father Zucci, who died in Rome, May 21, 1670, had drawn to a life of perfection three young ladies who consecrated themselves to God in the cloister. One of them, before leaving the world, had been sought in marriage by a young nobleman. After she had entered the novitiate, this gentleman, instead of respecting her holy vocation, continued to address letters to her, whom he wished to call his betrothed, urging her.

Starting point is 04:07:22 to quit, as he said, the dull service of God, to embrace again the joys of life. The father meeting him one day in the streets begged him to give up such conduct. I assure you, he said, that before long you will appear before the tribunal of God, and it is high time for you to prepare yourself by sincere penance. In fact, a fortnight afterwards, this young man died, carried away by a rapid death that left him little time to put the affairs of his conscience in order, so that there was everything to fear for his salvation.

Starting point is 04:08:08 One evening, whilst the three novices were engaged together in holy conversation, the youngest was called away to the parlor. There she found a man wrapped in a heavy cloak, and with measured steps pacing the room. Sir, she said, who are you? And why did you send for me? The stranger without answering drew near and threw aside the mysterious mantle

Starting point is 04:08:36 which covered him. The religious then recognized the unfortunate deceased and saw with horror that he was entirely surrounded by chains of fire that clasped his neck, wrists, knees, and ankles. Pray for me, he cried, and disappeared. This miraculous manifestation showed that God had had mercy upon him at the last moment,

Starting point is 04:09:05 that he had not been damned, but that he paid his attempt at seduction by a terrible purgatory. End of Section 31, recording by John Brandon. Section 32 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 32. Matter of expiation.

Starting point is 04:09:41 The life of pleasure. The pursuit of comfort. Venerable Francis of Pampluna and the Man of the World. St. Elizabeth and the Queen, her mother. In our days there are Christians who are total strangers to the cross and the mortification of Jesus Christ. Their effeminate and sensual life is but one chain of pleasures. They fear everything that is a sacrifice. Scarcely do they observe the strict laws of fasting and abstinence prescribed by the Church,

Starting point is 04:10:15 since they will not submit to any penance in this world, but them reflect on what will be inflicted upon them in the next. It is certain that in this worldly life they do nothing but accumulate debts. Since they omit to do penance, no part of the debt is paid, and a total is reached, that affrights the imagination. The venerable servant of God, Francis of Pampluna, who was favored with several visions of purgatory, saw one day a man of the world,

Starting point is 04:10:48 who although he had otherwise been a tolerably good Christian, passed 59 years in purgatory, on account of seeking his ease and comfort. Another passed 35 years there for the same reason. A third, who had too strong a passion for gambling, was detained there for 64 years. Alas, these injudicious Christians have allowed their debts to remain before God, and those which they might so easily have acquitted by works of penance, they have had to pay afterwards by years of torture. If God is severe towards the rich and the pleasure-seekers of the world,

Starting point is 04:11:31 he will not be less so towards princes, magistrates, parents, and in general, towards all those who have the charge of souls and authority over others. A severe judgment, says he himself, shall be for them that bear rule. Lawrence Sorius relates how an illustrious queen, after her death, or witness to this truth. In the life of St. Elizabeth, Duchess of Thuringia, it is said that the servant of God lost her mother, Gertrude, Queen of Hungary, about the year 1220. In the spirit of a holy Christian daughter, she gave abundant alms, redoubled her prayers and mortifications, exhausted the resources of her charity for the relief of that dear soul. God revealed to her

Starting point is 04:12:21 that she had not done too much. One night, the deceased appeared to her with a sad and emaciated countenance. She placed herself on her knees, next to the bed, and said to her, weeping, My daughter, you see at your feet your mother overwhelmed with suffering. I come to implore you, to multiply your suffrages, that divine mercy may deliver me from the frightful torments I endure. Oh, how much are those to be pitied who exercise authority over others. I expiate now the faults that I committed upon the throne.

Starting point is 04:13:02 Oh, my daughter, I pray you by the pangs I endured when bringing you into the world, by the cares and anxieties which your education cost me. I conjure you to deliver me from my torments. Elizabeth, deeply touched, arose immediately, took the discipline to blood and implored God with tears to have mercy on her mother, Gertrude, declaring that she would not cease to pray until she had obtained her deliverance. Her prayers were heard. Let us here remark that, in the preceding example, there is spoken of a queen only. How much more severely will kings, magistrate, and all superiors be treated, whose responsibility and influence are much greater.

Starting point is 04:13:55 End of Section 32. Recording by John Brandon. Section 33 of purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup. S.J. This Libra Fox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1. Chapter 33. Matter of expiation. Tepidity.

Starting point is 04:14:24 St. Bernard and the Religious of Citro. Venerable Mother Agnes and Sister De Hote Villas. Father Surin and the Religious of Loudon. Good Christians, priests and religious who wish to serve God with their whole hearts must avoid the rock of tepidity and negligence. God will be served with fervor. Those who are tepid and careless excite his disgust.

Starting point is 04:14:53 He even goes. goes so far as to threaten with his malediction, those who perform holy actions in a careless manner. That is to say, he will severely punish in purgatory, all negligence in his service. Among the disciples of St. Bernard, who perfumed the celebrated Valley of Claervaux, with the odor of their sanctity, there was one whose negligence sadly contrasted with the fervor of his brethren, Notwithstanding his double character of priest and of religious, he allowed himself to sink into a deplorable state of impidity. The moment of death arrived, and he was summoned before God,

Starting point is 04:15:37 without having given any token of amendment. While the mass of requiem was being celebrated, a venerable religious of uncommon virtue, learned by an interior light, that though the deceased was not eternally lost, his soul was in a most miserable condition. The following night the soul appeared to him in a sad and wretched condition. Yesterday, he said, you learned my deplorable fate.

Starting point is 04:16:07 Behold now, the tortures to which I am condemned in punishment for my culpable tipidity. He then conducted the old man to the edge of a large deep pit, filled with smoke and flames. He holed the place. said he, where the ministers of divine justice have orders to torment me. They ceased not to plunge me into this abyss, and draw me out only to precipitate me into it again, without giving me one moment's respite.

Starting point is 04:16:41 The next morning the religious went to St. Bernard to make known to him his vision. The Holy Abbot, who had had a similar apparition, received it as a warning from heaven to community. He convened a chapter, and with tearful eyes related the double vision, exhorting his religious to succor their poor departed brother by their charitable suffrages, and to profit by this sad example to preserve their fervor and to avoid the least negligence in the service of God. The following instance is related by Monsieur de Lontége, in the life of that rebel Mother Agnes of Langeac, a Dominican religious. Whilst this religious was one day praying in choir,

Starting point is 04:17:30 a religious whom she did not know, suddenly appeared before her, miserably clad, and with a countenance expressive of the deepest grief. She looked at her with astonishment, asking herself who it might be. When she heard a voice saying distinctly, It is Sister Du Hote Villars. Sister Dohot Villars had been a religious in the monastery at Pui,

Starting point is 04:17:57 and had died about ten years previous to this vision. The apparition said not a word, but chose sufficiently by her sad countenance, how greatly she stood in need of assistance. Mother Agnes understood this perfectly, and began from that day to offer most fervent prayers for the relief of this soul. The deceased was not content. with the first visit, she continued to appear for the space of three weeks, almost everywhere, and at all times, especially after Holy Communion and prayer, manifesting her sufferings

Starting point is 04:18:31 by the doleful expression of her countenance. Agnes, by the advice of her confessor without speaking of the apparition, asked her prioress to allow the community to offer extra prayers for the dead, for her intention. Since notwithstanding these prayers, the apparitions continued, she greatly feared some delusion. God, however, deigned to remove this fear. He clearly made known to his charitable servant, by the voice of her angel guardian, that it was really a soul from purgatory, and that she thus suffered for her negligence in the service of God. From the moment these words were uttered, the apparitions ceased, and it is not known.

Starting point is 04:19:18 known how long that unfortunate soul may have had to remain in purgatory. Let us cite another example, qualified to stimulate the fervor of the faithful. A holy religious named Mary of the incarnation of the convent of the Ursulines in Loudoun appeared some time after her death to her superior, a woman of intelligence and merit who wrote the details of the apparition to Father Soren of the Company of Jesus. On November 6th, she wrote, between three and four o'clock in the morning, Mother of the Incarnation stood before me, with an expression of sweetness on her countenance

Starting point is 04:20:00 that appeared more like that of humility than of suffering. Yet I saw that she suffered much. When I first perceived her near me, I was seized with great fright, but as there was nothing about her that inspired fear, I soon felt reassured. I asked her in what state she was, and if we could render her any service. She replied, I satisfied divine justice in purgatory. I begged her to tell me why she was detained there. Then with a deep sigh she answered.

Starting point is 04:20:39 It is for being negligent in several, common exercises, a certain weakness by which I allowed myself to be led by the example of imperfect religious. Finally, and especially, the habit which I had of retaining in my possession, things of which I had no permission to dispose, and of making use of them to suit my needs and natural inclinations. Ah, if religious knew, continued the good mother, the wrong they do their souls by not applying themselves to perfection, and how dearly they shall one day expiate the satisfactions which they give themselves, contrary to the light of their consciences,

Starting point is 04:21:27 their efforts to do violence to themselves during life would be very different. Ah, God's point of view is different from ours. His judgments are different. I asked her again, if we could do anything to relieve her sufferings. She replied, I desire to see and possess God, but I am content to satisfy his justice as long as it shall please him.

Starting point is 04:21:56 I asked her to tell me whether she suffered much. My pains, she replied, are incomprehensible to those who do not feel them. Saying these words, she drew near my face to take leave of me. It seemed as though I was burned by a coal of fire, although her face did not touch mine. And my arm, which had barely grazed her mantle, was burned and caused me considerable pain. A month later she appeared to the same superior, to announce her deliverance.

Starting point is 04:22:33 End of Section 33. Recording by John Brandon. Section 34 of Purgatory. by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 34. Matter of expiation.

Starting point is 04:23:01 Negligence in Holy Communion. Louis of Blua St. Magdalene de Pauze and the departed soul in adoration. To tipidity is allied negligence in the Preparterance in the preparation for the Eucharistic banquet. If the church unceasingly calls her children to the holy table, if she desires that they communicate frequently, she always intends that they should do so with that fervor and piety,

Starting point is 04:23:34 which so great a mystery demands. All voluntary neglect in so holy an action is an offense to the sanctity of Jesus Christ, an offense which must be repaired by a just expiation. Venerable Louis of Blua, in his mere awe spiritual, speaks of a great servant of God who learned, in a supernatural manner, how severely these faults are punished in the other life. He received a visit from a soul in purgatory,

Starting point is 04:24:08 imploring his aid in name of the friendship by which he had formerly been united. She endured, she said, horrible torments for the negligence with which she had prepared for Holy Communion during the days of her earthly pilgrimage. She could not be delivered, but by a fervent communion which would compensate for her former tipidity. Her friend hastened to gratify her desire, received Holy Communion with great purity of conscience, with all the faith and devotion possible, and then she saw, the holy soul appear, brilliant, with an incomparable splendor, and rise towards heaven. In the year 1589, in the monastery of St. Mary of the Angels in Florence, died of religious

Starting point is 04:24:58 who was much esteemed by her sisters in religion, but who soon appeared to St. Magdalene de Pauze to implore her assistance in the rigorous purgatory to which he was condemned. The saint was in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. when she perceived the deceased kneeling in the middle of the church in an attitude of profound adoration. She had around her a mantle of flames that seemed to consume her, but a white robe that covered her body protected her in part from the action of the fire. Greatly astonished, Magdalene desired to see what this signified, and she was answered that this soul suffered thus,

Starting point is 04:25:40 for having had little devotion towards the august sacrament of the altar. Notwithstanding the rules and holy customs of her order, she had communicated but rarely, and then with indifference. It was for this reason divine justice had condemned her to come every day to adore the blessed sacrament and to submit to the torture of fire at the feet of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, in reward for her virginal purity, represented by the white robe, her divine spouse had greatly mitigated her sufferings. Such was the revelation which God made to his servant.

Starting point is 04:26:23 She was deeply touched and made every effort to assist the poor soul by all the suffrages in her power. She often related this apparition, and made use of it to exhort her spiritual daughters to zeal for Holy Con. communion. End of Section 34. Recording by John Brandon. Section 35 of Pergatory by F.X. Shoup S.J.

Starting point is 04:26:55 This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 35. Matter of expiation. Want of respect and prayer. Mother Agnes of Jesus and Sister Angelique. St. Severn of Cologne Venerable Francis of Pampaluna and the priests

Starting point is 04:27:20 Father Strait S.J. We should treat holy things in a holy manner. Holy reverence in religious exercises is extremely displeasing to God. When the venerable Agnes of Langeac, of whom we have already spoken, was priorst of her convent, she very much recommends it to her religious, respect, and fervor in their relations with God, reminding them of these words of Holy Scripture. Accursed be he that doth the work of God with negligence.

Starting point is 04:27:59 A sister of the community named Angelique died. The pious superior was praying near her tomb, when she suddenly saw the deceased sister before her. dressed in the religious habit. She felt at the same time as though a flame of fire touched her face. Sister Angelique thanked her for having stimulated her to fervor, and particularly for having frequently made her repeat during life these words. Accursed be he that doth the work of God with negligence.

Starting point is 04:28:37 Continue, Mother, she added, to urge the sisters to fervor, let them serve God with the utmost diligence, love him with their whole heart, and with all the power of their soul. If they could but understand how rigorous are the torments of purgatory, they would never be guilty of the least neglect.

Starting point is 04:28:59 The foregoing warning regards in a special manner priests, whose relations with God are continual and more sublime. Let them, therefore, remember, it always and never forget it, whether they offer to God the incense of prayer, whether they dispense the divine treasures of the sacraments, or whether at the altar they celebrate the mysteries of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. See what St. Peter Damien relates in his 14th letter to Desiderius. St. Severan Archbishop of Cologne adified his church by an example of all virtues. His apostolic life, his great labors for the extension of God's

Starting point is 04:29:46 kingdom and souls, have merited for him the honors of canonization. Nevertheless, after his death, he appeared to one of the canons of his cathedral to ask for prayers. This worthy priest, not being able to understand that a holy prelate, such as he had known severance to be, could stand in need of prayers in the other life. The deceased bishop replied, It is true God gave me grace to serve him with all my heart and to labor in his vineyard, but I often offended him by the haste with which I recited the Holy Office. The occupations of each day so absorbed my attention that when the hour of prayer came, I acquitted myself of that great duty without recollection.

Starting point is 04:30:39 and sometimes at another hour than that appointed by the church. At this moment I am expiating those infidelities, and God permits me to come and ask your prayers. The biography adds that Severin was six months in purgatory for that one fault. Venerable Sister Francis of Pampluna, whom we have before mentioned one day saw in purgatory a poor priest whose fingers were eaten away by frightful ulcers. He was thus punished for having at the altar made the sign of the cross

Starting point is 04:31:18 with too much levity and without the necessary gravity. She said that in general priests remain in purgatory longer than laymen, and that the intensity of their torments is in proportion to their dignity. God revealed to her the fate of faith of faiths, several deceased priests. One of them had to want to go 40 years of suffering for having, by his neglect, allowed a person to die without the sacraments. Another remained there for 45 years, for having performed the sublime functions of his ministry, with a certain levity. A bishop whose liberality had caused him to be named Elminer, was detained there for five years for having sought

Starting point is 04:32:10 that dignity. Another, not so charitable, was condemned for 40 years for the same reason. God wills that we should serve him with our whole heart, and that we should avoid in so far as the frailty of human nature will permit, even the slightest imperfections, but the care to please him and the fear of displeasing him must be accompanied by a humble confidence in his mercy. Jesus Christ has admonished us to hear those whom he has appointed in his place to be our spiritual guides, as we should himself, and to follow the advice of our superior or confessor with perfect confidence. Thus an excessive fear is an offense against his mercy. On November 12, 1643, Father Philip Strait of the Society of Jesus, a religious of great sanctity,

Starting point is 04:33:14 died at the novitiate of Brune in Bohemia. Every day he made his examination of conscience with the greatest care, and acquired by this means great purity of soul. Some hours after his death, he appeared all radiant to one of the fathers of his order, Venerable Martin Strezda. One single fault, he said, prevents me from going to heaven, and detains me eight hours in purgatory.

Starting point is 04:33:46 It is that of not having sufficiently confided in the words of my superior, who, in the last moments of my life, strove to calm some little trouble of conscience. I ought to have regarded his words, as the voice of God himself. End of Section 35. Recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 04:34:16 Section 36 of purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 36. Matter of expiation and chastisement. Unmortification of the senses. Father Francis of X.

Starting point is 04:34:41 On mortification of the tongue. Durand. Christians who wish to escape the rigors of purgatory must love the mortification of their divine master, and beware of being delicate members under a head crowned with thorns. On February 10, 1656, in the province of Lyon,

Starting point is 04:35:08 Father Francis of X, of the Society of Jesus, passed away to a better life. He carried all the virtues of a religious to a high degree of perfection, penetrated with a profound veneration towards the Most Blessed Trinity. He had for particular intention

Starting point is 04:35:26 in all his prayers and mortifications to honor this august mystery. To embrace my preference, those works for which others showed less inclination had a particular charm for him. he often visited the blessed sacrament even during the night and never left the door of his room without going to say a prayer at the foot of the altar his penances which were in a manner excessive gave him the name of the man of suffering he replied to one who advised him to moderate them the day which i should allow to pass without shedding some drops of my blood to offer to my god would be for me the most painful and the severest mortification.

Starting point is 04:36:16 Since I cannot hope to suffer martyrdom for the love of Jesus Christ, I will at least have some part of his sufferings. Another religious, brother coadjutor of the same order, did not imitate the example of this good father. He had little love for mortification, but on the contrary sought his ease and comfort. and all that could gratify the senses. This brother, some days after his death,

Starting point is 04:36:50 appeared to Father Dex, clothed in frightful haircloth and suffering great torments, in punishment for the faults of sensuality, which he had committed during life. He implored the assistance of his prayers, and immediately disappeared. Another fault against which we must because we so easily fall into it is the unmortification of the tongue. Oh, how easy it is to err in words.

Starting point is 04:37:22 How rare a thing it is to speak for any length of time without offending against meekness, humility, sincerity, or Christian charity. Even pious persons are often subject to this defect. when they have escaped all the other snares of the demon, they allow themselves to be taken, says St. Jerome, in this last trap. Slander. Let us listen to what is related by Vincent de Beauvais. When the celebrated Durand,

Starting point is 04:37:59 who in the 11th century shed luster in the order of St. Dominic, was yet a simple religious, he showed himself a model of regularity and fervor. Yet he had one defect. The vivacity of his disposition led him to talk too much. He was excessively fond of witty expressions, often at the expense of charity.

Starting point is 04:38:25 Hugh, his abbot, brought this under his notice, even predicting that if he did not correct himself of this fault, he would certainly have to expiate it in purgatory. Duran did not attach sufficient importance to this advice, and continued to give himself without much restraint to the disorders of the tongue. After his death, the prediction of the Abbot Hugh was fulfilled. Durand appeared to a religious, one of his friends, imploring him to assist him by his prayers,

Starting point is 04:39:01 because he was frightfully punished for the unmortification of his tongue. In consequence of this apparition, the members of the community unanimously agreed to observe strict silence for eight days, and to practice other good works for the repose of the deceased. These charitable exercises produced their effect. Some time after, Duran again appeared. But now to announce his deliver, And of Section 36, recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 04:39:43 Section 37 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup, S.J. This Libra Fox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 37. Matter of expiation. Intemperance of the tongue. The Dominican Father. Sisters Gertrude and Margaret

Starting point is 04:40:08 St. Hugh of Clooney and the infringer of the rule of silence. We have just seen how immoderation in the use of words is expiated in purgatory. Father P. Rossignoli speaks of a Dominican religious who incurred the chastisements of divine justice for a like defect. This religious, a preacher full of zeal, a glory to his order, appeared after his death to one of his brethren at Cologne. He was clad in magnificent robes, wearing a crown of gold upon his head. But his tongue was fearfully tormented.

Starting point is 04:40:53 These ornaments represented the recompense of his zeal for souls and his perfect exactitude in all the points of his rule. Nevertheless, his tongue was tortured because he had not been sufficiently guarded in his words, and his language was not always becoming the sacred lips of a priest and religious. The following instance is drawn from Caesarius. In a monastery in the Order of Citro, says this author, live two young religious, named Gertrude, and her sister, Margaret, the former, although otherwise virtuous, did not sufficiently watch over her tongue. She frequently allowed herself to transgress the rule of silence prescribed, sometimes even inquire,

Starting point is 04:41:44 before and after the chanting of the office. Instead of recollecting herself with the reverence due to that holy place, she addressed useless words to her sister, who was placed next to her, so that besides her violation of the rule of silence and her lack of piety, she was a subject of dissatisfaction to her companion. She died whilst still young, and a very short time after her death, Sister Margaret, on going to office, saw her come and place herself

Starting point is 04:42:21 in the same stall she had occupied whilst living. At this sight, the sister was almost about to faint. When she had sufficiently recovered from her astonishment, she went and told the superior what she had just seen. The superior told her not to be troubled, but should the deceased appear again, to ask her, in the name of God, why she came? She appeared the next day in the same way,

Starting point is 04:42:53 and according to the order of the prioress, Margaret said to her, My dear sister Gertrude, whence do you come, and what do you want? I come, she said, to satisfy the justice of God in this place where I have sinned.

Starting point is 04:43:15 It was here in this holy sanctuary that I offended God by words, both useless and contrary to religious respect, a dissatisfaction to all, and by the scandal which I have given to you in particular. oh if you knew she added what i suffer i am devoured by flames my tongue especially is dreadfully tormented she then disappeared after having asked for prayers

Starting point is 04:43:49 when st hugh who succeeded st odillo in ten forty nine governed the fervent monastery of cluny one of his religious who had been careless in the observance of the rule of silence Having died, appeared to the Holy Abbott to beg the assistance of his prayers. His mouth was filled with frightful ulcers, in punishment, he said, for idle words. Hugh imposed seven days of silence upon his community. They were passed in recollection and prayer. Then the deceased reappeared, freed from his ulcers, his countenance radiant, and testifying his gratitude for the charitable sucker he had received from his brethren. If such is the chastisement of idle words, what will be that of words more culpable?

Starting point is 04:44:47 End of Section 37. Recording by John Brandon. Section 38 of purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Libra Fox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Heart 1 Chapter 38 Matter of expiation

Starting point is 04:45:12 Failure in Matters of Justice Father Despinoza and the Payments Blessed Margaret of Cortona and the assassinated merchants A multitude of revelations show us that God chastises with implacable rigor all sins contrary to justice and charity and in matters of justice he seems to exact that reparation be made before the penalty is remitted.

Starting point is 04:45:45 As in the church militant, her ministers must exact restitution in order to remit the guilt, according to the axiom, without restitution, no remission. Father P. Rossignoli speaks of a religious of his order, named Augustine Despenosa, whose saintly life was but one act of devotion to the souls in purgatory. A rich man who went to him to confession, having died without having sufficiently regulated his affairs, appeared to him, and asked him first if he knew him. Certainly, replied the father, I administer the sacrament of penance to you a few days before your death. You must know then, added the soul,

Starting point is 04:46:34 that I come to you by a special grace of God to conjure you to appease his justice and to do for me that which I can no longer do for myself. Follow me. The father first went to see his superior, to tell him what was asked of him and to obtain permission,

Starting point is 04:46:55 to follow the strange visitor. The permission obtained, he went out and followed the apparition, who, without uttering, a single word, led him to one of the bridges of the city. There it begged the father to wait a little, disappeared for a moment, then returned with a bag of money, which had begged the father to carry, and both returned to the cell of the religious. Then the deceased gave him a written note and showed him the money. All this, said he, is at your disposal. Have the chariote. Have the chariote,

Starting point is 04:47:34 to take it, that you may satisfy my creditors, whose names are written upon this paper, with the amount due to each. He pleased to take what remains, and use it for good works of your own discretion, for the repose of my soul. With these words he disappeared, and the father hastened to carry out his wishes. Eight days had scarcely elapsed when Father Despenosa received another visit from the same soul, He thanked the Father most heartily. Thanks to the charitable exactitude, he said,

Starting point is 04:48:11 with which you have paid the debts that I left on earth. Thanks also to the holy masses which you have celebrated for me, I am delivered from all my sufferings, and am admitted into eternal beatitude. We find an example of the same kind in the life of Blessed Margaret of Cotona. This illustrious penitent also distilled, distinguished herself by her charity towards the departed souls. They appeared to her in great numbers to implore her assistance and suffrages.

Starting point is 04:48:44 One day, among others, she saw before her two travelers, who begged her to assist them in repairing the injustices left to their account. We are two merchants, they told her. We have been assassinated on the road by Briggins. We could not go to confess. or receive absolution, but by the mercy of our divine Savior and His Holy Mother, we have had time to make an act of perfect contrition, and we have been saved. But our torments in purgatory are terrible, because in the exercise of our profession,

Starting point is 04:49:24 we have committed many acts of injustice. Until these acts are repaired, we can have no repose, nor alleviation. This is why we beseech you, servant of God, to go and find such and such of our relatives and heirs, to warn them to make restitution as soon as possible of all the money which we have unjustly acquired.

Starting point is 04:49:49 They gave the Holy Penitent the necessary information and disappeared. End of Section 38, recording by John Brandon. 39 of Pergatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S. Chey. This Libra Fox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 04:50:18 Part 1, Chapter 39. Matter of expiation. Sins against charity. Blessed Margaret Mary. Two persons of rank in the pains of purgatory. Several souls punished for discord. we have already said that divine justice is extremely severe in regard to sins against charity. Charity is, in fact, the virtue which is dearest to the heart of our divine master,

Starting point is 04:50:53 and which he recommends to his disciples as that which must distinguish them in the eyes of men. By this, he says, shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. It is then not astonishing that harshness towards our neighbor and every other fault against charity should be severely punished in the other life. Of this we have several proofs taken from the life of Blessed Margaret Mary. I learned from Sister Margaret, says Mother Grefier in her memoirs, that she one day prayed for two persons of high rank in the world who had just died.

Starting point is 04:51:37 she saw them both in purgatory. The one was condemned for several years to those sufferings, notwithstanding the great number of masses which were celebrated for her. All those prayers and suffrages were by divine justice applied to the souls belonging to some of the families of her subjects, which had been ruined by their injustice and lack of charity, As nothing was left to these poor people to enable them to have prayers offered for them after their death,

Starting point is 04:52:12 God compensated these poor people in the matter we have related. The other was in purgatory for as many days as she had lived years upon earth. Our Lord made known to Sister Margaret that among the good works which this person had performed, he had taken into special consideration the charity, with which she had borne the false of her neighbor, and the pains she had taken to overcome the displeasure they had caused her.

Starting point is 04:52:43 On another occasion our Lord showed Blessed Margaret a large number of souls in purgatory, who, for not having been united with their superiors during their life, and for having had some misunderstanding with them, had been severely punished and deprived, after death, of the aid of the Blessed Virgin and the Saints, and also of the visits of their angel guardians. Several of those souls were destined to remain for a long time in horrible flames.

Starting point is 04:53:17 Some even among them had no other token of their predestination than that they did not hate God. Others who had been in religion, and who during life showed little charity towards their sisters, were deprived of their suffrages and received no assistance whatsoever. Let us add one more extract from the memoirs of Mother Greffier. It happened whilst Sister Margaret was praying for two deceased religious, that their souls were shown to her in the prisons of divine justice.

Starting point is 04:53:53 But one suffered incomparably more than the other. The former regretted greatly that by her false against her, mutual charity, and the holy friendship that ought to remain in religious communities, she had in part deprived herself, among other punishments, of the suffrages which were offered for her by the community. She received relief only from the prayers of three or four persons of the same community, for whom she had had less affection and inclination during her life. This suffering soul reproached herself also

Starting point is 04:54:34 for the two great facility with which she took dispensations from the rules and exercises of the community. Finally, she deplored the care which she had taken upon earth to procure for her body so many comforts and commodities.

Starting point is 04:54:52 She made known at the same time to our dear sister that, in punishment for three faults, she had to undergo three fewer assaults of the demon during her last agony, and that each time believing herself lost, she was on the point of falling into despair. But by the Blessed Virgin, towards whom she had borne great devotion during her life, she had been snatched three times from the claws of the enemy. End of Section 39, recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 04:55:27 Section 40 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup, S.J. This Libra Vox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon Part 1, Chapter 40 Matter of expiation. Lack of charity and of respect towards our neighbor. St. Louis Bertrand and the departed soul asking pardon. Father Nairamburg.

Starting point is 04:56:02 Blessed Margaret Mary and the Benedictine religious. True charity is humble and indulgent towards others, respecting them as though they were their superiors. Her words are always friendly and full of consideration for others, having nothing of bitterness nor coldness, nothing savoring of contempt, because she is born of a heart that is meek and humble like that of Jesus. She also carefully avoids all that could disturb unity.

Starting point is 04:56:38 She takes every means, makes every sacrifice to affect a reconciliation, according to the words of our divine master, if thou offer thy gift at the altar, and there thou remember that thy brother hath anything against thee, leave there thy offering before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to thy, brother. And then coming, thou shalt offer thy gift. A religious having wounded charity in regard to St. Louis Bertrand received a terrible chastisement after death. He was plunged into the fire of

Starting point is 04:57:18 purgatory, which he had to endure until he had made satisfaction to divine justice. Nay more, he could not be admitted into the abode of the elect, until he had accomplished an act of exterior reparation, which should serve as an example to the living. The fact is thus related in the life of the saint. When St. Louis Bertrand of the Order of St. Dominic resided at the convent of Valencia, there was a young religious in the community who attached too much importance to profane science. Doubtless letters and erudition have their value, but as the Holy Ghosts, declares, they should yield to the fear of God and the science of the saints.

Starting point is 04:58:08 Non-super-Timentum dominum. There is none above him that feareth the Lord. This science of the saints, which eternal wisdom came to teach us, consists in humility and charity. The young religious of whom we speak, while but little advanced in divine science, allowed himself to reproach Father Bertrand with his little knowledge, and said to him, "'One can see, Father, that you are not very learned.' "'Brother,' replied the saint, with meek firmness, "'Lusifer was very learned, and yet he was damned.'

Starting point is 04:58:49 The brother who had committed this fault did not think of repairing it. Nevertheless, he was not a bad religious, and some time after, falling dangerously sick, He received the last sacrament in very good dispositions, and expired peacefully in the Lord. A considerable time elapsed, and meanwhile Louis was nominated prior. One day, having remained in choir after Matins, the deceased appeared to him enveloped in flames, and prostrating, humbly before him, said, Father, pardon me the offensive words which I formally addressed to you. God will not permit me to see his face, until you shall have pardoned my fault,

Starting point is 04:59:40 and offered holy Mass for me. The saint willingly forgave him, and the next morning celebrated Mass for the repose of his soul. The following night, being again in choir, he saw the deceased brother reappear. but radiant with glory and going up to heaven. Father Eusebius Nirenberg, religious of the company of Jesus, author of the beautiful book, Difference between Time and Eternity,

Starting point is 05:00:13 resided at the College of Madrid, where he died, in the Order of Sanctity in 1658. This servant of God, who was singularly devout towards the soul's in purgatory was praying one day in the church of the college for a father who had recently died. The deceased, who for a long time, had been a professor of theology, had proved himself to be as good a religious as he was a learned theologian. He had been distinguished for his

Starting point is 05:00:46 great devotion to the Blessed Virgin, but one vice had crept in among his virtues. He was uncharitable in his words and frequently spoke of the faults of his neighbor. Now, whilst Father Nirenberg was recommending his soul to God, this religious appeared and revealed to him the state of his soul. He was condemned to frightful torments for having frequently spoken against charity. His tongue, the instrument of his fault, was tortured by a devouring fire. The Blessed Virgin in recompense, for the tender devotion which he had cherished towards her, had obtained permission for him to come and ask for prayers.

Starting point is 05:01:36 He was, at the same time, to serve as an example to others, that they might learn to be guarded in all their words. Father Nirenberg, having offered many prayers and penances for him, finally obtained his deliverance. The religious of whom mention is made in the life of Blessed Margaret Mary, and for whom that servant of God suffered so terribly for the space of three months, among other faults, was also punished for his sins against charity. The revelation is thus related.

Starting point is 05:02:15 Blessed Margaret Mary, we read in her life, being one day before the Bible, Blessed Sacrament, suddenly saw before her a man totally enveloped in fire. The intense heat of which seemed about to consume herself. The wretched state in which she saw this poor soul caused her to shed tears. He was a Benedictine religious of the monastery of Clooney, to whom she had formerly confessed. And who had done good to her soul by ordering her to receive holy. communion. In reward for this service, God had permitted him to address himself to her that he might find some alleviation in his sufferings. The poor departed, asked that all she should do and

Starting point is 05:03:07 suffer for the space of three months, might be applied to him. This she promised, after having obtained permission. Then he told her that the principal cause of his intense suffering was for having sought his own interest before the glory of God and the good of souls, by attaching too much importance to his reputation. The second was his want of charity towards his brethren. The third, the natural affection for creatures to whom through weakness he had yielded, and to which he had given expression in his spiritual intercourse with them. This being he added, very displeasing.

Starting point is 05:03:50 to God. It is difficult to say all that the Blessed Sister had to suffer during the three months following. The deceased never left her. On the side where he stood, she seemed all on

Starting point is 05:04:06 fire with such excruciating pain that she could not cease to weep. Her superior touched with compassion, ordered her penances and disciplines, because pain and suffering greatly relieved her.

Starting point is 05:04:23 The torments which the sanctity of God inflicted upon her were insupportable. It was a specimen of the suffering endured by the poor souls. End of Section 40, recording by John Brandon. Section 41 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup H. Chey. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 05:04:54 Recording by John Brandon. Part 1, Chapter 41. Matter of expiation. Abuse of Grace. St. Magdalene de Pazzi and the dead religious. Blessed Margaret Mary and the three souls in purgatory. There is another disorder in the soul which God punishes severely in purgatory. To wit, the abuse of grace. By this is understood the neglect to correspond to the the aids which God gives us, and to the invitations which he presses upon us to the practice of virtue

Starting point is 05:05:36 for the sanctification of our souls. This grace which he offers us is a precious gift, which we may not throw away. It is the seed of salvation and of merit, which it is not permitted to leave unproductive. Now this fault is committed when we do not respond with generosity, to the divine invitation. I receive from God the means of giving alms. An interior voice invites me to do so. I close my heart, or I give with a miserly hand. This is an abuse of grace.

Starting point is 05:06:17 I can hear Mass, assist at the sermon, frequent the sacraments. An interior voice urges me to go, but I will not give myself the trouble. This again is an abuse of grace. A young religious must be obedient, humble, mortified, devoted to her duties. God requires this,

Starting point is 05:06:45 and gives her the grace in virtue of her vocation. She does not apply herself thereto. She does not labor to overcome herself in order to cooperate with the assistance which God gives her. This is an abuse of grace. Now this sin, as we have said, is severely punished in purgatory. St. Magdalene de Pauze tells us that one of her sisters in religion had much to suffer after death for not having on three occasions

Starting point is 05:07:22 corresponded to grace. It happened that, on a certain feast day, she felt inclined to do some little work. It was only some simple piece of embroidery, but it was not at all necessary and could be conveniently postponed to some other time. The inspiration of grace told her to abstain from it through respect for the solemnity of the day.

Starting point is 05:07:51 But she preferred to satisfy the natural inclination which she had for that work, under pretext that it was but a trifle. Another time, noticing that the observance of a certain point of the rule had been omitted, and that by making it known to her superiors, some good would have resulted to the community, she omitted to speak of it.

Starting point is 05:08:20 The inspiration of grace told her to perform this act of charity. but human respect withheld her. A third fault was an ill-regulated attachment to her relatives in the world. As spouse of Jesus Christ, all her affections belonged to the divine spouse, but she divided her heart by being too much occupied with the members of her family. Although she knew that her conduct in this respect was defective, she did not obey the impulse of grace,

Starting point is 05:08:58 nor did she labor strenuously to correct it. This sister, otherwise most edifying, died some time after, and Magdalene prayed for her with her usual fervor. Sixteen days passed, when she appeared to the saint to announce her deliverance. Magdalene expressing her astonishment that the sister had been so long in suffering,

Starting point is 05:09:26 it was revealed to her that this soul had to expiate her abuse of grace in the three cases of which we have just spoken, and that these faults would have detained her longer in her torments, had not God taken into consideration the more satisfactory part of her conduct. He had abridged her sufferings, on account of her faithful observance of the rule, her purity of intention, and her charity towards her sisters.

Starting point is 05:10:01 Those who in this world have received more grace and more means of discharging their spiritual debts will be treated with less consideration than those who have had less opportunity of making satisfaction during life. Blessed Margaret Mary, having learned the death of three persons who had died quite recently, two religious and one secular,

Starting point is 05:10:29 began immediately to pray for the repose of their souls. It was the first day of the year. Our Lord, touched by her charity and treating her with an ineffable familiarity, deigned to appear to her, and showing her the three souls in those fiery prisons where they were languishing, said to her, my daughter, as New Year's gift, I give you the deliverance of one of these three souls, and I leave the choice to you. Which shall I release? Who am I, Lord? She replied, to say who deserves the preference. Dane yourself to make the choice.

Starting point is 05:11:16 Then our Lord delivered the secular. saying that he felt less in seeing religious suffer because they had more means of expiating their sins during life. End of Section 41. Recording by John Brandon End of Part 1 Section 42 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 05:11:50 Recording by John Brandon. Part 2 Chapter 1 Fear and Confidence The Mercy of God St. Lidwina and the priest Venerable Claude de la Columierre We have just considered the rigors of divine justice

Starting point is 05:12:11 in the other life. They are terrific, and it is impossible to think of them without trembling. That fire, inkindled by divine justice, those excruciating pains compared to which all the penances of the saints, all the sufferings of the martyrs put together, are as nothing. Who is there that thinks

Starting point is 05:12:32 he will be able to look upon them and not shudder from very fear? This fear is salutary and conformable to the spirit of Jesus Christ. Our divine master desires that we should fear and that we should fear not only hell, but also purgatory, which is a sort of mitigated hell.

Starting point is 05:12:57 It is to inspire us with this holy fear that he shows us the dungeons of the Supreme Judge, whence we shall not depart until we have paid the last farthing. We may say of the fire of purgatory that which is said of hellfire, Fear ye not, them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul, but rather fear him that can cast both soul and body into hell. Yet it is not the intention of our Lord that we should have an excessive and barren fear. A fear which tortures and discourages, a gloomy fear without confidence. No, he wishes that our fear should be tempered with great trust in his mercy.

Starting point is 05:13:43 He desires that we should fear evil in order to prevent and avoid it. He desires that the thought of those avenging flames should stimulate us to fervor in his service and cause us to expiate our false in this world, rather than in the other. Better is it to purge away our sins and cut off our vices now, says the author of the imitation, than to keep them for purgation hereafter. Moreover, if notwithstanding our endeavors to live well, and to satisfy for our sins in this world, we have well-grounded fears, that we shall have to want to go a purgatory. We must look forward to that contingency with unbounded confidence in God,

Starting point is 05:14:32 who never fails to console those whom he purifies by sufferings. Now, to give our fear this practical character, this counterpoise of, confidence, after having contemplated purgatory in all the rigor of its pains, we must consider it under another aspect, and from a different point of view, that of the mercy of God, which shines forth therein no less than his justice. If God reserves terrible chastisements in the other life, or the least false, he does not inflict them without, at the same time, tempering them with clemency. And nothing shows better the admirable harmony of the divine perfection than purgatory, because the most severe justice is their exercise, together with the most ineffable mercy.

Starting point is 05:15:28 If our Lord chastises those souls that are dear to him, it is in his love. According to the words, such as I love, I rebuke and chastise. with one hand he strikes with the other he heals. He offers mercy and redemption in abundance. Quonium apodominum misericordia and copiosa apodium redemptio. This infinite mercy of our heavenly father must be the firm foundation of our confidence. And after the example of the saints, we must keep it always before our eyes.

Starting point is 05:16:09 the saints never lost sight of it and it was for this reason that the fear of purgatory never deprived them of their peace and joy of the holy ghost st lydwina who so well knew the frightful severity of expiatory suffering was animated with that spirit of confidence and endeavored to inspire others with the same One time she received a visit from a pious priest. Whilst he was seated at her bedside, together with other virtuous persons, the conversation turned on the sufferings of the other life. Seeing in the hands of a woman, a vase filled with grains of mustard seed, the priest took occasion to remark that he trembled when thinking of the fire of purgatory. Nevertheless, he added, I should be satisfied to go there for as many years. as there are grains of seed in this vase.

Starting point is 05:17:04 Then, at least, I should be certain of my salvation. What do you say, Father? replied the saint. Why so little confidence in the mercy of God? Ah, if you had better knowledge of what purgatory is, of what frightful torments are there endured. Let purgatory be what it may, he replied. I persist in what I say.

Starting point is 05:17:29 Sometime after, this priest died, and the same persons who had been present during his conversation with St. Ledwina, questioning the saint as to his condition in the other world, she replied, the deceased is well off, on account of his virtuous life, and it would be better for him if he had had more confidence in the passion of Jesus Christ, and if he had taken a milder view of the subject of purgatory. In what consisted this lack of confidence, which met the disapproval of our saint? In the opinion which this good priest had, that it is almost impossible to be saved, and that we shall enter heaven only after having undergone innumerable years of torture,

Starting point is 05:18:19 this idea is erroneous and contrary to Christian confidence. Our Savior came to bring peace to men of good will, and to impose upon us as a condition of our salvation, a yoke which is sweet, and a burden which is not heavy. Therefore, let your will be good, and you will find peace. You will see all difficulties and terrors vanish. Good will. That is everything. Be of good will.

Starting point is 05:18:50 Submit to the will of God. place His holy law above all else. Serve the Lord with all your heart, and he will give you such powerful assistance that you will enter paradise with an astonishing facility. I could never have believed, you will say, that it was so easy to enter heaven. Again, I repeat,

Starting point is 05:19:13 to effect in us this wonder of mercy, God asks on our part an upright heart, a good will. Goodwill consists, properly speaking, in submitting and conforming our will to that of God, who is the rule of all goodwill. And this goodwill attains its highest perfection when we embrace the divine will as the sovereign good. Even then, when it imposes the greatest sacrifices, the most acute suffering. O admirable state, the soul thus disposed, seems to lose this sacrifice.

Starting point is 05:19:50 sensation of pain, and this because the soul is animated with the spirit of love. And as St. Augustine says, when we love, we suffer not. Or if we suffer, we love the suffering. Ought C. Labore Ipsi a matur. Venerable Claude de la Colombeer of the Society of Jesus possessed this loving heart, this perfect will, and in his retreat spiritual, he thus expresses his sentiments. We must not cease to expiate the past disorders of our life by penance, but it must be done without anxiety,

Starting point is 05:20:34 because the worst that can befall us, when our will is good, and we are submissive and obedient, is to be sent for a long time to purgatory, and we may say, with good reason, that this is a great evil. I do not fear purgatory. Of hell I will not speak. For I should wrong the mercy of God by having the least fear of hell, although I have merited it more than all the demons together. Pergatory, I do not fear. I wish I had not deserved it, since I could not do so without displeasing God. But as I have merited to go there, I am delighted to go, and I am delighted to go,

Starting point is 05:21:18 and satisfy his justice in the most rigorous manner it is possible to imagine, and that even to the day of judgment. I know that the torments there endured are horrible, but I know that they honor God, and cannot prove an injury to the souls. That there we are certain never to oppose the will of God, that we shall never resent his severity, that we shall even love the rigorous,

Starting point is 05:21:48 of his justice, and await with patience, until it shall be entirely appeased. Therefore I have given, with my whole heart, all my satisfactions to the souls in purgatory, and even bequeathed to others all the suffrages which shall be offered for me after my death, in order that God may be glorified in paradise, by souls who shall have merited to be raised to a higher degree of glory than myself. Behold to what an excess of charity the love of God and our neighbor transports us when it has taken possession

Starting point is 05:22:25 of the heart. It transforms, transfigures suffering in such a manner that all its bitterness is changed into sweetness. When thou shalt arrive thus far, that tribulation shall be sweet to thee, and thou shalt relishal to thee,

Starting point is 05:22:43 and thou shalt relish it for the love of Christ. Then think that it is well with thee, for thou hast found a paradise upon earth. Let us therefore have great love for God, great charity, and we shall have little fear of purgatory. The Holy Ghost bears testimony in the depths of our hearts

Starting point is 05:23:07 that being children of God, we have no need to dread the chastisements of a Father. End of Section 42. Recording by John Brandon. Section 43 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup as Jay. This Libravox recording

Starting point is 05:23:31 is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 2. Confidence. Mercy of God, toward souls. He consoles them. St. Catherine of Genoa. the brother of St. Magdalene de Pazzi.

Starting point is 05:23:51 It is true that all have not attained this high degree of charity, but there is no one that cannot have confidence in the divine mercy. This mercy is infinite. It imparts peace to all souls. They keep it constantly before their eyes, and confide therein. Now, the mercy of God is exercised with regard to purgatory in a threefold manner. One, in consoling the souls. Two, in mitigating their sufferings.

Starting point is 05:24:23 Three, in giving to ourselves a thousand means of avoiding those penal fires. In the first place, God consoles the souls in purgatory. He himself consoles them. He also consoles them through the Blessed Virgin and through the Holy Angels. He consoles the souls by inspiring them with a high degree, of faith, hope, and divine love, virtues which produce in them conformity to the divine will, resignation and the most perfect patience. God, says St. Catherine of Genoa, inspires the soul in purgatory with so ardent a movement of devoted love that it would be sufficient to annihilate her,

Starting point is 05:25:10 were she not immortal? Illumined and inflamed by that pure charity, the more of she loves God, the more she detests the least stain that displaces him, the least hindrance that prevents her union with him. Thus, if she could find another purgatory more terrible than the one to which he is condemned, that soul would plunge herself therein, impelled by the impetuosity of the love which exists between God and herself, in order that she might be the sooner delivered from all that separates her from her sovereign God. These souls, says again the same saint, are initially united to the will of God,

Starting point is 05:25:53 and so completely transformed into it that they are always satisfied with its holy ordinances. The souls in purgatory have no choice of their own. They can no longer will anything than what God wills. They receive with perfect submission all that God gives them, and neither pleasure nor contentment nor pain can never again make them think of themselves. St. Magdalene de Pazzi, after the death of one of her brothers,

Starting point is 05:26:26 having gone to the choir to offer prayers for him, saw his soul a prey to intense suffering. Touched with compassion, she melted into tears, and cried out in a piteous voice, Brother, miserable and blessed at the same time. O soul, afflicted, and yet contented, these pains are intolerable, and yet they are endured. Why are they not understood by those here below,

Starting point is 05:26:54 who have not the courage to carry their cross? Whilst you are in this world, my dear brother, you would not listen to my advice, and now you desire artently that I should hear you. O God, equally just and merciful, comfort this brother, who has served you from his infancy. Have regard to your clemency, I beseech you, and make use of your great mercy in his behalf.

Starting point is 05:27:26 O God most just, if he has not always been attentive to please you, at least he has not despised those who made profession of serving you with fidelity. The day on which he had that wonderful ecstasy, during which she visited the different prisons of purgatory, seeing again the soul of her brother, she said to him, Poor soul, how you suffer,

Starting point is 05:27:54 and nevertheless you rejoice. You burn and you are satisfied, because you know well that these sufferings must lead you to a great and unspeakable felicity. How happy shall I be? Should I never have to endure greater suffering? Remain here, my dear brother, and complete your purification in peace.

Starting point is 05:28:20 End of Section 43. Recording by John Brandon Section 44 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Libra Fox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon Consolations of the Souls St. Stanislaus of Krakow and resuscitated Peter Miles. This contentment in the midst of the most intense suffering

Starting point is 05:28:54 cannot be explained otherwise than by the divine consolations, which the Holy Ghost infuses into the souls in purgatory. This divine spirit, by means of faith, hope, and charity puts them in the disposition of a sick person who has to submit to very painful treatment, but the effect of which is to restore him to perfect health. This sick person suffers, but he loves his salutary suffering. The Holy Ghost, the Comforter, gives a similar contentment to the Holy Souls. Of this we have a striking example in Peter Miles, raised from the dead by St. Stanislaus of Krakow,

Starting point is 05:29:37 who preferred to return to purgatory rather than to live again upon earth. The celebrated miracle of this resuscitation happened in 1070. It is thus related in the Acta Sanctorum on May 7th. St. Stannislaus was bishop of Krakow, when the Duke Boluslaus II governed Poland. He did not neglect to remind this prince of his duties, who scandalously violated them before all his people. Bolislaus was irritated by the holy liberty of the prelate, and to revenge himself, he excited against him. him the heirs of a certain Peter Miles, who had died three years previously, after having sold a piece of ground to the Church of Krakow. The heirs accused the saint of having usurp the ground,

Starting point is 05:30:31 without having paid the owner. Stanislaus declared that he had paid for the land, but as the witnesses who should have defended him had either been bribed or intimidated, he was denounced as a usurper of the property of another, and condemned to make restitution. Then seeing that he had nothing to expect from human justice, he raised his heart to God, and received a sudden inspiration. He asked for a delay of three days, promising to make Peter Miles appear in person, that he might testify to the legal purchase and payment of the lot.

Starting point is 05:31:09 They were granted to him in scorn. The saint, fasted, watched, and prayed God, to take up the defense of his cause. The third day, after having celebrated Holy Mass, he went out accompanied by his clergy and many of the faithful to the place where Peter had been interred. By his orders, the grave was opened. He contained nothing but bones. He touched him with his crozier. And in the name of him, who is the resurrection and the life, He commanded the dead man to arise. Suddenly the bones became reunited, were covered with flesh,

Starting point is 05:31:50 and in sight of the stupefied people, the dead man was seen to take the bishop by the hand and walk towards the tribunal. Bolusloss, with his court and an immense crowd of people, were awaiting the result of the most lively expectation. Behold Peter, said the saint of Bolus. He comes, Prince, to give testimony before you. Interrogate him. He will answer you. It is impossible to depict the stupefification of the Duke, of his counsellors, and of the whole

Starting point is 05:32:26 concourse of people. Peter affirmed that he had been paid for the ground. Then turning towards his heirs, he reproached them for having accused the pious prelate against all rights of justice. then he exhorted them to do penance for so grievous as sin. It was thus that iniquity, which believed itself already sure of success, was confounded. Now comes the circumstance which concerns our subject and to which we wish to refer. Wishing to complete this great miracle for the glory of God, Stannesloss proposed to the deceased that if he desired to live a few years longer, he would obtain for him this favor from God. Peter replied, that he had no such desire.

Starting point is 05:33:21 He was in purgatory, but he would rather return thither immediately and endure its pains than expose himself to damnation in this terrestrial life. He entreated the saint only to beg of God to shorten the time of his sufferings, that he might the sooner enter the abode of the blessed. After that, accompanied by the bishop and a vast multitude, Peter returned to his grave. Laid himself down, his body fell to pieces, and his bones resumed the same state in which they had first been found.

Starting point is 05:33:59 We have reason to believe that the saints soon obtained the deliverance of his soul. That which is the most remarkable, in this example, and which should most attract our attention, is that a soul from purgatory, after having experienced the most excruciating torments, refers that state of suffering to the life of this world. And the reason which he gives for this preference is that in this mortal life we are exposed to the danger of being lost

Starting point is 05:34:32 and incurring eternal damnation. End of Section 44, recording by John Brandon. Section 45 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 4 Consolations of Souls St. Catherine Derichy and the soul of a prince. Let us relate in other words.

Starting point is 05:35:11 example of the interior consolations and mysterious contentment which the souls experience in the midst of the most excruciating sufferings. We find it in the life of St. Catherine de Ritchie, a religious of the Order of St. Dominic, who died in the convent of Prato, February 2, 1590. This servant of God cherished so great a devotion towards the souls in purgatory that she suffered in their place on earth, that which they had to endure in the other world. Among others, she delivered from the expiatory flames the soul of a prince and suffered the most frightful torments in his place for forty days. This prince, whose name is not mentioned in history, in consideration, no doubt of his family,

Starting point is 05:36:00 had led a worldly life and the saint offered many prayers, fasts, and penances that God would enlighten him as to the condition of his soul. and that he might not be condemned. God vouchsafed to hear her, and the unfortunate prince, before his death, gave evident proofs of a sincere conversion. He died in good sentiments,

Starting point is 05:36:24 and went to purgatory. Catherine learned this by divine revelation in prayer, and offered herself to satisfy divine justice for that soul. Our Lord accepted the charitable exchange, received the soul of the prince into glory, and subjected Catherine to pains entirely strange to her for the space of forty days. She was seized with a malady which, according to the judgment of the physicians,

Starting point is 05:36:53 was not natural, and could neither be cured nor relieved. According to the testimony of eyewitnesses, the body of the saint was covered with blisters, filled with humor and inflammation, like water boiling upon the fire. This occasioned such heat that her cell was like an oven and seemed filled with fire. It was impossible to remain there for a few moments

Starting point is 05:37:20 without going outside to breathe. It was evident that the flesh of the patient was boiling, and her tongue resembled a piece of red-hot metal. At intervals the inflammation ceased. Then the flesh appeared rosy, but soon the blisters arose again and sent forth the same heat. Nevertheless, in the midst of this torture, the saint did not lose the serenity of her countenance nor the peace of her soul. She seemed to rejoice in her torments. Her sufferings sometimes

Starting point is 05:37:55 increased to such a degree that she lost her speech for ten or twelve minutes. When her sister religious told her that she seemed to be, be on fire, she replied simply, yes, without adding anything more. When they represented to her that she carried her zeal too far, and that she ought not to ask God such excessive suffering, pardon me, my dear sisters, she said to them, if I answer you, Jesus has so much love for souls, and that all we do for our salvation is infinitely agreeable to him. That is why I gladly endure any pain whatsoever it may be, as well for the conversion of sinners as for the deliverance of the souls detained in purgatory.

Starting point is 05:38:49 The forty days having expired, Catherine returned to her ordinary state. The relations of the prince asked where his soul was. Have no fear, she replied. His soul is in the enjoyment of eternal glory. It was thus known that it was for his soul that she had suffered so much. This example teaches us many things, but we have cited it to show that the greatest sufferings are not incompatible with interior peace. Our saint, whilst visibly enduring the pains of purgatory,

Starting point is 05:39:27 enjoyed an admirable peace and a superhuman contentment. End of Section 45. Recording by John Brandon Section 46 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 05:39:55 Part 2, Chapter 5. Consolations of Souls The Blessed Virgin. Revelations of St. Brigitte. Father Jerome Carvalho. Blessed Rainier of Citro. The souls in purgatory receive also great consolation from the Blessed Virgin. Is she not the consolation of the afflicted?

Starting point is 05:40:22 And what affliction can be compared to that of the poor souls? Is she not the mother of mercy? And is it not towards those holy suffering souls that she must show all the mercy of her heart? We must not, therefore, be astonished that in the revelations of St. Bridget, the Queen of Heaven gave to herself the beautiful name of Mother of the Souls in Purgatory. I am, she said to that saint, the mother of all those who are in the place of expiation.

Starting point is 05:40:55 My prayers mitigate the chastisements, which are inflicted upon them for their faults. On October 25th, 1604, in the College of the Society of Jesus at Coimbra, Father Jerome Carvalho died in the odor of sanctity at the age of 50 years. This admirable and humble servant of God felt a lively apprehension of the sufferings of purgatory. Neither the cruel macerations which he inflicted upon himself several times every day, not counting those prompted each week by the remembrance of the passion, nor the six hours which he devoted morning and evening to the meditation of holy,

Starting point is 05:41:38 subjects seemed sufficient in his estimation to shield him from the chastisement which he imagined awaited him after death. But one day the queen of heaven, to whom he had a tender devotion, condescended herself to console her servant by the simple assurance that she was a mother of mercy, to her dear children in purgatory, as well as to those upon earth. seeking later to spread this consoling doctrine, the holy man accidentally let fall in the order of his discourse these words. She told me this herself. It is related that a great servant of Mary, Blessed Rainier of Citro,

Starting point is 05:42:25 trembled at the thought of his sins and the terrible justice of God after death. In his fear addressing himself to his great protection, who calls herself Mother of Mercy, he was wrapped in spirit, and saw the mother of God supplicating her son in his favor. My son, she said, deal mercifully with him in purgatory, because he humbly repents of his sins. My mother, replied Jesus, I place his cause in your hands, which meant to say, be it done to your client according to your desire.

Starting point is 05:43:04 Blessed Reneer understood with unutterable joy that Mary had obtained his exemption from purgatory. End of Section 46, recording by John Brandon. Section 47 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Libre Fox recording is in the public domain, recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 6. Consolations of purgatory, the Blessed Virgin Mary, privilege of Saffer Day,

Starting point is 05:43:45 Venerable Paula of St. Teresa, St. Peter Damien, and the deceased Marozzi. It is especially on certain days that the Queen of Heaven exercises her mercy in purgatory. These privileged days are, first all Saturdays, then the different feast days of the Blessed Virgin. which thus become as festivals in purgatory. We see in the revelations of the saints that on Saturday the day specially consecrated

Starting point is 05:44:15 to the Blessed Virgin, the sweet mother of mercy descends into the dungeons of purgatory to visit and console her devoted servants. Then according to the pious belief of the faithful, she delivers those souls who, having worn the holy scapular, enjoy the sabatine privilege, and afterwards gives relief and consolation to other souls who have been particularly devout to her.

Starting point is 05:44:42 A witness to this was the venerable sister Paula of St. Teresa, a Dominican religious of the convent of St. Catherine in Naples. Being wrapped in ecstasy once Saturday and transported in spirit into purgatory, she was quite surprised to find it transformed into a paradise of delights, illuminated by a bright light instead of the darkness which at other times prevailed. While she was wondering what could be the cause of this change, she perceived the queen of heaven surrounded by a multitude of angels,

Starting point is 05:45:17 to whom she gave orders to liberate those souls who had honored her in a special manner and conduct them to heaven. If such takes place on an ordinary Saturday, we can scarcely doubt that the same occurs on feast days consecrated to the mother of God. Among all her festivals, that of the glorious Assumption of Mary seems to be the chief day of deliverance. St. Peter Damien tells us that each year, on the day of the Assumption, the Blessed Virgin, delivers several thousands of souls. The following account of a miraculous vision illustrates this subject. It is a pious custom, he says, which exists among the people of Rome to visit the churches

Starting point is 05:46:06 carrying a candle in the hand during the night preceding the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady. Now it happened that a person of rank, being on her knees in the Basilica of the Arachali in the capital, saw before her prostrate in prayer another lady, her godmother, who had died several months previous. Surprised and not being able to believe her eyes, she wished to solve the mystery, and for this purpose placed herself near the door of the church. As soon as she saw the lady go out,

Starting point is 05:46:44 she took her by the hand and drew her aside. Are you not, she said to her, my godmother, who held me at the baptismal font? Yes, replied the apparition, immediately. It is I. And how comes it that I find you among the living, since you have been dead more than a year? Until this day I have been plunged in a dreadful fire. On account of the many sins of vanity which I committed in my youth, but during this great solemnity, the queen of heaven descended into the midst of the purgatorial flames,

Starting point is 05:47:23 and delivered me, together with a large number of other souls, that we might enter heaven on the feast of her assumption. She exercises this great act of clemency each year, and on this occasion alone, the number of those whom she has delivered equals the population of Rome. Seeing that her goddaughter remained stupefied and seemed still to doubt the evidence of her sense, the apparition added,

Starting point is 05:47:54 In proof of the truth of my words, know that you yourself will die a year hence. On the feast of the assumption, if you outlived that period, believe that this was an illusion. St. Peter Damien concluded this recital by saying that the young lady passed the year the exercise of good works

Starting point is 05:48:15 in order to prepare herself to appear before God. the year following, on the visual of the Assumption, she fell sick, and died on the day of the feast itself, as had been predicted. The feast of the Assumption is then the great day of Mary's mercy towards the poor souls. She delights to introduce her children into the glory of heaven on the anniversary of the day on which she herself first entered its blessed portals. The pious belief, adds Father LeVay, is sounded on a great number of particular revelations. It is for this reason that in Rome, the Church of St. Mary of Montario, which is the center of the arch-confernity of suffrages for the dead, is dedicated under the title of the Assumption. End of Section 47, recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 05:49:12 Section 48 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Libra Fox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 7. Consolations of Purgatory. The Angels. St. Bridget. Venerable Paula of St. Teresa.

Starting point is 05:49:44 Brother Peter of Bosto. besides the consolations which the souls receive from the Blessed Virgin, they are also assisted and consoled by the Holy Angels and especially by their guardian angels. The doctors of the Church teach that the tutelary mission of the guardian angel terminates only on the entrance of their clients into paradise. If at the moment of death, a soul in the state of grace is not yet worthy to see the face of the Most High, the angel guardian conducts it to the place of expiation, and remains there with her to procure for her all the assistance and consolations in his power.

Starting point is 05:50:32 It is an opinion common among the Holy Doctors, says Father Rossignoli. The God who will one day send forth his angels to assemble the elect also sends them from time to time into purgatory, there to visit and console the suffering souls. No doubt there cannot be any relief more precious than the sight of the inhabitants of heaven, that blessed abode, whether they will one day go to enjoy its glorious and eternal felicity. The revelations of St. Brigitte are filled with examples of this nature, and the lives of several saints also furnish a great number. Venerable Sister Paula

Starting point is 05:51:17 of St. Teresa, of whom we have spoken above, had an extraordinary devotion towards the church suffering, for which he was rewarded here below with miraculous visions. One day, whilst saying a fervent prayer

Starting point is 05:51:33 for this intention, she was transported in spirit into purgatory, where she saw a great number of souls plunged in flames. close to them she saw our saviour attended by his angels who pointed out one after the other several souls which he desired to take to heaven whither they ascended in transports of unutterable joy at this sight the servant of god addressing herself to her divine spouse said to him o jesus why this choice among such a vast multitude I have released, he deigned to reply, those who, during life, performed great acts of charity and mercy,

Starting point is 05:52:20 and who have merited that I should fulfill my promise in their regard. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. In the life of the servant of God, Peter de Bostow, we find an example which shows how the holy angels, even whilst they are watching over us upon earth interests themselves in behalf of the souls in purgatory. And since we have mentioned the name of Brother DeBosto, we cannot resist the desire to make known this admirable religious to our readers.

Starting point is 05:53:00 His history is as interesting as it is edifying. Peter de Bosto, brother coadjutor of the Society of Jesus, and whom his biographer calls the Alphonsis Rodriguez of Malabar, died in the odor of sanctity at Cochin, March 1, 1645. He was born in Portugal of the illustrious family of Machado, united by blood to all the nobility of the whole province between the Dural and the Minho. The Dukes of Pistrano and Heizar were among the number of his relatives,

Starting point is 05:53:39 and the world held out to him a career of the most brilliant prospects. But God had reserved him for himself, and had endowed him with the most marvelous spiritual gifts. While still a very young child, when taken to the church, he prayed before the Blessed Sacrament with the fervor of an angel. He believed that all the people saw as he did with the eyes of the body,

Starting point is 05:54:07 the legions of celestial spirits, in adoration near the altar and the tabernacle, and from that time forward the Savior, hidden under the Eucharistic veil, he came by excellence the center of all his affections and the innumerable prodigies which characterized his long and holy life. It was there that later, as in a divine sun,

Starting point is 05:54:33 he discovered without veils the future, and its most unforeseen details. It was there also that God showed him the mysterious symbols of a ladder of gold, which united heaven and earth, supported by the tabernacle, and of the lily of purity shooting forth its roots

Starting point is 05:54:51 and drawing its nourishment from the flower of the wheat of the elect, and the wine which alone can bring forth virgins. Towards his seventeenth year, thanks to that purity of heart and that strength of which, which the sacrament of the Eucharist was for him the inexhaustible source, Peter made at Lisbon a vow of perpetual chastity, at the feet of Our Lady of Perpetual Sucker. He did not yet,

Starting point is 05:55:19 however, think of quitting the world, and some days later embarked for the Indies, and for two years followed the military profession. But at the end of that time, on the point of perishing by shipwreck, being tossed about at the mercy of the waves for five entire days, supported and saved by the Queen of Heaven and her divine son, who appeared to him. He promised to consecrate himself entirely to their service in the religious state for the remainder of his life. As soon as he returned to Goa, being then but 19 years of age, he went and offered himself in the quality of lay brother to the superiors of the Society of Jesus. Fearing that his name might procure for him some mark of distinction or esteem, he adopted

Starting point is 05:56:09 henceforward that of the humble village where he had received baptism, and was called simply Peter de Bosto. It was a short time afterwards during one of the trials of his novitiate that this wonderful incident occurred which is recorded in the annals of the society, and which is so consoling for all the children of St. Ignatius. Brother Peter's novice master sent him on a pilgrimage with two young companions, in the island of Salcette, ordering them not to accept hospitality from any of the missionaries, but to beg from village to village for their daily bread and their knights lodging.

Starting point is 05:56:51 One day, fatigued with their long journey, they met a humble family, consisting of an old man, a woman, and a little child, who received them with their the greatest charity, and pressed them to partake of a frugal repast. But at the moment of their departure, after having returned them a thousand thanks, when Peter de Bosto begged his host to tell him their names, wishing no doubt to recommend them to God. We are, replied the mother, the three founders of the Society of Jesus, and all three disappeared at the same instant. whole religious life of this holy man until his death, that is to say almost 56 years, was but a tissue of wonders and extraordinary graces. But we must add that he merited them,

Starting point is 05:57:45 and purchased them, so to say, at the price of virtue, labors, and the most heroic sacrifices. Charged by turns, with care of the laundry, the kitchen, or the door, in the colleges of Goa, Of Tutti Curran, of Kulal, and of Kuchin, Peter never sought to withdraw himself from the hardest labors, nor to reserve a little leisure time at the expense of his different offices that he might enjoy the delights of prayer. Serious infirmities, the sole cause of which was excessive labor, were, he said smilingly, his most pleasant distractions.

Starting point is 05:58:29 Moreover, abandoned, so to speak, to the fury of the demon, the servant of God, enjoyed scarcely any repose. These spirits of darkness appeared to him under the most hideous forms. They often beat him severely, especially at that hour each night, when, as was his custom, he interrupted his sleep to go and pray before the Blessed Sacrament. One day, whilst traveling, his companions fled at the sound of a troop of formidable looking men, horses, and elephants, who appeared to approach them with furious gestures, he alone remained calm. And when his companions expressed their astonishment that he had not

Starting point is 05:59:15 manifested the least sign of fear, he replied, if God does not permit the demons to exercise their rage against us, what have we to fear? And if he gives them the permission, why then should I endeavor to escape their blows? He had only to invoke the queen of heaven when she appeared immediately and put the infernal troop to flight. Often it seemed as though all was confusion,

Starting point is 05:59:45 even to the very depths of his soul, and he found calm, peace, and victory only near his ordinary refuge, Jesus, present in the Holy Eucharist, Loaded one day with outrages, which caused him some little disturbance, he prostrated himself at the foot of the altar, and asked of our divine Savior the gift of patience. Then our Lord appeared to him, covered with wounds, a purple mantle about his shoulders, a rope around his neck, a reed in his hands, and a crown of thorns upon his head. then addressing himself to Peter, he said, See what the true Son of God has suffered,

Starting point is 06:00:32 to teach men how to suffer. But we have not touched the point we wish to illustrate by this holy life. I mean to say the devotion of Peter de Bostow towards the souls in purgatory, a devotion encouraged and seconded by his good angel guardian. Notwithstanding his numerous, labors, he daily recited the rosary for the dead. One day, having forgotten it, he retired without having recited it, but scarcely had he fallen asleep when he was awakened by his angel.

Starting point is 06:01:09 My son, said this heavenly spirit, the souls in purgatory await the benefit of your daily alms. Peter arose instantly to fulfill that duty of piety. End of Section 48. Recording by John Brandon. Section 49 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Libra Box recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 8.

Starting point is 06:01:45 Consolations of Purgatory. The Angels. Blessed Amelia of Urgelli. The Saints in Heaven. If the Holy Angels interests themselves. In behalf of the souls of purgatory, in general, it is easy to understand that they have particular zeal for those of their clients. In the convent of Ruchelli, where Blessed Amelia, a Dominican religious, was prioress, it was a point of the rule never to drink

Starting point is 06:02:15 between meals, unless with express permission of the superior. This permission, the Blessed Prioress, was not accustomed to a court. She advised her, her sisters to make that little sacrifice cheerfully, in memory of the burning thirst, which our Savior had endured for our salvation upon the cross. And to encourage them to do this, she suggested to them to confine those few drops of water to their guardian angels, that he might preserve them until the other life, to temper the heat of purgatory. The following incident shows how agreeable this pious practice was to God. A sister named Cecilia Avagadra came one day to ask permission to refresh herself with a little water, for she was parched with

Starting point is 06:03:07 thirst. My daughter, said the prioress, make this little sacrifice for the love of God, in consideration of purgatory. Mother, this sacrifice is not little. I am dying with thirst. replied the good sister. Nevertheless, although somewhat grieved, she obeyed the advice of her superior. This double act of obedience and mortification was precious in the sight of God, and Sister Cecilia soon received its reward.

Starting point is 06:03:40 A few weeks later she died, and after three days she appeared resplented in glory to Mother Amelia. Oh, Mother, she said, how grateful I am to you. I was condemned to a long purgatory for having had too great affection for my family, and behold, after two days, I saw my angel guardian enter my prison, holding in his hand the glass of water, which you caused me to offer as a sacrifice to my divine spouse. He poured that water upon the flames which devoured me. They were extinguished immediately, and I am delivered.

Starting point is 06:04:24 I take my flight to heaven, where my gratitude will never forget you. It is thus that the angels of God console the souls in purgatory. It may be here asked how the saints and blessed already crowned in heaven can assist them. It is certain, says Father Rossignoli, and such is the teaching of all masters in theology. St. Augustine and St. Thomas, that the saints are very powerful in this respect by way of supplication, or, as we say, by impotration, but not by satisfaction. In other words, the saints in heaven may pray for the souls, and thus obtained from divine mercy a diminution of their suffering, but they cannot satisfy for them, nor pay their debts to divine justice. That is a privilege which God

Starting point is 06:05:19 reserves to the church militant. End of Section 49. Recording by John Brandon. Section 50 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Libra Fox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 9.

Starting point is 06:05:46 Assistance given the Holy Souls. Suffrages. Meritorious. Impetratory. and satisfactory works. God's mercy. St. Gertrude. Judas Maccabias.

Starting point is 06:06:04 If God consoles the souls with so much goodness, his mercy shines forth, still more clearly, in the power which he gives to his church to shorten the duration of their sufferings. Desiring to execute with clemency the severe sentence of his justice, he accords of abatement

Starting point is 06:06:23 and mitigation of the pain. But he does so in an indirect manner through the intervention of the living. To us he gives all power to succour our afflicted brethren by way of suffrage, that is to say, by means of impotration and satisfaction.

Starting point is 06:06:43 The word suffrage, in ecclesiastical language, is a synonym of prayer. Yet when the Council of Trent declares that the souls in purgatory are assisted by the suffrages of the faithful, the sense of the word is more comprehensive. It includes in general all that we can offer to God in behalf of the departed. Now we can thus offer to God not only our prayers, but all our good works, insofar as they are impetratory or satisfactory. To understand these terms, let us recall to mind

Starting point is 06:07:18 that each of our good works performed in the state of grace ordinarily possesses a triple value in the sight of God. 1. The work is meritorious. That is to say it increases our merit. It gives us right to a new degree of glory in heaven. 2. It is impetratory. Impenetrate. Obtain. That is to say that like a prayer it has the value of obtaining some grace from God. 3. It is satisfactory. That is to say that as having, as it were, a pecuniary value, it can satisfy divine justice and pay our debts of temporal punishment before God. The merit is inalienable, and remains the property of the person who performs the action. On the contrary, the impetratory and satisfactory value can benefit others, in value of the communion of saints.

Starting point is 06:08:19 This understood, let us put this practical question. What are suffrages by which, according to the doctrine of the Church, we may aid the souls in purgatory? To this question we answer. They consist of prayers, alms, fasts, and penances of any kind, indulgences, and above all the holy sacrifice of the Mass. All the works performed in the state of grace, Jesus Christ allows us to offer to the divine majesty

Starting point is 06:08:51 for the relief of our brethren in purgatory, and God applies them to those souls according to His justice and mercy. By this admirable arrangement, whilst protecting the rights of his justice, our Heavenly Father multiplies the effects of his mercy, which is thus exercised at the same time in favor of the church suffering and of the church militant. The merciful assistance which he allows us to give to our suffering brethren

Starting point is 06:09:22 is of excellent profit to ourselves. It is a work not only advantageous to the departed, but also holy and salutary for the living. Sankta et salubris est, cogitatio pro defunctus exorare. We read in the revelations of St. Gertrude that a humble religious of her community, having crowned an exemplary life with a very pious death, God deign to show the saint the state of the deceased in the other life. Gertrude saw her soul adorned with ineffable beauty, and dear to Jesus, who regarded her with love.

Starting point is 06:10:06 Nevertheless, on account of some slight negligence not yet atoned for, she could not enter heaven, but was obliged to descend into the dismal abode of suffering. Scarcely had she disappeared into its depths, when the saints saw her come forth and rise towards heaven, transported thither by the suffrages of the church. Ecclesia praebus, soarsum, fairy. Even in the old law, prayers and sacrifices were offered for the dead. Holy Scripture relates, as praiseworthy, the pious action of Judas Maccabeus, after his victory over

Starting point is 06:10:47 Gorgias, General of King Antiochus. The soldiers had committed a fault by taking from among the spoils some objects offered to the idols, which by law they were forbidden to do. Then Judas, chief of the army of Israel, offered prayers and sacrifices for the remission of their sin, and for the repose of their souls. Let us see how this fact is related in Scripture. 2 Maccabees 1239. After the Sabbath, Judas went with his company to take away the bodies of them that were slain, and to bury them with their kinsmen in the sepulchres of their fathers. And they found under the coats of the slain some of the donaries of the idols of Jamnia, which the law forbiddeth to the Jews,

Starting point is 06:11:41 so that all plainly saw that for this cause they were slain. Then they all blessed the just judgment of the Lord, who had discovered the things that were hidden. And so, be taking themselves to prayers, they besought him that the sin which had been committed might be forgotten. But the most valiant Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin, for so much as they saw before their eyes what had happened because of the sin of those that were slain. In making a gathering, he sent twelve thousand drachmas of silver to Jerusalem

Starting point is 06:12:19 for sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the dead, thinking well and religiously concerning the resurrection. For if he had not hoped the day that were slain should rise again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for the dead, and because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness had great grace laid up for them. It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins. End of Section 50, recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 06:13:03 Section 51 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, This Libra Fox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon Part 2, Chapter 10 Assistance given to the Holy Souls Holy Mass St. Augustine and St. Monica In the new law, we have the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass,

Starting point is 06:13:32 of which the divers' sacrifices of the Mosaic Law were but feeble figures. The Son of God instituted it. not only as a worthy homage given by the creature to the divine majesty, but also as a propitiation for the living and the dead. That is to say, as an efficacious means of appeasing the justice of God, provoked by our sins. The holy sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated for the departed,

Starting point is 06:14:03 even from the time of the foundation of the church. We celebrate the anniversary of the triumph of the moment, martyrs, writes Turtulian in the third century. And according to the tradition of our fathers, we offer the holy sacrifice for the departed on the anniversary of their death. It cannot be doubted, writes St. Augustine, that the prayers of the church, the holy sacrifice, and alms distributed for the departed, relieve those holy souls, and move God to treat them with more clemen than their sins deserve. It is the universal practice of the church, a practice which she observes as having received it from her forefathers, that is to say, the Holy Apostles. St. Monica, the worthy

Starting point is 06:14:55 mother of St. Augustine, when about to expire, asked but one thing of her son, that he would remember her at the altar of God. And the Holy Doctor, when relating that touching circumstance in the book of his confessions, entreats all his readers to unite with him in recommending her to God during the holy sacrifice of the Mass. Wishing to return to Africa, St. Monica went with St. Augustine to Ostia

Starting point is 06:15:24 in order to embark, but she fell sick, and soon felt that her end was approaching. It is here, said she to her son, that you will give burial to your mother. The one thing I ask of you is that you will be mindful of me at the altar of the Lord. Ut at Altaridomini Memoritus Mei.

Starting point is 06:15:52 May I be pardoned for the tears I then shed, for that death should not be mourned, which was but the entrance to true life. Yet considering with the eyes of faith the miseries of our fallen nature, I might shed before we. you, O Lord, other tears than those of the flesh, tears which flow at the thought of the peril to which every soul is exposed that has sinned in Adam. It is certain that my mother lived in such manner as to give glory to your name, by the activity of her faith and the purity of her morals. Yet dare I affirm that no word contrary to thy law has ever escaped her lips? Alas, what will become of the holiest life, if thou dost examine it in all the rigors of thy justice.

Starting point is 06:16:44 For this reason, O God of my heart, I leave aside the good works which my mother has performed, to ask of thee only the pardon of her sins. Hear me by the wounds of him who died for us upon the cross, and who now seated at thy right hand is our mediator. I know that my mother always showed mercy, that she pardoned from her heart all offenses, and forgave all the debts owing to her. Cancel then her debts,

Starting point is 06:17:16 if during the course of her long life there are any owing to thee. Pardon her, O Lord, pardon her, and enter not into judgment against her, for thy words are true. Thou hast promised mercy to the merciful. this mercy i believe thou hast already shown to her oh my god but except the homage of my prayer remembered that on her passage to the other life my servant desired for her body neither pompous funeral nor precious perfumes She asked not a magnificent tomb, nor that she be carried, to that she had caused to be constructed at Tagas'est, her native place, but only that we should remember her at thy altar, whose mysteries she prized.

Starting point is 06:18:10 Thou knowest, Lord, all the days of her life, she took part in those divine mysteries, which contain the holy victim, whose blood has effaced the sentence of our condemnation. Let her repose then in peace with my father, her husband, with the spouse to whom she was faithful during all the days of her union, and in the sorrows of her widowhood with him whose humble servant she made herself, to win him for thee by her meekness and patience. And thou, O my God, inspire thy servants, who are my brethren, inspire all those who read these lines to remember at thy altar, Monica, thy servant, and Patricius,

Starting point is 06:18:57 who was her spouse, but all who still live in the false light of this world may piously remember my parents, that the last prayer of my dying mother may be heard beyond her expectations. This beautiful passage of St. Augustine shows us the opinion of this great doctor on the subject of suffrages for the departed. And it makes us see clearly that the greatest of all suffrages is the holy sacrifice of the Mass.

Starting point is 06:19:29 End of Section 51, recording by John Brandon. Section 52 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup, S.J. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 11. assistance rendered to the souls, Holy Mass, Jubilee of Leo the 13th, solemn commemoration of the dead on the last Sunday in September. We have witnessed the holy enthusiasm with which the church celebrated the sacerdotal

Starting point is 06:20:12 Jubilee of her venerated head of Leo the 13th. The faithful from all parts of the world went to Rome, either in person or in heart, to offer their homage and gifts at the feet of the vicar of Jesus Christ, the entire church militant rejoiced in the midst of her long trials. The church triumphant in heaven shared in this rejoicing by the canonization and beatification of a large number of her glorious members. Was it not fitting that the church suffering should also participate therein? Could our dear brethren in purgatory be forgotten?

Starting point is 06:20:53 Should not those souls, so dear to the heart of Jesus, also experience the happy effects of that glorious feast? Leo XIII understood this. All was guided by the Holy Spirit, when acting as supreme pastor, the Pope by an encyclical letter dated April 1, 1888, decreed that throughout the entire Christian world there should be a solemn commemoration of the dead on the last Sunday of the month of September.

Starting point is 06:21:24 Calling to mind, with what admirable love, the Church militant has manifested her joy, and how the Church triumphant rejoiced with her. To crown in a certain sense, says our Holy Father, this general exultation. We desire to fulfill as perfectly as possible the duty of our apostolic charity by extending the fullness of infinite spiritual treasures to those beloved sons of the church, who having died, the death of the just,

Starting point is 06:21:55 have quitted this life of combat with the sign of faith, and have become offshoots of the mystic vine, although they are not permitted to enter into eternal peace, until they have paid the last farthing of the debt, which they owe to the avenging justice of God. We are moved, thereto, both are the pious desires of Catholics, to whom we know our resolution, will be particularly dear, and by the agonizing intensity of the pains,

Starting point is 06:22:24 suffered by the departed souls. But we were especially inspired by the custom of the Church, who in the midst of the most joyful solemnities of the year forgets not the holy and salutary commemoration of the dead, that they may be loosed from their sins. For this reason, since it is certain from Catholic doctrine, that the souls detained in purgatory are relieved by the suffrages of the faithful, and especially by the august sacrifice of the altar,

Starting point is 06:22:54 we think we can give no more useful nor more desirable pledge of our love than by everywhere multiplying for the mitigation of their pains, the pure ablation of the holy sacrifice of our divine mediator. We, therefore, appoint with all necessary dispensations, and derogations the last Sunday of the month of September next, as the day of ample expiation, on which day there shall be celebrated by us, and likewise by our brother and the patriarchs, archbishops, bishops, and by all other prelates, exercising jurisdiction in a diocese, each in his own patriarchal church, metropolitan or cathedral, a special mass for the dead,

Starting point is 06:23:41 with all possible solemnity, and according to the right, indicated by the missile for the commemoration of all the faithful departed. We approve that the same be done in the parochial and collegiate churches, secular as well as regular,

Starting point is 06:23:59 provided the office proper for the mass of the day everywhere, where such obligation exists, be not omitted. As regards the faithful, we earnestly exhort them, after having received the sacrament of penance to devoutly nourish themselves with the bread of angels

Starting point is 06:24:17 by way of suffrage for the souls in purgatory. By our apostolic authority, to those of the faithful who do so, we grant a plenary indulgence to be applied to the souls departed and the favor of the privileged altar to all those who, as we have said above, shall celebrate Mass.

Starting point is 06:24:40 Thus the holy souls who expiate the remains of their faults by those sharp pains will receive special and efficacious relief, thanks to the saving host, which the Universal Church, united to her universal head, and animated with the same spirit of charity, will offer to God, that he may admit them into the abode of consolation, of light, and of eternal peace. Meanwhile, venerable brethren,

Starting point is 06:25:10 we grant you affectionately in the Lord as a pledge of these heavenly gifts, the apostolic benediction to you, to all the clergy, and to all the people confided to your care. Given at Rome under the seal of the fishermen on the solemnity of Easter in the year 1888, the 11th of our pontificate.

Starting point is 06:25:33 End of Section 52, recording by John Brandon Section 53 of Pergatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 12. Means of assisting the souls in purgatory. Holy Mass. The religious of Citro delivered by the sacred host.

Starting point is 06:26:05 Blessed Henry Souso. No. Of all that. we can do in favor of the souls in purgatory, there is nothing more precious than the emulation of our divine Savior upon the altar. Besides being the express doctrine of the church, manifested in her counsels, many miraculous facts, properly authenticated, leave no room for doubt in regard to this point. We have already spoken of the religious who was delivered from purgatory by the prayers of St. Bernard and his community? This religious, whose regularity was not all

Starting point is 06:26:43 that could be desired, had appeared after his death to ask the assistance of St. Bernard. The Holy abbot with all his fervent disciples hastened to offer prayers, fasts, and masses for the poor, departed brother. The latter was speedily delivered and appeared full of gratitude to an aged religious of the community, who had specially interested himself in his behalf. Questioned as to the suffrage, which had been most profitable to him, instead of replying, he took the old man by the hand,

Starting point is 06:27:17 and conducting him to the church where Mass was being celebrated. "'Hehold,' said he, pointing to the altar, the great redeeming power which has broken my chains, "'he hold the price of my ransom. "'It is the saving host "'which takes away the sin, of the world. Here is another incident related by the historian Ferdinand of Castile,

Starting point is 06:27:43 and quoted by Father Rossignoli. There was at Cologne, among the students in the higher classes of the university, two Dominican religious of distinguished talent, one of whom was blessed Henry Sousso. The same studies, the same kind of life, and above all the same relish, for sanctity, had caused them to contract an intimate friendship, and they mutually imparted the favors which they received from heaven. When they had finished their studies, seeing that they were about to be separated to return each one to his own convent, they agreed and promised one another that the first of the two who should die should be assisted by the other, for a whole year by the celebration of two masses each week.

Starting point is 06:28:36 On Monday, a mass of requiem, as was customary, and on Friday that of the passion, in so far as the rubrics would permit. They engaged to do this, gave each other the kiss of peace, and left Cologne. For several years,

Starting point is 06:28:55 they both continued to serve God with the most edifying fervor. The brother whose name is not mentioned was the first to be called away, and Sousso received the tidings with the most perfect sentiments of resignation to the divine will. As to the contract they had made, time had caused him to forget it. He prayed much for his friend, imposing new penances upon himself and many other good works, but he did not think of offering the masses, which he had promised. One morning, whilst meditating in retirement in the chapel, he suddenly saw appear before him, the soul of his departed

Starting point is 06:29:33 friend, who, regarding him with tenderness, reproached him with having been unfaithful to his word, given and accepted, and which he had a perfect right to rely upon with confidence. Blessed Souso, surprised, excused his forgetfulness by enumerating the prayers and mortifications which he had offered, and still continued. to offer for his friend, whose salvation was as dear to him as his own. "'Is it possible, my dear brother,' he added, "'that so many prayers and good works which I have offered to God "'do not suffice for you?'

Starting point is 06:30:13 "'Oh, no, dear brother,' replied the suffering soul. "'That is not sufficient. "'It is the blood of Jesus Christ "'that is needed to extinguish the flames by which I am consumed. "'It is the august. sacrifice, which will deliver me from these frightful torments, I implore you to keep your word, and refuse me not that which injustice you owe me. Blessed Souso hastened to respond to the appeal of the suffering soul, and to repair his fault. He celebrated, and caused to be celebrated,

Starting point is 06:30:48 more masses than he had promised. On the following day, several priests at the request of Suzo united with him in offering the holy sacrifice for the deceased, and continued this act of charity for several days. After some time, the friend of Sousso again appeared to him, but now in a very different condition. His countenance was joyful, and surrounded with beautiful light. Oh, thanks, my faithful friend said he. Hehold, by the blood of my Savior, I am delivered from my sufferings,

Starting point is 06:31:25 I am now going to heaven to contemplate him whom we so often adored together under the Eucharistic veil. Souso prostrated himself to thank the God of all mercy, and understood more than ever the inestimable value of the august sacrifice of the altar. End of Section 53, recording by John Brandon. Section 54 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon Part 2, Chapter 13

Starting point is 06:32:09 Relief of the Souls Holy Mass St. Elizabeth and Queen Constance St. Nicholas of Talentino and Pellegrino Diocima We read in the life of St. Elizabeth of Portugal that after the death of her daughter Constance

Starting point is 06:32:29 she learned the pitiful state of the deceased in purgatory, and the price which God exacted for her ransom. The young princess had been married but a short time previous to the King of Castile, when she was snatched away by a sudden death from the affection of her family and her subjects. Elizabeth had just received these tidings, and set out with the King her husband for the city of Santa Rem. when a hermit coming forth from his solitude ran after the royal cortege, crying that he wished to speak to the queen.

Starting point is 06:33:07 The guards repulsed him, but the saints, seeing that he persisted, gave orders that the servant of God should be brought to her. As soon as he came into her presence, he related that more than once whilst he was praying in his hermitage, Queen Constance had appeared to him, urgently entreating him to make known to her mother, that she was languishing in the depths of purgatory,

Starting point is 06:33:32 that she was condemned to long and terrible suffering, but that she would be delivered if for the space of a year the holy sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated for her every day. The courtiers who heard this communication ridiculed him aloud and treated the hermit as a visionary, an imposter, or a fool. As to Elizabeth, she turned towards the king and asked him what he thought of it. I believe, replied the prince, that it is wise to do that which has been pointed out to you in so extraordinary a manner. After all, to have masses celebrated for our dear deceased

Starting point is 06:34:16 relatives is nothing more than a paternal and Christian duty. A holy priest, Ferdinand Mendez, was appointed to say the masses. At the end of the year, Constance appeared to St. Elizabeth, clad in a brilliant white robe. Today, dear mother, said she, I am delivered from the pains of purgatory, and am about to enter heaven. Filled with consolation and joy,

Starting point is 06:34:44 the saint went to the church to return thanks to God. There she found the priest Mendez, who assured her that on the previous day he had finished the celebration of 365 masses with which he had been charged. The queen then understood that God had kept the promise which he had made to the pious hermit, and she testified her gratitude by distributing abundant alms to the poor. But thou hast saved us from them that afflict us, and thou hast put them to shame that hate us. Psalm 43. Such were the words addressed to the illustrious St. Nicholas of Talentino, by the souls that he had delivered in offering

Starting point is 06:35:31 for them the holy sacrifice of the Mass. One of the greatest virtues of that admirable servant of God, says Father Rossignoli, was his charity, his devotion to the church suffering. For her he frequently fasted on bread and water, inflicted cruel disciplines upon himself, and wore about his loins, a chain of sharp horn. pointed iron. When the sanctuary was thrown open to him and his superiors wished to confer the priesthood upon him, he hesitated a long time before that sublime dignity, and nothing could make him decide to receive holy orders, but the thought that, by daily celebrating the holy sacrifice, he could most efficaciously assist the suffering souls in purgatory. On their part, the souls

Starting point is 06:36:23 whom he relieved by so many suffrages, appeared to him, several times, to thank him, or to recommend themselves to his charity. He lived near Pisa, entirely occupied with his spiritual exercises, when one Saturday during the night he saw in a dream, a soul in pain, who besought him to celebrate Holy Mass on the following morning for her,

Starting point is 06:36:52 and several other souls that's the soul, suffered most terribly in purgatory. Nicholas recognized the voice, but could not distinctly call to mind the person who spoke to him. I am, said the apparition, your deceased friend, Pellegrino diacimo.

Starting point is 06:37:13 By the divine mercy, I have escaped eternal chastisement by repentance. Not so the temporal punishment due to my sins. I come in the name of many souls, as unfortunate as myself, to entreat you to offer holy mass for us tomorrow. From it we expect our deliverance, or at least great alleviation. The saint replied with his usual kindness,

Starting point is 06:37:43 May our Lord deign to relieve you by the merits of his precious blood. But this mass for the dead I cannot say to-morrow, I must sing the conventional mass in choir. Ah, at least come with me, cried the departed soul, amid sighs and tears. I conjure you for the love of God, come and behold our sufferings, and you will no longer refuse. You are too good to leave us in such frightful agonies. Then it seemed to him that he was transported,

Starting point is 06:38:22 into purgatory. He saw an immense plain, where a vast multitude of souls, of all ages and conditions, were a prey to divers tortures, most horrible to behold. By gestures and by words, they implored most piteously his assistance.

Starting point is 06:38:43 Behold, said Pellegrino, the state of those who sent me to you, since you are agreeable in the sight of God, God, we have confidence that he will refuse nothing to the oblation of the sacrifice offered by you, and that His divine mercy will deliver us. At this pitiful sight, the saint could not repress his tears. He immediately betook himself to prayer, to console them in their sorrow, and the following morning went to the prior, relating to him the vision he had had.

Starting point is 06:39:22 and the request made by Pellegrino concerning the Mass for that day. The Father Pryor, sharing his emotion, dispensed him for that day, and for the rest of the week, from saying the conventional Mass, that he might offer the Holy Sacrifice for the departed, and devote himself entirely to the relief of the suffering souls. Delighted with this permission, Nicholas went to the church and celebrated Holy Spirit, Mass with extraordinary fervor. During the entire week, he continued to celebrate the holy sacrifice for the same intention, besides offering day and night prayers, disciplines, and all sorts of good works. At the end of the week, Pellegrino again appeared, but no longer in a state

Starting point is 06:40:13 of suffering. He was clad in a white garment and surrounded with a celestial light, in which he pointed out a large number of happy souls. They all thanked him, calling him their liberator. Then rising towards heaven they chanted these words of the psalmist. Salvasi no'sté, affligentivus nos, et odientes nos convudiste. Thou hast saved us from them that afflict us, and thou hast put them to shame that hate us. Psalm 43 The enemies here spoken of our sins and the demons who are their instigators End of Section 54

Starting point is 06:41:00 Recording by John Branton Section 55 of purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup as Chey This Librevox recording is in the public domain Recording by John Brandon Part 2. Chapter 14 Relief of the Holy Souls Holy Mass

Starting point is 06:41:27 Father Gerard The 30 Masses of St. Gregory Let us now consider the supernatural effects of a different kind, but which proved no less clearly the efficacy of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered for the departed. We find them in the memoirs of Father Gerard,

Starting point is 06:41:51 an English Jesuit and confessor of the faith. during the persecutions in England in the 16th century. After relating how he had received the adjuration of a Protestant gentleman married to one of his cousins, Father Gerard adds, this conversion led to another under the most extraordinary circumstances. My new convert went to see one of his friends, who was dangerously ill. This was an upright man, detained in heresy, more by illusion than by any other motive.

Starting point is 06:42:28 The visitor urgently exhorted him to be converted and to think of his soul, and obtained from him the promise that he would make his confession. He instructed him in everything, taught him how to excite himself to contrition for his sins, and went to seek for a priest. He had great difficulty in finding one, and in the meantime the sick person died.

Starting point is 06:42:54 when about to expire the poor dying man asked frequently whether his friend had not yet returned with a physician whom he had promised to bring it was thus he called the catholic priest what followed showed that god had accepted the good will of the deceased the nights following his death his wife a protestant saw a light moving in her room and which came even within the curtains of her bed Being afraid, she desired one of her servant-maids to sleep in her room, but the latter saw nothing, although the light continued to be visible to the eyes of her mistress. The poor lady sent for the friend, whose return her husband had awaited, with so much anxiety, related to him what had happened, and asked what was to be done. This friend, before giving an answer, consulted a Catholic priest. The priest told him that the light was, for the wife of the deceased,

Starting point is 06:43:58 a supernatural sign by which God invited her to return to the true faith. The lady was deeply impressed by these words, she opened her heart to grace, and in her turn was converted. Once a Catholic, she had mass celebrated in her chamber for some time. But the light always returned. The priest, considering these circumstances before God, thought that the deceased, though saved by his repentance, accompanied by the desire of confession, was in purgatory, and stood in need of prayers.

Starting point is 06:44:36 He advised the lady to have Mass, said for him during thirty days, according to an ancient custom of English Catholics. The good widow followed this advice, and on the 30th day, instead of the time, instead of of one light saw three, two of which seemed to support another. The three lights hovered over her bed, then rose heavenward, never more to return. These three lights appear to have signified the three conversions, and the efficacy of the holy sacrifice of the Mass to open heaven to the departed souls. The thirty masses, which were said for thirty consecutive days, is not an English custom. only, as it is called by Father Gerard.

Starting point is 06:45:26 It is also widely spread in Italy and other Christian countries. These masses are called the 30 Masses of St. Gregory, because the biased custom seems to trace its origin back to this great Pope. It is thus related in his dialogues. Book 4. Chapter 40 A religious named Justice had received and kept for himself, three gold pieces. This was a grievous fault against his vow of poverty. He was discovered and excommunicated.

Starting point is 06:46:05 The salutary penalty made him enter into himself, and some time afterwards he died in true sentiments of repentance. Nevertheless, St. Gregory, in order to inspire the brethren, with a lively horror of the sin of avarice in a religious, did not withdraw the sentence of excommunication. Justice was buried apart from the other monks, and the three pieces of money were thrown into the grave, whilst the religious repeated altogether the words of St. Peter

Starting point is 06:46:38 to Simon the magician. Pecunia toa takeum, sit in perditionem. Keep thy money to perish, to perish. with thee. Sometime afterwards the Holy Abbott, judging that the scandal was sufficiently repaired and moved with compassion for the soul of justice, called the procurator and said to him sorrowfully,

Starting point is 06:47:06 ever since the moment of his death, our brother has been tortured in the flames of purgatory. We must through charity make an effort to deliver him. Go then, and take care that from the This time forward, the holy sacrifice be offered for thirty days. Let not one morning pass, without the victim of salvation being offered up for his release. The procurator obeyed punctually. The thirty masses were celebrated in the course of thirty days.

Starting point is 06:47:39 When the thirtieth day arrived, and the thirtieth mass was ended, the deceased appeared to a brother named Copiosis, saying, Bless God, my dear brother, today I am delivered and admitted into the society of the saints. Since that time, the pious custom of celebrating 30 Masses for the Dead

Starting point is 06:48:02 has been established. End of Section 55, recording by John Brandon. Section 56 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon Part 2, Chapter 15

Starting point is 06:48:28 Relief of the Holy Souls Eugenie Wibo La Cordare and the Polish Prince Nothing is more conformable to the Christian spirit than to have the Holy Sacrifice offered up for the relief of the souls departed and it would be a great misfortune should the zeal of a faithful cool in his respect.

Starting point is 06:48:51 God seems to multiply prodigies in order to prevent us from falling into so fatal a relaxation. The following incident is attested by a worthy priest of the Diocese of Bruges, who received it from its primitive source, and whose testimony bears all the certainty of an eyewitness with regard to the fact. On October 13, 1849, there died at the age of 52 in the parish of Ardoi, in Flanders, a woman named Eugenie von der Kierkov, whose husband John Weibo was a farmer. She was a pious and charitable woman, giving alms, with a generosity proportionate to her means. She had to the end of her life a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin, and abstained in her

Starting point is 06:49:44 honor on the Friday and Saturday of each week. Although her conduct was not free from certain domestic faults, she otherwise led a most exemplary and edifying life. A servant named Barbara Vanicky, aged 28 years, a virtuous and devoted girl, and who had assisted her mistress in her last sickness, continued to serve her master, John Weibo, the widower of Eugenie. About three weeks after her death, the deceased appeared to her servant, under circumstances which we are about to relate. It was in the middle of the night. Barbara slept soundly,

Starting point is 06:50:25 when she heard herself called distinctly three times by her name. She awoke with a start, and saw before her, her mistress, sitting on the side of her bed, clad in a working dress, consisting of a skirt and short jacket.

Starting point is 06:50:42 At this sight, strange to say, although seized with astonishment, Barbara was not at all frightened, and preserved her presence of mind. The apparition spoke to her. Barbara, she said, simply pronouncing her name. What do you desire, Eugenie, replied the servant. Take, said the mistress, the little rake, which I often told you to put in its place. Stir the heap of sand in the little room.

Starting point is 06:51:15 you know to which one I refer. You will there find a sum of money. Use it to have masses, said. Two francs for each, for my intention, for I am still suffering. I will do so, Eugenie, replied Barbara, and at the same moment the apparition vanished. The servants still quite calm, fell asleep again, and reposed quietly until morning.

Starting point is 06:51:45 On awaking, Barbara believed herself the sport of a dream. But she had been so deeply impressed, so wide awake, she had seen her old mistress in a form so distinct, so full of life, she had received from her lips such precise directions that she could not help sing. It is not thus that we dream. I saw my mistress in person. She presented herself to my eyes and spoke to me, It is no dream but a reality.

Starting point is 06:52:20 She therefore went and took the rake as directed, stirred the sand, and drew out a purse containing the sum of five hundred francs. In such strange and extraordinary circumstances, the good girl thought it her duty to seek the advice of her pastor, and went to relate to him all that had happened. The venerable Abbe R, the parish priest of Ardoi, replied that the masses asked by the departed soul must be celebrated. But in order to dispose of the sum of money,

Starting point is 06:52:55 the consent of the farmer John Weibo was necessary. The latter willingly consented that the money should be employed for so wholly a purpose, and the masses were celebrated, being given two francs for each Mass. We call attention to the circumstance of the fee, because it corresponded with the pious custom of the deceased. The fee for a mass, fixed by the diocesan tariff, was about a franc and a half, but the wife of Weibo, through consideration for the clergy, obliged at that time of scarcity, to relieve a great number of the poor, gave two francs for each Mass, she had been accustomed to have

Starting point is 06:53:38 celebrated. Two months after the first apparition, Barbara was again awakened during the night. This time her chamber was illuminated with a bright light, and her mistress beautiful and fresh as in the days of her youth, dressed in a robe of dazzling whiteness, appeared before her, regarding her with an amiable smile. Barbara, she said in a clear and audible voice, I thank you, I am delivered. Saying these words, she disappeared, and the chamber became dark as before. The servant amazed at what she had seen was transported with joy. This apparition made the most lively impression upon her mind,

Starting point is 06:54:25 and she preserves to this day the most consoling remembrance of it. It is from her that we have these details, through the favor of the venerable Abbe L, who was curate at Ardoi when these facts occurred. The celebrated Father La Cordare in the beginning of the conferences of the immortality of the soul, which he addressed a few years before his death to the pupils of Sorres related to them the following incident.

Starting point is 06:54:56 The Polish prince of X, an avowed infidel, and materialist, had just composed a work against the immortality of the soul. He was on the point of sending it to press. When one day walking in his park, a woman bathed in tears, threw herself at his feet, and in accents of profound grief said to him, My good prince, my husband has just died.

Starting point is 06:55:24 At this moment, his soul is perhaps suffering in purgatory. I am in such poverty that I am in such poverty, that I have not even the small sum required to have a mass celebrated for the dead. In your kindness come to my assistance in behalf of my poor husband. Although the gentleman was convinced that the woman was deceived by her credulity,

Starting point is 06:55:48 he had not courage to refuse her. He slipped a gold piece into her hand, and the happy woman hastened to the church and begged the priest to offer some masses for the repose of her husband. husband's soul. Five days later, towards evening, the prince in the seclusion of his study, was reading over his manuscript and retouching some details. When raising his eyes he saw close to him, a man dressed in the costume of the peasants of the country. Prince, said the unknown visitor,

Starting point is 06:56:23 I come to thank you. I am the husband of that poor woman who besought you the other day to give her an alms, that she might have the holy sacrifice of the Mass offered for the repose of my soul. Your charity was pleasing to God. It was he who permitted me to come and thank you. These words said, the Polish peasant disappeared like a shadow. The emotion of the prince was indescribable, and in consequence he consigned his work to the flames, and yielded himself so entirely to the conviction of truth that his conversion was complete. He persevered until death. End of Section 56.

Starting point is 06:57:08 Recording by John Brandon. Section 57 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 16. Relief of the Holy Souls. Liturgy of the Church Commemoration of the Dead

Starting point is 06:57:35 St. Odillo Holy Church possesses a special liturgy for the dead. It is composed of vespers, matins, louds, and of the mass commonly called the Mass of Requiem. This liturgy is touching, as it is sublime,

Starting point is 06:57:55 through mourning and tears unfolds to the eyes of the faithful, the consoling light of eternity. This liturgy, she reads at the funerals of her children, and particularly on the solemn day of the commemoration of the dead. Holy Mass, here holds the first place. It is like the divine center,

Starting point is 06:58:17 round which all other prayers and ceremonies cluster. The day following All Saints' Day, the great solemnity of all souls, all priests must offer the holy sacrifice for the dead, after which the faithful make it their duty to assist and even to offer holy communion, prayers, and alms for the relief of their brethren in purgatory. This feast of the departed is not of very ancient origin.

Starting point is 06:58:46 From the beginning the church has always prayed for her departed children. She sang psalms, recited prayers, offered holy mass for the repose of their souls. Yet we do not see that there was any particular feast on which to recommend to God all the dead in general. It was not until the 10th century that the church all was guided by the Holy Ghost instituted the commemoration of all the faithful departed, to encourage the faithful to fulfill the great duty of prayer for the dead, prescribed by Christian charity. The cradle of this touching solemnity was the Abbey of Clooney. St. O'Dillo, who was abbot there at close of the 10th century, edified all France by this charity towards his neighbor.

Starting point is 06:59:40 Extending his compassion even to the dead, he ceased not to pray for the souls in purgatory. It was this tender charity which inspired him to establish in his monastery, as also in its dependencies, the feast of the commemoration of all the souls departed. We believe, says the historian Berault, that he had received a revelation to that effect, for God manifested in a mysterious manner how pleasing to him was the devotion of his servant. It is thus related by his biographers. Whilst the Holy Abbot governed his monastery in France, a pious hermit lived in a little island off the coast of Sicily. A French pilgrim was cast upon the shore of this little island by a tempest. The hermit, whom he went to visit, asked him if he knew the abbot Odillo.

Starting point is 07:00:40 Certainly, replied the pilgrim, I know him, and I'm proud of his acquaintance. But how do you know him? And why do you ask me this question? I often hear, replied the hermit. The evil spirits complain of pious persons who, by their prayers and alms deeds, deliver the souls from the pains which they endure in the other life. But they complain principally of Odillo, Abbot of Clooney, and his religious. When therefore you shall have returned to your native country, I beg of you in the name of God to exhort the Holy Abbot and his monks, to redouble their good works in behalf of the poor souls. The Pilgrimby took himself to the monastery and did as he was directed.

Starting point is 07:01:32 In consequence, St. O'Dillo gave orders that, in all the monasteries of his institute, on the day following all saints, a commemoration of all the faithful departed, should be made by reciting the Vespers for the dead on the eve and on the following morning matins. by ringing all the bells and celebrating Mass for repose of the Holy Souls. This decree, which was drawn up at Clooney, as well for that monastery, as for all those dependent upon it,

Starting point is 07:02:07 is still preserved. A practice so pious, soon passed over to other churches, and in course of time became the universal observance of the whole Catholic world, End of Section 57, recording by John Brandon. Section 58 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 07:02:39 Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 17 Relief of the Souls, the Sacrifice of the Mass. Brother John Alvernia at the altar. St. Magdalene. De Pazi. St. Maliki and his sister. The annals of the seraphic order tell us of a holy religious name John of Alvernia. He ardently loved our Lord Jesus Christ and embraced in the same love the souls ransomed by his blood and so dear to his heart. Those who suffered in the prisons of

Starting point is 07:03:22 purgatory, had a large share in his prayers, his penances, and his sacrifices. One day God was pleased to manifest to him, the admirable and consoling effects of the divine sacrifice offered on all souls' day upon every altar. The servant of God was celebrating Mass for the departed on that solemnity when he was wrapped in ecstasy. He saw purgatory opened, and souls coming forth delivered by virtue of the sacrifice of propitiation. They resembled innumerable sparks, which escaped from a burning furnace. We shall be less astonished at the powerful effects of Holy Mass if we call to mind that it is identically the same as that offered by the Son of God himself upon the cross.

Starting point is 07:04:17 It is the same priest, says the Council of Trent. It is the same victim. The only difference is the manner of immolation. On the cross, the emulation was bloody. On our altar, it is unbloody. Now, that sacrifice of the cross was of infinite value. That of the altar is, in the eyes of God, of equal value. Let us remark, however, that the efficacy of this divine sacrifice is only partially applied to the dead,

Starting point is 07:04:54 and in a measure known only to the justice of God. The passion of Jesus Christ and His precious blood shed for our salvation are an inexhaustible ocean of merit and satisfaction. It is by virtue of that passion that we obtain all gifts and mercies from God, the mere commemoration, which we make of it by way of prayer, when we offer to God the blood of his only begotten son to implore his mercy. This prayer, I say, thus strengthened by the passion of Jesus Christ, has great power with God.

Starting point is 07:05:34 St. Magdalene de Pazzi learned from our Lord to offer to the eternal father the blood of his divine son. It was a simple commemoration of the passion. she did it fifty times a day and in one of her ecstasies she saw a large number of sinners converted and of souls delivered from purgatory by this practice each time he added that a creature offers to my father the blood by which he has been redeemed she offers him a gift of infinite value if such be the value of an offering commemorative of the passion what must be the value of an offering commemorative of the passion what must be said of the sacrifice of the Mass, which is the actual renewal of that same passion. Many Christians do not sufficiently know the greatness of the divine mysteries accomplished upon our altars.

Starting point is 07:06:30 The feebleness of their faith, together with their lack of knowledge, prevents them from appreciating the treasure which they possess in the divine sacrifice, and causes them to look upon it with a sort of indifference. Alas, they will see later on, with bitter regret, how they have deceived themselves. The sister of St. Maliki, archbishop of Armagh in Ireland,

Starting point is 07:06:57 affords us a striking example of this. In his beautiful life of St. Maliki, St. Bernard highly praises that prelate for his devotion towards the souls in purgatory. When he was as a... yet deacon, he loved to assist at the funerals of the poor, and at the Mass which was celebrated for them. He even accompanied their remains to the cemetery with as much zeal as he ordinarily saw those unfortunate creatures neglected after their death. But he had a sister, who filled

Starting point is 07:07:34 with the spirit of the world, thought that her brother degraded himself and his whole family by thus associating with the poor. She reproached him, saying by her language that she understood neither Christian charity nor the excellence of the holy sacrifice of the Mass. Maliki notwithstanding continued the exercise of his humble charity, contenting himself with replying to his sister that she had forgotten the teaching of Jesus Christ,

Starting point is 07:08:05 and that she would one day repent of her thoughtless words. In the meantime, the imprudent rashness of this woman was not to remain unpunished. She died whilst still young, and went to render an account to the sovereign judge of the worldly life she had led. Maliki had reason to complain of her conduct, but when she was dead, he forgot all the wrongs she had done him, and thinking only of the needs of her soul, he often the holy sacrifice, and prayed much for her. In the course of time, however, having many others to pray for, he neglected his poor sister. We may believe, says Father Rossignoli, that God permitted that she should be forgotten, in punishment for the want of compassion, which he

Starting point is 07:09:01 showed towards the dead. However this may be, she appeared to her holy brother during his sleep. Maliki saw her standing in the middle of the area before the church, sad, clad in mourning, and entreating his compassion, complaining that for the last thirty days he had neglected her. He thereupon awoke suddenly, and remembered that in reality it was thirty days, since he had celebrated Mass for his sister. On the following day he began anew to offer the holy sacrifice for her.

Starting point is 07:09:39 Then the deceased appeared to him at the door of the church, kneeling upon the threshold, and lamenting that she was not allowed to enter. He continued his suffrages. Some days later, he saw her enter the church and advance as far as the middle of the aisle, without being able, notwithstanding all her efforts,

Starting point is 07:10:01 to approach the altar. He saw, therefore, it was necessary to persevere. So he continued to offer, for the Holy Sacrifice for the repose of her soul. Finally, after a few days, he saw her near the altar, clad in magnificent attire, radiant with joy and free from suffering. By this we see, add St. Bernard, how great is the efficacy of the Holy Sacrifice to remit sins,

Starting point is 07:10:33 to combat the powers of darkness, and to open the gates of heaven, to those souls which have quitted this earth. End of Section 58. Recording by John Brandon. Section 59 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup, S.J. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 18.

Starting point is 07:11:06 Relief of the Souls, Holy Mass. St. Maliki at Clair-Voe. Sisters in 80 Venerable Joseph Anciata and the Requiem Mass We must not omit to recount the special grace which the great charity of St. Malachy towards the holy souls procured for him.

Starting point is 07:11:28 One day being in the company of several pious persons and conversing familiarly on spiritual matters, they came to speak of their last end. If, said he, the choice were given to each one of you at what hour, and in what place would you like to die? At this question one mentioned a certain feast, another such an hour, others again, at such a place. When he came to the saints' turn to express his thoughts,

Starting point is 07:11:57 he said that there was no place where he would more willingly end his life than in the monastery of Clairbeau, governed by St. Bernard, in order that he might immediately enjoy the benefit of the sacrifices of those fervent religious. And as to the time, he preferred, he said, the day of all souls, that he might have parted

Starting point is 07:12:19 in all the masses and all the prayers offered throughout the entire Catholic world for the faithful departed. This his pious desire was gratified in every point.

Starting point is 07:12:31 He was on his way to Rome to visit Pope Eugenius III. When arriving at Clairvaux a little before all saints, he was overtaken by a serious malady, which obliged him to remain in that holy retreat. He soon understood that God had heard his prayers, and cried out with the prophet, This is my rest forever and ever. Here will I dwell, for I have chosen it. In fact, the day following all saints, whilst the whole church was praying

Starting point is 07:13:02 for the departed, he rendered his soul into the hands of his creator. We have known, says Abbe Postel. a holy religious, sisters Xenady, who afflicted with a frightful malady for several years, asked our Lord the grace to die on the feast of all souls, towards whom she had always had great devotion. Her desire was granted. On the morning of November 2nd, after two years of suffering endured with truly Christian courage, she began to sing a hymn of Thanksgiving and calmly expired a few moments before the celebration of the Masses. We know that in the Catholic Liturgy there is a special Mass for the Dead. It is celebrated in black vestments, and is called Mass of Requiem. It may be asked whether this Mass is more profitable to the souls than

Starting point is 07:14:00 any other. The sacrifice of the Mass, notwithstanding the variety of its ceremonies, is always the same infinitely holy sacrifice of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. But as the Mass for the Dead contains special prayers for the Holy Souls, it also contains special assistance for them, at least at those times when the liturgical laws permit the priest to celebrate in black. This opinion based on the institution and practice of the church is confirmed by a fact which we read in the life of Federal Father Joseph I. This holy religious, justly surnamed, the wonder worker of Brazil, had, like all the saints,

Starting point is 07:14:46 great charity towards the holy souls in purgatory. One day during the octave of Christmas, when the church forbids the celebration of Requiem Masses, on the 27th of December, Feast of St. John the Evangelist, this man of God, to the great astonishment of all, ascended the altar in black vestments. and offered the holy sacrifice for the dead. His superior, Father Nubrega, knowing the sanctity of Antieta, doubted not that he had received a divine inspiration.

Starting point is 07:15:21 Nevertheless, to remove from such conduct the character of irregularity which it appeared to have, he reprimanded the holy man in presence of all the brethren. What, father, said he to him, Do you not know that the Church forbids the celebration of Mass in black today? Have you forgotten the rubrics? The good father quite humble and obedient, replied with respectful simplicity that God had revealed to him

Starting point is 07:15:52 the death of a father of the society. This father, his fellow student at the University of Coimbra, and who at that time resided in Italy, in the College of the Holy House of Loretto, had died that same night. God, he continued, made this known to me, and gave me to understand

Starting point is 07:16:14 that I should offer the Holy sacrifice for him immediately, and do all in my power for the repose of his soul. But, said the Superior, do you know that the Mass celebrated, as you have done, will be of any benefit to him? Yes, modestly replied Antietta.

Starting point is 07:16:36 Immediately after the momento for the dead, when I said these words, to thee God, the Father Almighty, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honor and glory. God showed me the soul of that dear friend, freed from all its sufferings, and ascending to heaven,

Starting point is 07:16:54 where his crown awaited him. End of Section 59, recording by John Brandon. Section 60 of Pergator. by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 19. Relief of the souls through the holy sacrifice of the Mass.

Starting point is 07:17:25 Venerable Mother Agnes and Sister Siraphic. Margaret of Austria. The Archduke Charles. Father Mancinelli. We have just spoken of the ethical. of the holy sacrifice in relieving the poor souls. A lively faith in this consoling mystery inflames the devotion of the true faithful and smooths the bitterness of their grief. Does death deprive them of a father, a mother, a friend? They turn their tearful eyes towards the altar,

Starting point is 07:17:58 which affords the means of testifying their love and gratitude towards their dear departed ones. Hence the numerous Masses which they cause to be celebrated. Hence also, that eagerness to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of Prophitiation in favor of the dead. Venerable Mother Agnes de Langeaac, a Dominican religious of whom we have already spoken, assisted at Holy Mass with the greatest devotion, and encouraged her religious to alike fervor. She told them that this divine sacrifice was the holiest act of religion, the work of God by excellence, and reminded them of Holy Scripture. Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord deceitfully.

Starting point is 07:18:50 A sister of the community, named Sister Serafeek, died. She had not paid sufficient attention to the salutary advice of her superior, and was condemned to a severe purgatory. Mother Agnes knew this by revelation. In an ecstasy she was taken in spirit into the place of expiation, and saw many souls in the midst of flames. Among them she recognized Sister Serafic, who in piteous accents entreated her assistance.

Starting point is 07:19:25 Touched with the most lively compassion, the charitable superior did all in her power for the space of eight days. She fasted, communicated, and assisted at Holy Mass for the dear departed sister. Whilst in prayer, with many tears and sighs, imploring the divine mercy through the precious blood of Jesus, that he would be pleased to deliver her dear daughter from those dreadful flames, and admit her to the enjoyment of his presence, she heard a voice, which said to her, continue to pray, the hour of her deliverance has not yet come. Mother Agnes persevered in prayer, and two days later, whilst assisting at the holy sacrifice,

Starting point is 07:20:13 at the moment of the elevation, she saw the soul of Sister Serafique ascend to heaven in a transport of joy. This consoling sight was the reward of her charity, and inflamed anew the ardor of her devotion towards the holy sacrifice of the Mass. Christian families, which possess a spirit of lively faith, make it their duty, according to their rank and means, to have a large number of masses celebrated for the dead. In their holy liberality, they exhaust their resources in order to multiply the suffrages of the church, and thus give relief to the holy souls. It is related in the life of Queen Margaret of Austria,

Starting point is 07:21:01 wife of Philip III, that in one single day, which was that of her obsequies, there was celebrated in the city of Madrid nearly 1,100 masses for the repose of her soul. This princess had asked for one thousand masses in her last will. The king caused 20,000 to be added to it,

Starting point is 07:21:24 When the Archduke Albert died at Brussels, the pious Isabella, his widow, had 40,000 masses offered for the repose of his soul, and for an entire month she herself assisted with the greatest piety at ten each day. One of the most perfect models of devotion to the holy sacrifice of the Mass, and of charity towards the souls in purgatory, was for Father Julio Mancinelli of the Society of Jesus. The mass is offered by this worthy religious, says F. Rossignoli, appear to have a particular efficacy for the relief of the faithful departed. The souls frequently appear to him to beg the favor of a single mass. Cesar Costa, the uncle of Father Mancinelli, was Archbishop of Capua,

Starting point is 07:22:21 One day meeting his holy nephew very poorly clad, notwithstanding the severity of the weather, he with the greatest charity gave him an alms to procure himself a cloak. A short time afterwards the archbishop died, and the father going out to visit the sick, wrapped in his new cloak, met his deceased uncle coming towards him,

Starting point is 07:22:47 enveloped in flames, and begging him to lend him his, mantle. The father gave it to him, and no sooner had the archbishop folded it about him, then the flames were extinguished. Mancinelli understood that this soul was suffering in purgatory, and that it asked his assistance, in return for the charity exercised in his regard. Then taking back his cloak, he promised to pray for the poor suffering soul, with all possible fervor, especially at the altar. This fact became noised abroad and produced such a salutary impression that after the death of the father,

Starting point is 07:23:30 it was represented in a painting, which is preserved at the College of Masoretta, his native place. Father Julio Mancinelli is there seen at the altar, glad in the sacred vestments. He is elevated a little above the steps of the altar, to signify the raptures with which he was favored by. God. From his mouth issues sparks, the emblem of his burning prayers, and of his fervor during the holy sacrifice. Under the altar is seen purgatory, and the souls receiving the benefit of the suffrages. Above two angels pour forth from costly vases, a shower of gold, which indicates the blessings, graces, and ransoms granted to the poor souls in virtue of the holy sacrifice. We also see the mantle spoken of, and an inscription in verse, which translated reads,

Starting point is 07:24:28 O miraculous garment, given as a protection against the severity of the cold, and which afterwards served to temper the heat of fire. It is thus that charity gives warmth or refreshment, according to the sufferings which it relieves. End of Section 60, recording by John Brandon. Section 61 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup, S.J. This Libra Vox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 20.

Starting point is 07:25:09 Relief of the Souls Through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. St. Teresa and Bernardino de Mendoza. Multiplicity of Masses. Pomp of the Obsequies. Let us conclude what we have said relative to the Holy Sacrifice by what St. Teresa relates concerning Bernardino de Mendoza. She gives this fact in the Book of Foundations.

Starting point is 07:25:38 Chapter 10 On the Feast of All Souls, Don Bernardino de Mendoza had given a house and beautiful garden situated in Madrid to St. Teresa that she might found a monastery in honor of the mother of God. Two months after this, he was suddenly taken ill and lost the power of speech, so that he could not make a confession, though he gave many signs of contrition. He died, said St. Teresa, very shortly afterwards, and far from the place where I then was. But our Lord spoke to me and told me he was saved, though he had run a great risk, that mercy had been shown to him because of the donation to the convent of his blessed mother, but that his soul would not be free from suffering

Starting point is 07:26:30 until the first mass was set in the new house. I felt so deeply the pains this soul was enduring, that although I was very desirous of accomplishing the foundation of Toledo, I left it at once for Valad de Lid on St. Lawrence's Day. One day, whilst I was in prayer, at Medina del Campo, Our Lord told me to make all possible haste, for the soul of D'Mendoza was a praise of the most intense suffering. I immediately ordered the masons to put up the walls of the convent without delay, but as this would take considerable time, I asked the bishop for permission to make a temporary chapel for the use of the sisters which I had brought with me. This obtained, I had mass offered, and at that moment I left my place to approach the,

Starting point is 07:27:23 the holy table. I saw our benefactor, who with hands joined and countenance all radiant, thanked me for having delivered him from purgatory. Then I saw him enter heaven. I was the more happy as I did not expect this, for although our Lord had revealed to me that the deliverance of this soul would follow the celebration of the first mass in the house, I thought that it must mean the first mass, when the blessed sacrament should be reserved there. This beautiful incident shows us not only the efficacy of the holy sacrifice of the Mass, but also the tender goodness, with which Jesus interests himself in favor of the holy souls, even condescending to solicit our suffrages in their behalf.

Starting point is 07:28:15 But since the divine sacrifice is of such value, It may here be asked if a large number of masses procures for the souls more relief than a smaller number, whose defect is supplied only by magnificent obsequies and abundant alms. The answer to this question may be inferred from the spirit of the Church, which is the spirit of Jesus Christ himself and the expression of his will. Now the church advises the faithful to have prayers said for the dead to give arms and perform other good works

Starting point is 07:28:54 to apply indulgences to them but especially to have holy mass celebrated and to assist thereat. Whilst giving the first place to the divine sacrifice she approves and makes use of various kinds of suffrages according to the circumstances, devotion and social condition of the deceased or his heirs.

Starting point is 07:29:20 It is a Catholic custom religiously observed from the remotest antiquity to have mass celebrated for the dead with solemn ceremonies and a funeral with as much pomp as their means will allow. The expense of this is an alms given to the church, and alms which in the eyes of God greatly enhances the price of the holy sacrifice,

Starting point is 07:29:45 and its satisfactory value for the deceased. It is well, however, so to regulate the funeral expenses, that a sufficient sum be left for a certain number of masses, and also to give alms to the poor. That which must be avoided is to lose sight of the Christian character of funerals, and to look upon the funeral service less as a great act of religion than a display of worldly vanity.

Starting point is 07:30:15 What must be further avoided are the profane mourning emblems which are not conformable to Christian tradition, such as the wreaths of flowers, with which at a great expense they load the coffins of the dead. This is an innovation, justly disapproved by the church,

Starting point is 07:30:35 to which Jesus Christ has entrusted the care of religious rights and ceremonies, not accepting funeral ceremonies. Those of which she makes use at the death of her children are venerable by their antiquity, full of meaning and consolation. All that presents itself to the eyes of the faithful on such occasions, the cross and the holy water, the lights and the incense, the tears and prayers. breathe compassion for the poor souls, faith in the divine mercy,

Starting point is 07:31:09 and the hope of immortality. What is there in all this in the cold wreaths of violet? They say nothing to the Christian soul. They are but profane emblems of this mortal life that contrasts strangely with the cross and which are foreign

Starting point is 07:31:27 to the rights of the Catholic Church. End of Section 61, recording by John. Brandon. Section 62 of Pergatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup. S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 21. Relief of the souls. Prayer. Brother Karato Diafida. The Golden Fischok and the Silver Thread After the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, we have a multitude of Secondary, though most efficacious means of relieving the Holy Souls, if we employ them with

Starting point is 07:32:16 spirit, faith, and fervor. In the first place comes prayer, prayer in all its forms. The annals of the seraphic order speak with admiration of Brother Carrado diaphita, one of the first companions of St. Francis. He was distinguished by a spirit of prayer and charity, which contributed greatly to the edification of his brethren. Among the latter there was a young monk, whose relaxed and disorderly conduct disturbed the holy community. But thanks to the prayers and charitable exhortations of Carrado,

Starting point is 07:32:52 he entirely corrected himself, and became a model of regularity. Soon after this happy conversion, he died, and his brethren gave him the ordinary suffrages. A few days elapsed When Brother Carrotto being in prayer before the altar heard a voice asking the assistance of his prayers

Starting point is 07:33:14 Who are you? said the servant of God I am replied the voice The soul of the young religious whom you reanimated to fervor But did not die a holy death Are you still in so great need of prayers I died a good death and am saved but on account of my former sins, which I had not time to expiate,

Starting point is 07:33:40 I suffer the most terrible chastisement, and I beseech you not to refuse me the assistance of your prayers. Immediately the good brother prostrated himself before the tabernacle, and recited a potter, followed by the Requiem Eternum. "'Oh, my good father,' cried the apparition,

Starting point is 07:34:00 "'what refreshment your prayer procures for me.' Oh, how it relieves me! I entreat you to continue. Carrotto devoutly repeated the same prayers. Beloved Father, again repeated the soul. Still more, still more. I experience such great relief when you pray. The charitable religious continued his prayers with renewed fervor

Starting point is 07:34:29 and repeated the Our Father a hundred times. then in accents of unspeakable joy, the deceased soul, said unto him, I thank you, my dear Father, in the name of God. I am delivered. Behold, I am about to enter the kingdom of heaven. We see by the preceding example how efficacious are the smallest prayers, the shortest supplications to alleviate the sufferings of the poor souls. I have read, says Father Rossignoli, that a holy bishop, wrapped in ecstasy, saw a child,

Starting point is 07:35:09 who with a golden fish-hook, and a silver thread, drew forth from the bottom of a well, a woman who had been drowned therein. After his prayer, and whilst on his way to the church, he saw the same child, praying at a grave in the cemetery. What are you doing there, my little friend? he asked. I'm saying the Our Father and Hail Mary,

Starting point is 07:35:34 answered the child, for the soul of my mother whose body lies buried here. The prelate immediately understood that God had wished to show him the efficacy of the most simple prayer. He knew that the soul of that woman had been delivered,

Starting point is 07:35:51 that the fish-hook was the potter, and that the Ave was the silver thread of that mystic line. End of Section 62, recording by John Brandon. Section 63 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Libra Fox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 22.

Starting point is 07:36:23 Relief of the Holy Souls. The Holy Rosary. Father Nairmberg. Mother Francis of the Blessed Sacrament and the Rosary. We know that the Holy Rosary holds the first place among all the prayers, which the Church recommends to the faithful. This excellent prayer, the source of so many graces for the living, is also singularly efficacious in relieving the dead.

Starting point is 07:36:51 Of this we have a touching proof in the life of Father Nirenberg, whom we have mentioned elsewhere. This charitable servant of God, imposed upon himself, frequent mortifications, accompanied by devotions and prayers for the relief of the poor suffering souls. He never omitted to recite the rosary each day for their intention, and gained for them all the indulgences in his power, an offering which he recommended to the faithful in a special work which he published on this subject. The chaplet which he used was ornamented with pious metals, and enriched with numerous indulgences. It happened one day that he

Starting point is 07:37:33 lost it, and he was inconsolable. Not that this holy religious whose heart was not fettered by anything upon earth, had any material attachment to these beads, but because he saw himself deprived of the means of procuring the relief, he was accustomed to give to the poor souls. He sought everywhere, tried to recollect where he could have put his precious treasure. All was useless, and when evening came he found himself obliged to replace his indulgence to chaplet by ordinary prayers. Whilst thus engaged, and alone in his cell, he heard a noise in the ceiling, like that of his beads, which was well known to him, and, raising his eyes, he saw in reality his chaplet, held by invisible hands, descending towards him, and fall at his feet.

Starting point is 07:38:28 He did not doubt that the invisible hands were those of the souls who were relieved by this means. We can imagine with what renewed fervor he recited his accustomed five decades, and how much this wonder encouraged him to persevere in the practice, so visibly approved by heaven. Venerable Mother Francis of the Blessed Sacrament had from her infancy the greatest devotion towards the suffering souls, and persevered therein as long as she lived. She was all heart, all devotion,

Starting point is 07:39:04 towards those poor and holy souls. To assist them, she daily recited her rosary, which he was accustomed to call her almanor, and she ended each decade with the requiesce cantinpache. On feast days when she had more free time, she added the office of the dead. To prayer she joined penances. The greater part of the year she fasted on bread and water,

Starting point is 07:39:31 and on vigils she practiced other austerities. She had to endure much labor and fatigue, pain and persecution. All these works were turned into profit for the holy souls, Francis offering all to God for their relief. Not content with assisting them herself as far as was in her power, she engaged others to do the same. If priests came to the convent, she begged for masses for them.

Starting point is 07:40:00 If they were laymen, she advised them to distribute abundant alms for the faithful departed. In recompense for her charity, God frequently permitted the souls to visit her, either to solicit her suffrages

Starting point is 07:40:14 or to return her thanks. Witnesses have testified that several times they visibly waited for her at the door, when she was going to the office of Matins, that they might recommend themselves to her prayers. At other times, they entered her cell

Starting point is 07:40:32 in order to present their request to her. They surrounded her bed, waiting until she awoke. These apparitions to which she was accustomed caused her no fear, and that she might not think herself the sport of a dream or a dupe of the devil, they said on entering, Hail Servants of God.

Starting point is 07:40:55 Spouse of the Lord. May Jesus Christ be ever with you. Then they testified their veneration for a large cross, and the relics of the saints, which their benefactress kept in her cell. If they found her reciting the rosary, had the same witnesses. They took her hands and kissed them lovingly,

Starting point is 07:41:17 as the instrument of their deliverance. End of Section 63. Recording by John Brandon. Section 64 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup. S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 23. Relief of the Holy Souls, Fasts, penances, and mortifications, however, trifling.

Starting point is 07:41:54 A glass of cold water. blessed margaret mary after prayer comes fasting that is to say not only fasting properly so called which consists an abstaining from food but also all penitential works of what nature soever they may be it must here be remarked that this is a question not only of the great austerities practised by the saints but of all the tribulations all the contradictions of this life as also of the least mortifications, the smallest sacrifices, which we impose upon ourselves, or except for the love of God, and which we offer to His divine mercy for the relief of the holy souls. A glass of water which we refuse ourselves when thirsty is a trifling thing. And if we consider this act in itself, we can scarcely see the efficacy

Starting point is 07:42:53 it possesses to alleviate the sufferings of purgatory. But such is the divine goodness, that it deigns to accept this as a sacrifice of great value. If I am permitted, says the Abelieu, speaking of this subject, I will relate an example which came almost under my own personal experience. One of my relations was a religious

Starting point is 07:43:18 in a community which she edified, not by that heroism of virtue, which shone forth in the saints, but by an ordinary virtue and great regularity of life. It happened that she lost a friend whom she had formerly known in the world, and from the time she heard of her death,

Starting point is 07:43:37 she made it her duty to recommend her to God. One evening being very thirsty, her first impulse was to refresh herself with a glass of water, this being allowed by her rule. But she remembered her deceased friend, and for the benefit of her soul refused herself this little gratification. Instead then, of drinking this glass of water, which he held in her hand,

Starting point is 07:44:04 she poured it out, praying God to show mercy to the departed. This good sister reminds us of King David, who, finding himself with his army in a place without water, and oppressed with thirst, refused to drink the refreshing water which was brought to him from the cisterns of Bethlehem. Instead of raising it to his parched lips, he poured it out as a libation to the Lord, and Holy Scripture cites this act of the Holy King

Starting point is 07:44:33 as one of the most agreeable to God. Now, this slight mortification, which are holy religious imposed upon herself, by denying herself this draught of water, was so pleasing to God that he permitted the departed soul to make it manifest by Him. an apparition. On the following night she appeared to the sister, heartily thanking her for the

Starting point is 07:44:57 relief she had received. Those few drops of water, which in the spirit of mortification, she had denied herself, were changed into a refreshing bath to temper the heat of purgatorial fires. We wish to remark that what we here say is not restricted to acts of superrogatory mortification, it must be understood of obligatory mortification. That is to say, of all that we have to undergo in the fulfillment of our duties, and in general to all those good works to which our duties as Christians, or those of our particular state in life oblige us. Thus every Christian is bound by virtue of the law of God

Starting point is 07:45:41 to refrain from wanton words, slander, and murmuring. Thus every religious must observe silence, charity and obedience, as prescribed by the rule. Now these observances, though of obligation, when practiced in the true spirit of a Christian with a view to please God, in union with the labors and sufferings of Jesus Christ, may become suffrages and serve to relieve the holy souls. In that famous apparition where Blessed Margaret Mary saw the deceased religious suffering intensely from her tipidity, of poor soul, after having related in detail the torments which he endured, concluded with these words. Alas, one hour of exactitude in silence would cure my parched mouth.

Starting point is 07:46:37 Another passed in the practice of charity would heal my tongue. Another passed without murmuring or disapprobation of the actions of the superior, would cure my tongue. Another passed without murmuring or disapprobation of the superior, but cure my tortured heart. By this we see that the soul asked not for works of supererrigation, but only the application of those to which the religious are obliged. End of Section 64. Recording by John Brandon. Section 65 of purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 07:47:19 Recording by John Brandon Part 2 Chapter 24 Relief of the Holy Souls Holy Communion St. Magdalene Deposy delivering her brother General Communion in the Church

Starting point is 07:47:37 If ordinary good works procure so much relief for the souls What will not be the effects of the holiest work a Christian can accomplish. I mean Holy Communion. When St. Magdalene Deposi saw her brother in the sufferings of purgatory, touched with compassion, she melted into tears and cried in a lamentable voice. Oh, afflicted soul, how terrible are your pains?

Starting point is 07:48:09 Why are they not understood by those who lack the courage to carry their cross here below, whilst you were still in this world? my dear brother, you would not listen to me. And now you desire so ardently that I should hear you. Poor victim. What do you require of me? Here she stopped, and was heard to count up to the number one hundred and seven. And she said aloud that this was the number of communions which he begged in a tone of supplication. Yes, she said to him, I can easily do what you ask. But alas, what a length of time it will take me to pay that debt. Oh, if God permitted, how willingly would I go where you are,

Starting point is 07:48:57 to deliver you or to prevent others from descending into it? The saint without omitting our prayers, and other suffrages, made with the greatest fervor all the communions which her brother desired for his deliverance. It is, says Father Asinoli, a pious kind of, established in the churches of the Society of Jesus to offer each month a general communion for the benefit of the souls in purgatory, and God has deigned to show by a prodigy how agreeable this practice is to him. In the year 1615, when the fathers in Rome celebrated this monthly communion in the Church of Our Lady of Trostovir, a crowd of persons was present. Amongst the fervient

Starting point is 07:49:47 there was one great sinner, who, although taking part in the pious ceremonies of religion, had for a long time led a very wicked life. This man before entering the church, saw coming out and advancing towards him a man of humble appearance, who asked of him an alms for the love of God. He at first refused. But the poor man, as is customary with beggars, persisted, asked ginked for a third time in a most pitiful tone of supplication, finally yielding to a good inspiration, our sinner recalled the mendicant and gave him a piece of money. Then the poor man changed his entreaties into other language.

Starting point is 07:50:36 Keep your money, said he. I stand in no need of your liberality, but you yourself greatly need to make a change in your life. know that it was to give you this salutary warning that I came from Mount Gargano to the ceremony which was to take place in this church today. It is now twenty years since you have been leading this deplorable life, provoking the anger of God instead of appeasing it by a sincere confession. Hasten to do penance if you would escape the stroke of divine justice, ready to fall upon your head. The sinner was struck by these words.

Starting point is 07:51:19 A secret fear took possession of him when he heard the secrets of conscience revealed, which he thought were known to God alone. His emotion increased when he saw the poor man vanish like smoke before his eyes. Opening his heart to grace, he entered the church, cast himself upon his knees,

Starting point is 07:51:41 and shed a torrent of tears. then sincerely repenting he sought a confessor, made an avowal of his crimes, and asked pardon. After confession he related to the priest what had happened to him, begging him to make it known in order that devotion towards the holy souls might be increased, for he had no doubt that it was a soul just delivered that had obtained for him the grace of conversion. It may here be asked who was that mysterious mendicant who appeared to this sinner in order to convert him. Some have believed that it was none other than the Archangel Michael, because he said that he came from Mount Gargano.

Starting point is 07:52:29 We know that this mountain is celebrated throughout Italy for an apparition of St. Michael, in whose honor a magnificent shrine has been erected. However this may be, the conversion of this sinner by such a miracle, and at the same moment when prayers and Holy Communion were being offered for the faithful departed, shows plainly the excellence of this devotion, and how pleasing it must be in the sight of God. Let us, therefore, conclude in the words of St. Bernard, may charity lead you to communicate, for there is nothing more efficacious for that. the eternal repose of the dead.

Starting point is 07:53:12 End of Section 65. Recording by John Brandon. Section 66 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Libre Fox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 25.

Starting point is 07:53:36 Relief of the Holy Souls. The Stations of the Cross. Venerable Mary di Antina. After Holy Communion, we shall speak of the Stations of the Cross. This holy exercise may be considered in itself, and in the indulgences with which it is enriched. In itself it is a solemn and very excellent manner of meditating on the passion of our Savior,

Starting point is 07:54:02 and consequently the most salutary exercise of our holy religion. In its literal sense, the way of the cross is the distance traversed by the man-god, whilst carrying the weight of his cross, cross from the palace of Pilate, where he was condemned to death, to the summit of Calvary, where he was crucified. After the death of her divine son, the Blessed Virgin, either alone or in company with the holy women, frequently visited that Doleris path. After her example, the faithful of Palestine, and in the course of ages, numerous pilgrims from the most distant countries, went to visit those holy places, be due with the sweat and blood of Jesus Christ,

Starting point is 07:54:47 and the church, to encourage their piety, open to them her treasures of spiritual blessings. But as everyone cannot go to the Holy Land, the Holy See allows to be erected in the churches and chapels in other countries, crosses, paintings, or boss reliefs, representing the touching scenes which took place on the real road to Calvary at Jerusalem. In permitting the erection of these holy stations, the Roman pontiffs, who understood all the excellency and all the efficacy of this devotion, gained also to enrich it with all the indulgences, which they had granted to a real visit to the Holy Land, and thus, according to the briefs and constitutions of the sovereign pontiffs, Innocent the 11th, Innocent the 12th,

Starting point is 07:55:37 Benedict 13th, Clement 12th, and Benedict 14th. Those who make the stations of the cross with proper dispositions gain all the indulgences granted to the faithful who visit in person, the holy places of Jerusalem, and these indulgences are applicable to the dead. Now it is certain that numerous indulgences, whether plenary or partial, were granted to those who visited the holy places of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, as may be seen in the Balaerium Teri-Songté, so that as regards indulgences, we may say that, of all practices of piety, the way of the cross, is the most richly endowed.

Starting point is 07:56:22 Thus this devotion, as well on account of the excellence of its object, as by reason of the indulgences, constitutes a suffrage of the greatest value for the holy souls. We find an incident relating to this subject in the life of venerable Mary Deontina. For a long time she had the pious custom of making the Stations of the Cross each day for the relief of the souls departed. But later, for motives more apparent than solid, she did it but rarely, and finally omitted it altogether. Our Lord, who had great designs in regard to this pious virgin, and who desired to make her a victim of love for the consolation of the poor souls,

Starting point is 07:57:03 in purgatory, vouchsafed to give her a lesson which serves as an instruction to us all. A religious of the same convent, who had died a short time previously, appear to her, complaining sorrowfully. My dear sister, she said, Why do you no longer make the stations of the cross for the souls in purgatory? You are formerly accustomed to relieve us every day by that holy exercise. Why do you deprive us of that assistance? Whilst the soul was still speaking, our Lord himself appeared to his servant, and reproached her

Starting point is 07:57:41 with her negligence. "'No, my daughter,' he added, "'that the stations of the cross are very profitable to the souls in purgatory, "'and constitute a suffrage of the greatest value. "'This is why I have permitted this soul, for her own sake, and for the sake of others, "'to implore this of you. know also that it is on account of your exactitude in practicing this devotion that you have been favored by frequent communication with the dead.

Starting point is 07:58:12 It is for this reason also that those grateful souls never cease to pray for you and to plead your cause at the tribunal of my justice. Make known this treasure to your sisters, and tell them to draw from it abundantly for themselves and for the dead. End of Section 66. recording by John Brandon. Section 67 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 07:58:47 Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 26. Relief of the Holy Souls. Indulgences. Blessed Mary of Keto and the heaps of gold. Let us pass to those indulgences applicable to the dead. Here divine mercy reveals itself with a sort of prodigicality. We know that an indulgence is the remission of the temporal punishment due to sin,

Starting point is 07:59:19 granted by the power of the keys, outside of the sacrament of penance. In virtue of the power of the keys, which he has received from Jesus Christ, the Church may free the faithful from every obstacle to their entrance into glory. She exercises this power in the sacrament of penance, where she absolves them from their sins. She exercises it also, outside of the sacrament, in remitting the debt of temporal punishment which remains after the absolution. In this second instance, it is the indulgence. The remission of temporal punishment by indulgences is granted to the faithful in this life only, but the Church may authorize her children, whilst still living,

Starting point is 08:00:09 to transfer to their departed friends the remission accorded to themselves. This is the indulgence applicable to the souls in purgatory. To apply an indulgence to the dead is to offer it to God in the name of His Holy Church, that he may deign to employ it for the benefit of the suffering souls. The satisfactions thus offer to the divine justice in the name of Jesus Christ, are always accepted, and God applies it either to some soul in particular, or to certain souls which he himself wishes to benefit, or to all in general. Indulgences are either plenary or partial. A plenary indulgence is to such as gain it,

Starting point is 08:00:55 a remission of all the temporal punishment which it deserves in the sight of God. suppose that in order to acquit ourselves of this debt, we should be obliged to perform a hundred years of canonical penance upon earth, or suffer for a still longer time in purgatory. By the virtue of a plenary indulgence, properly gained, all this punishment is remitted, and the soul no longer retains in the sight of God any shadow of sin, which prevents it from seeing his divine faiths.

Starting point is 08:01:27 The partial indulgence consists in the remission of a certain number of days or years. These days and years in no way represent days and years of suffering and purgatory. It must be understood of days and years of public canonical penance, consisting principally in fasts, and such as were formerly imposed upon sinners, according to the ancient discipline of the Church. Thus an indulgence of forty days or seven years, is a remission such as was merited before God by 40 days or seven years of canonical penance.

Starting point is 08:02:06 What proportion exists between those days of penance and the duration of the sufferings of purgatory? This is a secret which it has not pleased God to reveal to us. Indulgences are, in the church, a true spiritual treasure laid open to all the faithful. All are permitted to draw therefrom. to pay their own debts and those of others. It was under this figure that God was one day pleased to show them to Blessed Mary of Quito.

Starting point is 08:02:38 One day, wrapped in ecstasy, she saw in the midst of a large space and immense table, covered with heaps of silver, gold, rubies, pearls, and diamonds. And at the same time, she heard a voice saying, These riches are public property. each one may approach and take as much as he pleases. God made known to her that this was a symbol of indulgences. We may say with the pious author of the Marseilles how culpable we are,

Starting point is 08:03:10 if in such abundance we remain poor and destitute ourselves and neglect to assist others. Alas, the souls in purgatory are in such extreme necessity. They supplicate us with tears in the midst of their torment. We have the means of paying their debts by indulgences, and we make no endeavor to do so. Does access to this Treasury demand painful efforts on our parts, such as fastings, journeys, and privations insupportable to nature? Even though such were the case, says the reason, the eloquent Father Siniere,

Starting point is 08:03:51 we should submit to them, do we not see how men, for love of gold, in order to preserve a work of art, to save a part of their fortune or precious fabric, expose themselves to the flames of a fire? ought we not, then, to do at least as much to save from expiatory flames, those souls ransomed by the blood of Jesus Christ? A divine goodness asks nothing so painful. It requires only such works as are ordinary and easy. A rosary, a communion.

Starting point is 08:04:25 a visit to the Blessed Sacrament and Ames, or the teaching of the elements of the Catechism to abandon children, and we neglect to acquire the most precious treasures by such easy means, and have no desire to apply them to our poor relatives languishing in the flames of purgatory. End of Section 67, recording by John Brandon. Section 68 of Purgatory by Reverend F. S. S. Exchoup S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 08:05:08 Part 2, Chapter 27. Relief of the Holy Souls, indulgences, Mother Francis of Pampluna, and the Bishop de Rebira, St. Magdalene de Pauze, St. Teresa. Venerable Mother Francis

Starting point is 08:05:26 of the Blessed Sacrament, of whose charity towards the holy souls we have already spoken, was also most zealous in relieving them by indulgences. One day God showed her the souls of three prelates who had previously occupied the Sea of Pampluna, and who still languished in the sufferings of purgatory. The servant of God understood that she must employ every means to effect their deliverance.

Starting point is 08:05:54 As the Holy See had then granted to Spain the Bulls of the Crusade, which permitted the gaining of a plenary indulgence under certain conditions, she believed that the best means of assisting those poor souls would be to procure for each of them the advantage of a plenary indulgence. She spoke to her bishop, Christopher de Ribera, acquainting him with the fact that three of his predecessors were still in peggatory, and urging him to procure for her three indulgences of the Crusade. She fulfilled all the conditions required,

Starting point is 08:06:32 and applied a plenary indulgence to each of the three bishops. The following night they all appeared to Mother Francis, delivered from all their sufferings. They thanked her and begged her to thank also the Bishop Ribera for the indulgences which had opened heaven to them. The following is related by, Father Sabari in his life of St. Magdalene de Pazzi. A professed religious who during her last sickness had been most tenderly cared for by St. Magdalene died, and as it was the custom to

Starting point is 08:07:09 expose the body in the church, Magdalene felt herself inspired to go and look upon it once more. She went, therefore, to the grid of the chapter room, whence she could see it. scarcely had she done so, then she was ravished in ecstasy, and saw the soul of the departed sister take its flight to heaven. Transported with joy, she was heard to say, adieu, dear sister, adieu, blessed soul. Like a pure dove, you fly to your celestial home, and leave us in this abode of misery. Oh, how beautiful and glorious you are! Who can describe the glory with which God has crowned your virtues? What a short time you have passed in purgatory.

Starting point is 08:08:01 Your body has not yet been consigned to the tomb. And behold, your soul has already received into the sacred mansions. You now know the truth of those words I so lately addressed to you, that all the sufferings of this life are nothing in comparison with the reward which God has reserved for his friends. In the same vision, our Lord revealed to her that this soul had passed but 15 hours in purgatory

Starting point is 08:08:31 because she had suffered much during life and because she had been careful to gain the indulgences granted by the church to her children in virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ. St. Teresa in her works speaks of a religious who set the highest value on the smallest indulgence granted by the church and endeavored to gain all in her power. She led otherwise a very ordinary life,

Starting point is 08:09:02 and her virtue was of a very common order. She died, and the saint, to her great surprise, saw her soul ascend to heaven, almost immediately after her death, so that she had, so to say, no purpose. When St. Teresa expressed her astonishment at this, our Lord made known to her that it was due to the great care she had taken to gain all the indulgences possible during life.

Starting point is 08:09:33 It was by that means, he added, that she had discharged almost the whole of her debt, which was quite considerable before her death, and had therefore appeared with great purity before the tribunal of God. End of Section 68, recording by John Brandon. Section 69 of Hergatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 28.

Starting point is 08:10:14 Relief of the Holy Souls. Indulgences. Indulgence prayers. There are certain indulgences which are easy to be gained. and are applicable to the dead. We hope to afford pleasure to the reader by indicating the principal ones. 1. The prayer,

Starting point is 08:10:41 O good and most sweet Jesus. A plenary indulgence for those who, having confessed and communicated, recite this prayer before an image of Christ crucified and adding some other prayer for the intention of the sovereign pontiff. 2. Indulgenceed Rosary Beads. Great indulgences are attached to the recitation of the Holy Rosary,

Starting point is 08:11:07 if we make use of beads indulgenced either by our Holy Father, the Pope, or by a priest who has received the faculties. 3. The Stations of the Cross. As we have said elsewhere, several plundery indulgences and a great number of partial indulgences are attached to the stations of the cross. These indulgences do not require confession and communion. It suffices to be in the state of grace,

Starting point is 08:11:37 and to have a sincere sorrow for all our sins. As to the exercise itself of the stations of the cross, it requires but two conditions. First, to visit the 14 stations passing from one to the other, as much as circumstances will permit, Second, to meditate at the same time on the passion of Jesus Christ. Persons who do not know how to make connected meditation may content themselves with thinking affectionately

Starting point is 08:12:08 of some circumstance of the passion suited to their capacity. We exhort them, without, however, imposing it as an obligation, to recite a pater and Ave before each cross and to make an act of contrition for their sins. Four, the acts of faith, hope, and charity. An indulgence of seven years and seven quarantines each time they are recited. Five, the litany of the Blessed Virgin.

Starting point is 08:12:43 Three hundred days each time. Six, the sign of the cross. Fifty days each time. with holy water a hundred days. Diverse prayers. My Jesus' mercy. A hundred days each time. Jesus, meek and humble of heart,

Starting point is 08:13:06 make my heart like unto thine. Three hundred days, one a day. Sweetheart of Mary be my salvation. Three hundred days each time. Eight. Praise'd be Jesus Christ. response forever and ever amen fifty days each time the two persons salute each other with these words nine the angeles an indulgence of a hundred days each time it is recited either in the morning at noon or in the evening at the sound of the bell kneeling and with a contrite heart

Starting point is 08:13:52 End of Section 69, recording by John Brandon. Section 70 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup, S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 29. Relief of the Holy Souls, Ames. Rabin Maur and Edelard at the monastery of Folda. It remains for us to speak of a last

Starting point is 08:14:29 and very powerful means of relieving the poor souls, namely amsgiving. The angelic doctor, St. Thomas, gives the preference to alms before fasting and prayer, when there is a question of expiating past faults. Ames giving, he says, possesses more completely the virtue of satisfaction than prayer, and prayer more completely than fasting.

Starting point is 08:14:56 This is why the great servants of God, and the great saints have chosen it as a principal means of assisting the dead. Amongst them, we may mention, as one of the most remarkable the Holy abbot, Rabin Mower, First Abbot of Fulta, in the 10th century, and afterwards Archbishop of Mayans. Father Threathemius, a well-known writer of the Order of St. Benedict, caused abundant alms to be distributed for the dead. He had established a rule that whenever a romewius,

Starting point is 08:15:28 religious died, his portion of food should be distributed among the poor for 30 days, that the soul of the deceased might be relieved by the alms. It happened in the year 8.30 that the monastery of Fuldah was attacked by a contagious disease, which carried off a large number of the religious. Rabin Maur, full of zeal and charity for their souls, called Edelar, the procurator, of the monastery, and reminded him of the rule established regarding the alms for the departed. Take great care, said he, that our constitutions be faithfully observed, and that the poor be fed for a whole month with the food destined for the brethren we have lost.

Starting point is 08:16:18 Edelard failed both in obedience and charity, under pretext that such liberality was extravagant, and that he must economize the resources. of the monastery, but in reality because he was influenced by a sacred avarice, he neglected to distribute the food, or did so in a manner far short of the command he had received. God did not leave this disobedience un-punished. A month elapsed, when one evening, after the community had retired, he walked across the chapter room with a lamp in his hand. What was his astonishment when, at an hour that the road was,

Starting point is 08:16:58 should be unoccupied, he found there a great number of religious. His astonishment turned into fear. When looking at them attentively, he recognized the religious lately deceased. Terror seized him. An icy coldness ran through his veins, and riveted him to the spot like a lifeless statue. Then one of the dead brothers addressed him with terrible reproaches. Unfortunate creature, said he. Why didst thou not to be? distribute the alms which were destined to give relief to the souls of thy departed brethren. Why hast thou deprived us of that assistance amid the torments of purgatory? Received from this moment the punishment of thy avarice.

Starting point is 08:17:44 Another and more terrible chastisement is reserved for thee, when, after three days, thou shall appear before thy God. At these words, Edelard fell as the third. struck by a thunderbolt, and remained immovable until after midnight, at the hour when the community went to choir. There they found him half dead, in the same condition as was Heliodorus of old, after he had been scourged by the angels in the Temple of Jerusalem, Second Maccabees three. He was carried to the infirmary, where all possible care was lavished upon him, so that he recovered consciousness.

Starting point is 08:18:30 As soon as he was able to speak in the presence of the abbot, and of all his brethren, he related with tears the terrible occurrence, to which his sad condition but too evidently bore witness. Then, adding that he was to die within three days, he asked for the last sacraments with all signs of humble repentance. He received them with sentiments of piety, and three days later expired. assisted by the prayers of his brethren. Mass for the dead was immediately sung,

Starting point is 08:19:04 and his share of food was distributed to the poor for the benefit of his soul. Meanwhile, his punishment was not at an end. Edelard appeared to Abid Rabin, pale and disfigured. Touched with compassion, Rabin inquired what he could do for him. Ah, replied the unfortunate soul, notwithstanding the prayers of our holy community, I cannot obtain the grace of my deliverance

Starting point is 08:19:32 until all my brethren, whom my avarice defrauded, of the suffrages due to them, have been released. That which has been given to the poor for me has been of no profit but to them, and this by order of divine justice. I entreat you, therefore,

Starting point is 08:19:52 O venerated and merciful father, redoubled your arms. I hope that by these powerful means, divine clemency will vouch safe to deliver us all, my brethren first, and afterwards myself, who am the least deserving of mercy. Rabin Maher increased his arms, and scarcely had another month elapsed, when Edelard again appeared, but clad in white, surrounded with rays of light, and his countenance beaming with joy. He thanked in the most touching manner his abbot, and all the members of the monastery,

Starting point is 08:20:32 for the charity exercised towards him. What instruction does not this history contain? In the first place, the virtue of alms giving for the dead shines forth in a most striking manner. Then we see how God, even in this life, those who, through Averis, fear not to deprive the debt of their suffrages. I speak not here of those heirs who render themselves culpable by neglecting to make the

Starting point is 08:21:04 endowments which devolve upon them by last will and testament of their deceased relatives, a negligence which constitutes a sacrilegious injustice, but of those children or relatives, who, through miserable motives of interest, have as few masses as possible celebrated, are sparing in the distribution of arms, having no pity for the souls of their departed relatives, which they leave to languish in the horrible torments of purgatory. It is the blackest ingratitude,

Starting point is 08:21:40 a hardness of heart entirely opposed to Christian charity, and which will meet its punishment, perhaps even in this world. End of Section 70, recording by John Brandon. Section 71 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 30

Starting point is 08:22:14 Relief of the Holy Souls, Ames Giving, Christian Mercy, St. Francis de Sales and the widow of Padua. Christian almsgiving. That mercy which Jesus Christ so much recommends in the gospel comprises not only corporal assistance given to the needy, but also all the good we do for our neighbor by working for his salvation, supporting his defects, and pardoning his offenses.

Starting point is 08:22:48 All these works of charity may be offered to God for the dead and contain great satisfactory value. St. Francis de Sales relates that at Padua, where he pursued part of his studies, there existed a detestable custom. The young men amused themselves by running through the streets at night armed with arquebuses and crying out to all those they met, who goes there? People were obliged to answer, for they fired upon those who gave no reply, and many persons with us wounded or killed. It happened one evening that a student, not having responded to the question, was struck in the head by a ball, and mortally wounded. The perpetrator of this deed seized with terror, took to flight, and sought refuge in the

Starting point is 08:23:39 house of a good widow, whom he knew, and whose son was his fellow student. He confessed to her with tears that he had just killed someone unknown to him, and begged her to give him an asylum in her house. Touched with compassion, and not suspecting that she had before her, the murderer of her son, the lady concealed the fugitive in a place of safety, where the officers of justice would be unable to discover him. Half an hour had not elapsed when a tumultuous noise was heard the door. A corpse was carried in and placed before the eyes of the widow. Alas, it was her son who had been killed, and whose murderer now lay concealed in her house. The poor mother broke forth into heart-rending cries, and entering the hiding-place of the assassin, miserable man, said she, what had my son

Starting point is 08:24:39 done to you that you should thus cruelly have murdered him? The guilty wretch, learning that he had killed his friend, cried aloud, tearing his hair and wringing his hands in despair. Then throwing himself upon his knees, he asked pardon of his protectress, and besought her to deliver him up to the magistrate, that he might expiate so horrible a crime. The disconsolate mother remembered at this moment that she was a Christian, the example of Jesus Christ, praying for his executioners, stimulated her to heroic action. She replied that provided he asked pardon of God and amended his life, she would let him go and stay all legal proceedings against him. This pardon was so agreeable to God that he wished

Starting point is 08:25:36 to give the generous mother a striking proof thereof. He permitted that the soul of her son should appear to her, resplendent with glory, saying that he was about to enjoy eternal beatitude. God has shown mercy to me, dear mother, said the blessed soul, because you showed mercy towards my assassin. In consideration of the pardon which you granted, I have been delivered from purgatory, where without the assistance which you have afforded me, I should have had to undergo long years of intense suffering. End of Section 71, recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 08:26:26 Section 72 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Liberovac's recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon, Part 2, Chapter 31. Relief of the Holy Souls The Heroic Act of Charity Towards the Holy Soul.

Starting point is 08:26:48 Father Mumford, Dennis the Cartusian and St. Gertrude. Thus far, we have spoken of the different kinds of good works, which we may offer to God as suffrages for the dead. It remains for us to make known an act which comprises all works and means, whereby we can most effectually assist the poor souls. It is the heroic vow, or as call it the heroic act of charity towards the souls in purgatory. This act consists in ceding to them all our works of satisfaction, that is to say, the satisfactory value of all the works of our life, and of all the suffrages which shall be given to us after our death,

Starting point is 08:27:38 without reserving anything wherewith to discharge our own debts, we deposit them in the hands of the Blessed Virgin, that she may distribute them according to her good pleasure, to those souls which she desires to deliver from purgatory. It is an absolute donation in favor of the souls of all that we can give them. We offer to God, in their behalf all the good we do, of what kind soever, either in thought, words, or works, all that we suffer meritoriously during this life,

Starting point is 08:28:16 without accepting anything that we may reasonably give them, and adding even those suffrages which we may receive for ourselves after death. It must be well understood that the matter of this holy donation is the satisfactory value of our works, and in no way the merit which has a corresponding degree of glory in heaven. For merit is strictly personal, and cannot be transferred to another. Formula of the Heroic Act

Starting point is 08:28:53 O Holy and Adorable Trinity Desiring to cooperate in the deliverance of the souls in purgatory and to testify my devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, I cede and renounce in behalf of those holy souls all the satisfactory part of my works and all the suffrages which may be given to me after my death, consigning them entirely into the hands of the Most Blessed Virgin, that she may apply them according to her good pleasure, to those souls of the faithful departed,

Starting point is 08:29:32 whom she desires to deliver from their sufferings. Gain, O my God, to accept and bless this offering which I make to thee at this moment. Amen. The sovereign Pontiffs, Benedict Thurgeon, the 13th, Pius the 6th, and Pius the 9th, have approved this heroic act, and have enriched it with indulgences and privileges, of which the principle are the following. 1. 2. Priests who have made this act, the indult of a privileged altar every day in the year. 2. The simple faithful can gain a plenery.

Starting point is 08:30:18 indulgence, applicable to the souls in purgatory only, each time they communicate, provided they visit a church or public oratory, and they pray for the intention of His Holiness. Three, they may apply to the Holy Souls all those indulgences which are not otherwise applicable by virtue of concession, and which have been granted up to the present time, or which shall be granted in the future. I advise all true Christians, says Father Mumford, to cede with holy disinterestedness to the faithful departed, all the fruit of their good works which are at our disposal.

Starting point is 08:31:07 I do not believe that they can make a better use of them, since they render them more meritorious and more efficacious, as well for obtaining grace from God as for expiating their own sins and shortening the term of their purgatory, or even acquiring an entire exemption therefrom. These words express the precious advantages of the heroic act, and in order to dissipate all subsequent fear which might arise in the mind, we add three remarks. 1. This act leaves us perfect liberty to pray for those souls in whom we are most interested.

Starting point is 08:31:56 The application of these prayers is subject to the disposition of the adorable will of God, which is always infinitely perfect and infinitely loving. 2. It does not oblige under pain of mortals. sin, and can at any time be revoked. It may be made without using any particular formula. It suffices to have the intention, and to make it from the heart. Nevertheless, it is useful to recite the formula of offering from time to time in order to stimulate our zeal for the relief of the holy souls by prayer, penance, and good works. 3. The heroic act does not subject us to the direful consequences of having to undergo a long

Starting point is 08:32:53 purgatory ourselves. On the contrary, it allows us to rely with more assured confidence on the mercy of God in our regard, as is shown by the example of St. Gertrude. venerable Dennis, the Cartusian, relates that the Virgin, St. Gertrude, had made a complete donation of all her works of satisfaction in favor of the faithful departed, without reserving anything wherewith to discharge the debts which she herself might have contracted in the sight of God. being at the point of death, and like all the saints, considering with great sorrow, a great number of sins on the one hand, and on the other, remembering that she had employed all her works of satisfaction for the expiation of the sins of others she was afflicted, lest having given all to others and reserved nothing to herself, her soul, on its departure from this world should be condemned to horrible suffering.

Starting point is 08:34:07 In the midst of her fears, our Lord appeared to her, and consoled her, saying, Be assured, my daughter, your charity towards the departed will be no detriment to you. Know that the generous donation you have made of all your works to the holy souls has been singularly pleasing to me. And to give you a proof thereof, I declare to you that all the pains you would have to endure in the other life are now remitted. Moreover, in recompense for your generous charity, I will so enhance the value of the merits of your works as to give you a great increase of glory in heaven. End of Section 72. Recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 08:35:07 Section 73 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Libra Fox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 32. Relief of the Holy Souls. Which of them should be the objects of our charity? All the faithful departed. St. Andrew Havalino.

Starting point is 08:35:35 sinners dying without the sacraments, St. Francis de Sails, we have seen the resources and the numerous means which divine mercy has placed in our hands for relieving the souls in purgatory. But what souls are in those expiatory flames? And to what souls should we give our assistance? For what souls should we pray, and offer our suffrages to God? to these questions we must answer that we should pray for the souls of all the faithful departed, Omnium Fidelium de Fonctorum, according to the expression of the church.

Starting point is 08:36:17 Although filial piety imposes special duties upon us, with regard to parents and relations, Christian charity commends us to pray for all the faithful departed in general, because they are all our brethren in Jesus Christ. All are our neighbors, whom we must love as ourselves. By these words, faithful departed, the church means all those actually in purgatory. That is to say those who are neither in hell nor is yet worthy to be admitted into the glory of paradise. But who are these souls? Can we know them?

Starting point is 08:36:59 God has reserved this knowledge to himself, and, except so far as he is pleased to show us, we should remain in total ignorance of the state of souls in the other life. Now he rarely makes known that a soul is in purgatory, or in the glory of heaven. Still, more rarely does he reveal the reprobation of a soul. In this uncertainty, we must pray in general, as does the Church, for all the departed without prejudice to those souls whom we wish to aid in particular. We may evidently restrict our intention

Starting point is 08:37:35 to those among the dead who are still in need of our assistance if God grants us the privilege which he accorded to San Andrew Avalino of knowing the condition of souls in the other life. When this holy religious of the order of theotines was according to his pious custom praying with angelic fervor for the departed. It sometimes happened that he experienced within himself

Starting point is 08:38:01 a sort of resistance, a feeling of invincible repulsion. At other times, it was, on the contrary, a great consolation and a particular attraction. He soon understood the meaning of these difficult impressions. The first signified that his prayer was useless, that the soul which he desired to assist was unworthy of mercy and condemned to eternal fire. The other indicated that his prayer was efficacious for the relief of the soul in purgatory.

Starting point is 08:38:33 It was the same when he wished to offer the holy sacrifice for someone deceased. He felt on leaving the sacristy as though withheld by an irresistible hand and understood that that soul was in hell, but when he was inundated with joy, light and devotion, he was sure of contributing to the deliverance of a soul. This charitable saint prayed therefore with the greatest fervor for the dead whom he knew to be suffering and ceased not to apply his suffrages

Starting point is 08:39:06 until the souls came to thank him, giving him the assurance of their deliverance. As for us who have not these supernatural lights, we must pray for all the departed, even for the greatest sinners, and the most virtuous Christian. St. Augustine knew the great virtue of his mother, St. Monica.

Starting point is 08:39:29 Nevertheless, not content with offering his own suffrages for her to God, he asked his readers not to cease recommending her soul to divine mercy. As regards great sinners, who die without being outwardly reconciled with God,

Starting point is 08:39:46 we may not exclude them from our suffrages, because we have not the certainty of their interior impenitence. Faith teaches us that all men dying in the state of mortal sin incur eternal damnation. But who are those that in reality die in that state? God alone, who reserves to himself the judgment of the living and the dead, knows this.

Starting point is 08:40:14 As to ourselves, we can but draw a conjectural conclusion from exterior circumstances, and from this we must refrain. It must, however, be confessed that there is everything to be feared for those who die unprepared for death, and all hope seems to vanish for those who refuse to receive the sacraments. The latter quit this life with exterior signs of reprobation. Nevertheless, we must leave the judgment to God, according to the words,

Starting point is 08:40:47 de uticum est. To God belongs judgment. There is more to be hoped for those who are not positively hostile to religion, who are benevolent towards the poor, who retain some practice of Christian piety, or who at least approve and favor piety. There is more, I say, to hope for such persons when it happens that they die suddenly without having had time to receive the last sacraments of the church. St. Francis de Sails will not have us despair of the conversion of sinners until their last breath.

Starting point is 08:41:29 And even after their death, he forbids us to judge evil of those who have led a bad life. With the exception of those sinners whose reprobation is made manifest by Holy Scripture, we may not, he says, conclude that a person is damned, but must respect the secret of God. His principal reason was that as the first grace is gratuitous, so also is the last, which is final perseverance or a good death. This is why we must hope for the departed, how sad soever his death may have been, because our conjectures can be based on the exterior only, whereby the most clever may be deceived. End of Section 73,

Starting point is 08:42:19 recording by John Brandon. Section 74 of Pergatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 33. Relief of the Holy Souls For whom are we to pray?

Starting point is 08:42:45 Great sinners. Father Ravignon and General Exelmans. The widow in mourning and the venerable Cure d'Arts, St. Catherine of St. Augustine, and the sinner dead in a grotto. Father Ravignon, an illustrious and holy preacher of the Society of Jesus, also cherished great hope for the welfare of sinners, carried away by a sudden death, when otherwise they had borne no hatred in the heart for the things of God. He lived to speak of the supreme moment,

Starting point is 08:43:20 and it seems to have been his opinion that many sinners are converted in their last moments and are reconciled to God without being able to give any exterior sign thereof. In certain deaths there are mysteries of mercy, where the eye of man sees nothing but strokes of justice. As the last glimmer of light, God sometimes reveals himself to those souls, whose greatest misfortune has been to ignore him, and the last sigh, understood by him who penetrates hearts, may be a groan that calls for pardon, that is to say, an act of perfect contrition. General Exelman's, a relative of this good father, was suddenly carried to the tomb by an accident,

Starting point is 08:44:06 and unfortunately he had not been faithful in the practice of his religion. He had promised that he would one day make his confession, but had not had the opportunity to do so. Father Ravignon, who for a long time, had prayed and procured prayers for him, was filled with consternation when he heard of such a death. The same day a person accustomed to receive supernatural communications thought he heard an interior voice, which said to him, who then knows the extent of God's mercy?

Starting point is 08:44:42 Who knows the depth of the ocean, or how much water is contained therein? much will be forgiven to those who have sinned through ignorance. The biographer from whom we borrow this incident, Father Duponlevoi, goes on to say, Christians placed under the law of hope, no less than under the law of faith and charity, we must continually lift ourselves up from the depths of our sufferings to the thought of the infinite goodness of God. No limit to the grace of God is placed here below. While there remains a spark of life, there is nothing which it cannot affect in the soul. Therefore, we must ever hope and petition God with humble persistency.

Starting point is 08:45:28 We know not to what a degree we may be heard. Great saints and doctors have gone to great lengths in extolling the powerful efficacy of prayer for the dear departed. How unhappy soever their end may have been. We shall one day know the unspeakable, marbles of divine mercy. We should never cease to implore it with the greatest confidence. The following is an incident which our readers may have seen in the Petit Massager de Cour de Marie, November 1880. A religious preaching a mission to the ladies at Nancy had reminded them in a

Starting point is 08:46:12 conference that we must never despair of the salvation of a soul, and that sometimes actions of the least importance in the eyes of man are rewarded by God at the hour of death. When he was about to leave the church, a lady dressed in mourning approached him and said, Father, you just recommended to us confidence and hope. What has just happened to me fully justifies your words. I had a husband, who was most kind and affectionate, and who, although otherwise leading an irreproachable life, entirely neglected the practice of his religion. My prayers and exhortations remained without effect. During the month of May, which preceded his death, I had erected, in my room, as I was accustomed to do, a little altar of the Blessed Virgin,

Starting point is 08:47:08 and decorated it with flowers, which I renewed from time to time. My husband passed the Sunday in the country, and each time he returned he brought me some flowers, which he himself had plucked. And with these I used to adorn my oratory. Did he notice this? Did he do this to give me pleasure? Or was it through a sentiment of piety towards the Blessed Virgin?

Starting point is 08:47:35 I know not, but he never did. failed to bring me the flowers. In the beginning of the following month, he died suddenly, without having had time to receive the consolations of religion. I was inconsolable, especially as I saw all my hopes of his return to God vanish. In consequence of my grief, my health became completely shattered, and my family urged me to make a tour in the South, As I had to pass through Leon, I desired to see the Cori Dar.

Starting point is 08:48:12 I therefore wrote to him, asking an audience, and recommending to his prayers my husband, who had died suddenly. I gave him no further details. Arrived at Ar, scarcely had I entered the venerable Cori's room, and to my great astonishment he addressed me in these words. Madame, you are disconsolate. But have you forgotten those bouquets of flowers, which were brought to you each Sunday of the month of May? It is impossible to express my astonishment on hearing,

Starting point is 08:48:47 Monsieur Viani remind me of a circumstance that I had not mentioned to anyone, and which he could know only by revelation. He continued, God has had mercy on him who honored his holy mother. At the moment of his death, your husband repented. His soul is in purgatory. Our prayers and good works will obtain his deliverance. We read in a life of a holy religious, Sister Catherine of St. Augustine,

Starting point is 08:49:22 that in the place where she lived there was a woman named Mary, who in her youth had given herself to a very disorderly life. And as age brought no amendment, but on the contrary, she grew more obstinate in vice. The inhabitants no longer willing to tolerate the scandal, she gave, drove her from the city. She found no other asylum than a grotto in the forest, where after a few months she died without the assistance of the sacraments. Her body was interred in a field, as though it were something contagious.

Starting point is 08:49:59 Sister Catherine, who was accustomed to recommend to God the souls of all those of whose death she heard, thought nothing of praying for this one, judging, as did everyone else, that she was surely damned. Four months later, the servant of God heard a voice saying, Sister Catherine, how unfortunate I am, you recommend to God the souls of all. I am the only one upon whom you take no pity. Who then are you? replied the sister. I am poor Mary, who died in the grotto.

Starting point is 08:50:37 What? Mary, are you saved? Yes, by the divine mercy I am. At the point of death, terrified by the remembrance of my crimes, and seeing myself abandoned by all, I called upon the Blessed Virgin. In her tender goodness, she heard me and obtained from me, me the grace of perfect contrition, with a desire of confessing, had it been in my power to do so.

Starting point is 08:51:06 I thus recovered the grace of God and escaped hell. But I was obliged to go to purgatory where I suffered terribly. My time will be shortened, and I will soon be liberated if a few masses are offered for me. Oh, have them celebrated for me, dear sister, and I shall ever remember. you before Jesus and Mary. Sister Catherine hastened to fulfill this request, and after a few days the soul again appeared, brilliant as a star, and returning thanks for her charity. End of Section 74, recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 08:51:55 Section 75 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup as Jay. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. recording by John Brandon Part 2, Chapter 34 Motives for Assisting the Holy Souls Excellence of this work St. Francis de Sales St. Thomas of Aquin

Starting point is 08:52:19 St. Bridget We have just passed in review of the means and resources which divine mercy has placed in our hands for the relief of our brethren in purgatory. These means are powerful, the resource is rich. But do we make an abundant use thereof? Having it in our power to assist the poor souls, have we zeal enough to do so?

Starting point is 08:52:47 Are we as rich in charity as God is rich in mercy? Alas how many Christians do little, or nothing for the departed. And those who forget them not, those who have sufficient charity to aid them by their suffrages, how often are they not lacking in zeal and fervor? Compare the care we bestow upon the sick with the assistance which we give to the suffering souls.

Starting point is 08:53:17 When a father or mother is afflicted with some malady, when a child or any person dear to us is a prey to suffering, what care, what solicitude, what devotion on our part. But the holy souls who are no less dear to us languish under the weight, not of a painful malady, but of expiatory torments

Starting point is 08:53:42 a thousand times more cruel. Are we equally fervent, solicitous, eager to procure them relief? No, says St. Francis de Sales. We do not sufficiently remember our dear departed friends. Their memory seems to perish with the sound of the funeral bells, and we forget that the friendship,

Starting point is 08:54:09 which finds an end even in death, was never genuine friendship. From whence this sad and culpable forgetfulness, its principal cause is want of reflection. Quia nullicest, qui ricogitat cord. because there is none that considereth in the heart. We lose sight of the great motives,

Starting point is 08:54:37 which urge us to the exercise of this charity towards the dead. It is, therefore, to stimulate our zeal that we are about to recall to mind these motives, and to place them in the strongest possible light. We may say that all these motives are summed up in these words of the Holy Ghost. It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins, that is from the temporal punishment due to their sins.

Starting point is 08:55:09 In the first place, it is a work holy and excellent in itself, as also agreeable and meritorious in the sight of God. Accordingly, it is a salutary work, supremely profitable for our own self, for our welfare in this world and the next. One of the holiest works, one of the best exercises of piety that we can practice in this world, says St. Augustine, is to offer sacrifices,

Starting point is 08:55:43 alms, and prayers for the dead. The relief which we procure for the departed, to St. Jerome, obtains for us a like mercy. Considered in itself, prayer for the dead is a work of faith, charity, and frequently, even of justice. First, who are indeed the persons whom there is question of assisting? Who are those holy predestined souls? So dear to God and our Lord Jesus Christ. So dear to their mother, the church.

Starting point is 08:56:19 Who unceasingly recommends them to our charity? souls who are dear also to ourselves, that were perhaps intimately united to us upon earth, and who supplicate us in these touching words. Have pity on me. Have pity on me. At least you, my friends. Second, in what necessities do they find themselves? Alas, their necessities being very great,

Starting point is 08:56:51 the souls who thus suffer have a right to our assistance proportionate to their utter helplessness to do anything for themselves. Third, what good do we procure for the souls? The greatest good, since we put them in possession of eternal beatitude. To assist the souls in purgatory, says St. Francis DeSales, is to perform the most excellent of the works of Meritius, or rather it is to practice in a most sublime manner, all the works of mercy together. It is to visit the sick. It is to give drink to those who thirst for the vision of God.

Starting point is 08:57:35 It is to feed the hungry, to ransom prisoners, to clothe the naked, to procure for poor exiles the hospitality of heavenly Jerusalem. It is to comfort the afflicted, to ensign, the ignorant, in fine, to practice all works of mercy in one. This doctrine agrees very well with that of St. Thomas, who says in his suma, suffrages for the dead are more agreeable to God than suffrages for the living, because the former stand in more urgent need thereof, not being able to assist themselves, as are the living. Our Lord regards every work of mercy, exercised towards our neighbor, as done to himself.

Starting point is 08:58:29 It is to me, says he, that you have done it. Me he facistus. This is most especially true of mercy practiced towards the poor souls. It was revealed to St. Bridget. that he who delivers a soul from purgatory has the same merit as if he delivered Jesus Christ himself from captivity. End of Section 75. Recording by John Brandon

Starting point is 08:59:00 Section 76 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Libra Vox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 35. Motives for aiding the whole. Holy Souls. Excellence of the work. Controversy between Brother Benedict and Brother Bertrand. When we so highly extol the merits of prayer for the dead,

Starting point is 08:59:35 we do not in any way infer that other good works must be omitted. For all other works must be exercised according to time, place, and circumstances. The only intention we had in view was to give a correct idea of mercy towards the dead. and to inspire others with a desire to practice it. Moreover, the spiritual works of mercy, which have for object the salvation of souls, are all of equal excellency, and it is only in certain respects

Starting point is 09:00:07 that we may place the assistance of the dead above zeal for the conversion of sinners. It is related in the chronicles of the friar's preachers that a spirited controversy arose between two religious of that order, brother Benedict and Brother Bertrand on the subject of suffrages for the departed. It was occasioned by the following. Brother Bertrand often celebrated Holy Mass for sinners and prayed continually for their conversion,

Starting point is 09:00:38 imposing upon himself the most severe penances. But he was rarely seen to say mass in black for the dead. Brother Benedict, who had great devotion towards the souls in purgatory, having remarked this conduct, asked him why he thus acted. Because, replied he, the souls in purgatory are sure of their salvation, while sinners are continually exposed to the danger of falling into hell. What more deplorable condition than that of a soul in the state of mortal sin? She is in enmity with God, and bound in the chains of the devil,

Starting point is 09:01:18 suspended over the abyss of hell by the frail thread of life that may be broken at any moment. The sinner walks in the way of perdition. If he continues to advance, he will fall into the eternal abyss. We must therefore come to his assistance, and preserve him from this, the greatest of misfortunes, by laboring for his conversion. Moreover, was it not to save sinners that the Son of God came upon earth and died upon a cross?

Starting point is 09:01:52 St. Dennis also assures us that the most divine of all divine things is to work with God for the salvation of souls. As regards to the souls in purgatory, they are safe, their eternal salvation is secure. They suffer, they are a prey to great torments, but they have nothing to fear from hell. And their sufferings will have an end. The debts they have contracted diminish each day, and they will soon enjoy eternal light,

Starting point is 09:02:26 whilst sinners are continually menaced with damnation, the most terrible misfortune that can befall one of God's creatures. All that you have said is true, replied Brother Benedict. There is another consideration to be made. Sinners are slaves of Satan, of their own free will. their yoke is of their own choosing. They could break their chains if they pleased. Whereas the poor souls in purgatory

Starting point is 09:02:56 can but sigh and implore the assistance of the living. It is impossible for them to break the fetters which hold them captive in those penal flames. Suppose you met two beggars, the one sick, maimed and helpless, absolutely incapable of earning his livelihood. The other, on the contract, although in great distress, young and vigorous,

Starting point is 09:03:21 which of the two would deserve the greater share of your arms? Assuredly the one who was unable to work, answered Brother Bertrand. Well, my dear father, continued Benedict, this is just the case with regard to sinners and the holy souls. They can no longer help themselves. The time of prayer, confession, and good works is very, past for them. We alone are able to relieve them. It is true they have deserved these sufferings in punishment for their sins, but they now bewail and detest those sins. They are in the grace

Starting point is 09:04:02 and friendship of God, whereas sinners are his enemies. Certainly we must pray for their conversion, but without prejudice, to that which we owe to the suffering souls, so dear to the heart of Jesus. let us compassionate sinners, but let us not forget that they have all the means of salvation at their disposal. They must break the bonds of sin and fly the danger of damnation which threatens them. Does it not appear evident that the suffering souls are in greater need and merit a larger share in our charity? Notwithstanding the force of these arguments, brother Bertrand persisted in his first opinion. But the night following, he had an apparition of a soul from purgatory,

Starting point is 09:04:54 which made him experience for a short time the pain which she herself endured. This suffering was so atrocious that it seemed impossible to bear it. Then, as Isaiah says, torture gave him understanding. Exotio Intellectum Dobbit, and he was convinced that he ought to do so. more for the suffering souls. The next morning, filled with compassion, he ascended the altar steps,

Starting point is 09:05:25 vested in black, and offered the holy sacrifice for the dead. End of Section 76, recording by John Brandon. Section 77 of purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon

Starting point is 09:05:53 Part 2 Chapter 36 Motives for Assisting the Holy Souls Intimate Ties Which Renight Us to Them Feel the Ill Piety Simon of Athens and his father in prison

Starting point is 09:06:10 St. John of God saving the sick from the conflagration If we are obliged to assist the holy souls because of the extreme necessity in which they are, how much greater does this motive become when we remember that these souls are united to us by the most sacred ties, the ties of blood, by the blood of Jesus Christ, and by the ties of human flesh and blood, whence we have been brought forth according to the flesh. Yes, there are in purgatory souls united to us by the closest family ties. It may be a father,

Starting point is 09:06:50 or a mother, who languishing in those horrible torments, extend their arms in supplication towards me. What would we not do for our father or for our mother? If we knew they were pining away in some loathsome dungeon. An ancient Athenian, the celebrated Simon, had the grief to see his father imprisoned by heartless creditors, whom he was unable to satisfy. What was worse, he could not.

Starting point is 09:07:20 raise a sum sufficient to affect his father's ransom, and the old man died in prison. Simon hastened to the prison and requested that they would at least grant him the body of his father that he might give it burial. This was refused him, under pretext that, not having had wherewith to pay his debts, he could not be set at liberty. Allow me first to bury my father, cried Simon. I will then return and take his place in prison. We admire this act of filial piety, but are we not also bound to imitate it?

Starting point is 09:08:01 Have we not also, perhaps, a father or a mother in purgatory? Are we not obliged to deliver them at the cost of the greatest sacrifices? More fortunate than Simon, we have wherewith to pay their debts. We need not take their place. On the contrary, to deliver them is to purchase our own ransom. We admire also the charity of St. John of God, who brave the fury of the flames to save the poor sick during a conflagration. This great servant of God died at Grenada in the year 1550,

Starting point is 09:08:39 kneeling before an image of Jesus crucified, which he embraced and continued to hold, clasped tightly within his arms, even after he had breathed forth his soul to God. Born of very poor parents and obliged to support himself by tending flocks, he was rich in faith and confidence in God. He took great delight in prayer and hearing the word of God. This was the foundation of the great sanctity which he afterwards attained. A sermon by the venerable Father John de Villa,

Starting point is 09:09:14 the Apostle of Andalusia, made such an important, impression upon him that he resolved to consecrate his entire life to the service of the sick poor. Without other resource than his charity and confidence in God, he succeeded in purchasing a house, in which he assembled all poor abandoned sick, that he might give them nourishment for soul and body. This asylum soon developed into the Royal Hospital of Grenada, an immense establishment filled with a multitude of the aged and infirm. One day, a fire having broken out in the hospital, many of the sick were in danger of perishing by a most horrible death.

Starting point is 09:09:59 They were surrounded on all sides by flames, so that it was impossible for anyone to attempt their rescue. They uttered the most heart-rending cries, calling heaven and earth to their assistance. John seized them. His charity is inflamed. He rushes into the fire, battles through flame and smoke until he reaches the beds of the sick. Then raising them upon his shoulders, he carries these unfortunate creatures one after another to a place of safety. Obliged to traverse this vast furnace, working in the heat of the fire

Starting point is 09:10:40 for a whole half hour, the saint had not sustained the least injury. The flames respected his person, his clothing, and even the least hair of his head. God wishing to show by a miracle how pleasing to him was the charity of his servant. And those who save not the body but souls from the flames of purgatory, is their work less agreeable to God? Are the necessities, The cries and moans of those souls, less touching to a heart of faith? Is it more difficult to aid them? Is it necessary to cast ourselves into the flames in order to rescue them? Assuredly, we have every facility in our power for affording them relief,

Starting point is 09:11:30 and God does not demand great efforts on our part. Yet the charity of fervent souls inspires them to make the most heroic sacrifice and even to share the torments of their brethren in purgatory. End of Section 77, recording by John Brandon. Section 78 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup, S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 37. Motives for assisting the Holy Spirit.

Starting point is 09:12:15 souls. Facility in relieving them. The example of the saints and of all fervent Christians. The servant of God Mary Valani. The burned forehead. We have already seen how St. Catherine DiRici and several others carried their heroism so far as to suffer instead of the souls in purgatory. Let us add a few more examples of this admirable charity. The servant of God Mary Volani, the Order of St. Dominic, whose life was written by Father Marci, applied herself day and night to the practice of satisfactory works in favor of the departed. One day it was the vigil of the Epiphany, she remained a long time in prayer, beseeching God to alleviate their sufferings in consideration of those of Jesus Christ, offering to him

Starting point is 09:13:11 the cruel scourging of our Savior, his crown of thorns, his cords, the nails and cross. In a word all his bitter pains and all the instruments of his passion. The following night God was pleased to manifest how agreeable to him was this holy practice.

Starting point is 09:13:32 During her prayer she was wrapped in ecstasy and saw a long procession of persons robed in white garments and radiant with light. They were carrying the emblems of the passion and entering into the glory of paradise. The servant of God knew that they were the souls delivered by her fervent prayers and by the merits of the passion of Jesus Christ. On another occasion, the Feast of All Souls, she was ordered to work at a manuscript

Starting point is 09:14:02 and to pass the day in writing. This task imposed by obedience was a trial to her piety. She experienced some repugnance to obey because she wished to devote that whole day to prayer, penance, and pious exercises for the relief of the suffering souls. She forgot for a moment that obedience should take precedence over all else, as it is written, Malioreste Obedientia, Quam Victinay.

Starting point is 09:14:35 Obedience is better than sacrifice. Seeing her great charity towards the poor souls, God vouchsaved to appear to her in order to instruct and console her. Obey, my daughter, he said to her. Do the work imposed upon you by obedience, and offer it for the souls. Each line which you shall write today in the spirit of obedience and charity will procure the deliverance of a soul.

Starting point is 09:15:03 It will be easily understood that she labored with the greatest diligence and wrote as many as possible of those lines, so acceptable to God. Her charity towards the holy souls did not confine itself to prayer and fasting. She desired to endure a part of their sufferings. One day, while spraying for that intention, she was wrapped in spirit and led into purgatory. There amongst the multitude of suffering souls, she saw one more grievously tormented than the others.

Starting point is 09:15:37 and which excited her most tender compassion. Why, she asked, have you to suffer such excruciating torture? Do you receive no alleviation? I have been, replied the soul, a great length of time in this place, enduring the most frightful torments, in punishment for my former vanity and scandalous extravagance. Thus far I have not received the least relief, because God has permitted that I should be forgotten by my parents,

Starting point is 09:16:10 my children, my relatives, and friends. They offer not a single prayer from me. When I was upon earth being exclusively occupied with my extravagant toilet and worldly vanities, with feasting and pleasure, I cast what a passing thought upon God and my duties. My only serious desire was to further the worldly interests of my family, I am well punished, for you see I am entirely forgotten by all.

Starting point is 09:16:42 These words made a painful impression upon Mary Volani. She begged this soul to allow her to feel something of what she suffered. And at the same instant it seemed as though a finger of fire touched her forehead, and the pain which she felt was so acute as to cause her ecstasy to cease. The mark remained so deeply impressive, upon her forehead that two months afterwards it was still visible and caused her intolerable suffering. The servant of God offered this together with prayers and other good works, for the soul to which we have just referred. The soul appeared to Mary at the end of two months

Starting point is 09:17:23 and said that having been delivered by her intercession, she was about to enter heaven. At the same moment the scar on the forehead disappeared. End of Section 78, recording by John Brandon. Section 79 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon, Part 2, Chapter 38. Motives for assisting the Holy Souls. Examples of Holy Persons.

Starting point is 09:18:05 Father James Lanes. Father Fabricius. Father Nirenberg, a victim of his charity. He who forgets his friend, after death has taken him away from his sight, never had a true friendship. These words, Father Lanes, second general of the Society of Jesus, continually repeated to the sons of St. Ignatius.

Starting point is 09:18:31 He desired that the interests of souls should be as dear to them after death as they were during life. Joining example to precept, Lanes applied to the souls in purgatory, a large part of his prayers, sacrifices, and the satisfaction which he merited before God, by his labors for the conversion of sinners. The fathers of the society, faithful to his lessons of charity, ever manifested particular zeal for this devotion, as may be seen in the book entitled Heroes and Victims of Charity, in the Society of Jesus, from which I will here transcribe but one page. At Minster, in Westphalia, towards the middle of the 17th century, an epidemic broke out,

Starting point is 09:19:21 which each day swept away innumerable victims. Fear paralyzed the charity of the greater part of the inhabitants, and few were found to devote themselves to the relief of the unfortunate plague-stricken creatures. Then Father John Fabricius, animated with the spirit of Lanes and Ignatius, rushed into the arena of self-sacrifice. Putting aside all personal precaution, he employed his time in visiting the sick, in procuring remedies for them, and in disposing them to die a Christian death. He heard their confessions, administered the other sacraments, buried them with his own hands, and finally celebrated the Holy Sacramers. for the repose of their souls. In fact, during his whole lifetime,

Starting point is 09:20:10 this servant of God had the greatest devotion towards the holy souls. Among all his exercises of piety, the one most dear to him, and which he always earnestly recommended, was that of offering the holy sacrifice of the Mass for the departed whenever the rubrics permitted. As a result of this council,

Starting point is 09:20:32 all the fathers in Munster resolved to consecrate one day in each month to the faithful departed. They draped their church in black and prayed with all solemnity for the dead. God deigned, as he often does,

Starting point is 09:20:48 to recompense Father Fabricius and encouraged his zeal by several apparitions of the suffering souls. Some besought him to hasten their deliverance. Others thanked him for the relief he had procured for them, Others again announced to him the happy moment of their deliverance. His greatest act of charity was that which he accomplished at the moment of his death.

Starting point is 09:21:13 With a generosity truly admirable, he made a sacrifice of all the suffrages, prayers, masses, indulgences, and mortifications, which the society applies to her deceased members. He asked God to deprive him of them for the relief of the suffering souls, most pleasing to his divine majesty. We have already spoken of Father Nirenberg, renowned as well for the works of piety which he published as for the eminent virtue which he practiced.

Starting point is 09:21:45 His devotion for the holy souls, not content with sacrifices and frequent prayers, urged him to suffer for them with a generosity which often amounted to heroism. There was among his penitence, at the court of Madrid, a lady of rank, who under his wise direction had attained a high degree of virtue in the midst of the world. But she was tormented with an excessive fear of death in view of purgatory which follows it. She fell dangerously ill, and her fears increased to such a

Starting point is 09:22:21 degree that she almost lost her Christian sentiments. Her holy confessor employed every means that his zeal could suggest. But to no avail, he could not succeed in restoring her to tranquility, nor could he prevail upon her even to receive the last sacraments. To crown this misfortune, she suddenly lost consciousness and was reduced to the last extremity. The father, justly alarmed at the peril of this soul, retired into a chapel near the chamber of the dying woman. There he offered the holy sacrifice. with the greatest fervor, to obtain for the sick person, time sufficient, to receive the sacraments of the church. At the same time prompted by truly heroic charity, he offered himself as a victim

Starting point is 09:23:13 to divine justice, to undergo during this life all the sufferings reserved for that poor soul in the next. His prayer was heard. The mass was no sooner ended than the sick lady regained consciousness. and found that she was entirely changed. She was so well disposed that she asked for the last sacraments, which she received with the most edifying fervor. Then her confessor, having told her that she had nothing to fear from purgatory,

Starting point is 09:23:46 she expired perfectly calm, and with a smile upon her lips. From that hour, Father Nirenberg was afflicted with all manner of suffering, both of body and soul. The remaining 16 years of his life was one long martyrdom and a most rigorous purgatory. No human remedy could give him relief. His only consolation was in the remembrance

Starting point is 09:24:12 of the holy cause for which he endured them. Finally, death came to terminate his terrible sufferings, and at the same time, we may reasonably believe to open to him the gates of paradise. Since it is written, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. End of Section 79, recording by John Brandon. Section 80 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup, S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 09:24:55 Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 39 Motives and incentives to devotion towards the holy souls. Examples of generosity. St. Peter Damien and his father. A young Annamite. The doorkeeper at the seminary and the propagation of the faith.

Starting point is 09:25:21 Examples of generous charity towards the departed are by no means rare, and it is always useful to recall them to mind. We may not omit the beautiful and touching example of St. Peter, Damien, Bishop of Ostia, Cardinal and Doctor of the Church, an example which never wearies by repetition. While still young, Peter had the misfortune to lose his mother, and soon afterwards his father marrying again, he was left to the care of a stepmother. Although he showed all possible affection for her, this woman was incapable of returning the love of this dear child. She treated him with barbarous severity, and in order to rid herself of him, sent him away to her eldest brother,

Starting point is 09:26:11 who employed him to take care of the swine. His father, whose duty it was to have prevented this, left him to his unhappy fate. But the child lifted his eyes up to heaven, where he saw another father, in whom he placed all his confidence. He accepted all that happened as coming from his divine hands, and resigned himself to the hardships of his situation. God, he said, has his designs in all that he does, and there are designs of mercy. We have but to abandon ourselves into his hands. He will direct all things for our good. Peter was not deceived. It was in this painful trial that the future cardinal of the church, he who was to astonish his age, by the extent of his learning, and to edify the world by the

Starting point is 09:27:06 luster of his virtues, laid the foundation of his future sanctity. Barely covered with rags, his biographer tells us that he had not always sufficient to appease his hunger, but he prayed to God and was satisfied. Meanwhile, his father died. The young saint forgot the harshness with which he had been treated, and like a good son prayed continually for the repose of his father's soul. One day he found upon the road a gold piece, which providence seemed to have placed there for him. It was quite a fortune for the poor child. But instead of making use of it to relieve his own misery, his first thought was to carry it to a priest, and beg him to celebrate the holy sacrifice of the Mass for the soul of his deceased father.

Starting point is 09:28:00 Holy Church considers this trait of filial devotion so touching that she has inserted it at length in the office of the feast. May I be allowed, says the missionary, Father Louvre, to add one more incident of my own personal experience? When I was preaching the faith in Cochin, China, a poor little animite girl, who had just been baptized,

Starting point is 09:28:27 lost her mother. At the age of fourteen, she saw herself obliged to provide for her own support and that of her two younger brothers from their scanty earnings, which amounted to about eight sous, or about seven cents a day. What was my surprise when at the end of the week, I saw her bring me the earnings of two days, that I might say mass for the repose of their dear mother's soul? Those poor little ones had fasted during a part of the week to procure this humble suffrage for their departed mother. O holy alms of the poor and the orphan! If my own heart was so deeply touched by it,

Starting point is 09:29:11 how much more so the heart of our heavenly father, and what blessings it will have called down upon that mother and upon her children. Behold the generosity of the poor. What an example and reproach to so many of the rich, extravagant in luxury and pleasure, but miserly, when there is question of giving an alms to have masses celebrated for their deceased relatives. Although before all other intentions, they should devote part of their arms to have masses offered for their own souls, or those of their friends, it is proper to use a portion for the relief of the poor, or for other good works, such as for the benefit of Catholic schools,

Starting point is 09:29:58 the propagation of the faith, and other purposes. According to circumstances, this is a holy liberality, conformable to the spirit of the church, and very profitable to the souls in purgatory. The Abbe Louvre, from whom we have taken the above, relates another incident, which deserves a place here. It concerns a man in humble, circumstances, who made a generous sacrifice in favor of the propagation of the faith,

Starting point is 09:30:28 but under circumstances which rendered this act particularly valuable for the future needs of his soul in purgatory. A poor porter at a seminary during his long life had penny by penny amassed the sum of 800 francs. Having no family, he destined this sum for the celebration of masses after his death. But what can charity not affect when once it has inflamed the heart with its sacred fire? A young priest was on the point of quitting the seminary for the foreign missions. The old man felt himself inspired to give him his little treasure for the beautiful work of the propagation of the faith. He therefore gave it and said, Dear sir, I beg you to accept this small arms, to aid you in the work of spreading the gospel.

Starting point is 09:31:25 I kept it to have masses set after my death, but I would rather remain a little longer in purgatory that the name of the good God be glorified. The seminarian was moved even to tears. He would not accept the too generous offer of the poor man, but the latter insisted so early that he had not the heart to refuse him. A few months later, the good old man died. No apparition has revealed his fate in the other world, but is he in need? Do we not know that the heart of Jesus

Starting point is 09:32:03 cannot allow itself to be surpassed in generosity? Do we not understand that a man who was generous enough to consign himself to the flames of purgatory in order that Jesus Christ might be made known to infidel nations will surely have found abundant mercy before the sovereign judge. End of Section 80, recording by John Brandon. Section 81 of purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J.

Starting point is 09:32:43 This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. VIII. 40. Motives of assisting the Holy Souls. Obligation not only of charity, but also of justice, highest legacies, Father Rossignoli, and the devastated property, St. Thomas of contemporary, and the soldier of Charlemagne. We have just considered devotion to the souls in purgatory as a work of charity. Prayer for the dead, we have said, is a holy holy. work because it is a very salutary exercise of that most excellent of virtues, charity.

Starting point is 09:33:27 This charity, towards the departed, is not only optional and of counsel, but it is also a precept, no less than to give alms to the poor. As there exists a general obligation of charity for almsgiving, with how much greater reason are we not bound by the general law of charity to assist our suffering brethren in purgatory. This obligation of charity is often joined to an obligation of strict justice. When a dying person either by word of mouth or by written testament expresses his last wishes in regard to works of piety, when he charges his heirs to have a certain number of masses celebrated,

Starting point is 09:34:10 to distribute a certain sum in arms, for any good work whatsoever, the heirs are obliged, in strict justice from the moment they come into possession of the property to fulfill without delay the last wishes of the deceased. This duty of justice is the more sacred, as these pious legacies are frequently but disguised restitutions. Now what does daily experience teach us? Do people hasten with religious exactitude

Starting point is 09:34:40 to acquit themselves of these pious obligations, which concern the soul of the departing? Alas, quite the contrary. A family which comes into possession of a considerable fortune doles out to its poor departed relative the few suffrages that he has reserved for his own spiritual benefit. And if the subtleties of the civil law favor them, the members of this family are not ashamed,

Starting point is 09:35:09 under the pretext of some informality, to fraudulently set aside the will in order to rid themselves of the obligation of making those pious legacies. It is not in vain that the author of the imitation counsels us to make satisfaction for our sins during our life and not to depend too much upon our heirs, who often neglect to execute the pious endowments made by us for the relief of our poor souls.

Starting point is 09:35:39 Let such families beware. This is sacrilegious injustice, combined with atrocious cruelty. To steal from a poor person, says the Fourth Council of Carthage is to become his murderer, Agencium Necateares. What then shall we say to those who robbed the dead,

Starting point is 09:35:59 who unjustly deprived them of their suffrages, and leave them without assistance in the terrible torments of purgatory? Moreover, those who render themselves guilty of this infamous theft are frequently most severely punished by God, even in this life. We are sometimes astonished to see a considerable fortune melt away, as it were, in the hands of certain heirs.

Starting point is 09:36:26 A sort of malediction seems to hover over certain inheritances. In the day of judgment, when that which is now hidden shall be made manifest, we shall see that the cause of this ruin has frequently been the avarice and injustice of the heirs, who neglected the obligations imposed upon them in regard to pious bequests when they succeeded to the property. It happened in Milan, says Father Rossignoli, that a magnificent estate, situated a short distance from the city, was completely devastated by Hale, whilst the neighboring fields remained uninjured. This phenomenon attracted attention and astonishment. It reminded one of the plagues of

Starting point is 09:37:15 Egypt. The hail ravaged the fields of the Egyptians and respected the land of Gieson, inhabited by the children of Israel. This was looked upon as a similar scourge. The mysterious hail could not have confined itself exclusively within the limits of one property without obeying an intelligent cause. People knew not how to explain this phenomenon, when an apparition of a soul from purgatory revealed that it was a chastisement inflicted upon ungrateful and culpable children, who had neglected to execute the last will of their departed father relative to certain works of piety. We know that in all countries and in all places there are spoken of haunted houses, rendered uninhabitable to the great loss of their proprietors.

Starting point is 09:38:09 Now if we try to fathom the cause of this, we shall generally find that the soul, forgotten by its relatives, returns to claim the suffrages justly due to it, whether it be attributed to credulity, to the excitement of imagination, to hallucination, or even to deception, it will ever remain a well-proved fact

Starting point is 09:38:29 to teach on feeling errors how God punishes such unjust and sacrilegious conduct, even in this life. The following incident, which we borrow from Thomas of contemporary, proves clearly how culpable in the sight of God are those heirs who defraud the dead. During the wars of Charlemagne, a valiant soldier had served in the most important and honorable positions.

Starting point is 09:38:56 His life was that of a true Christian. Content with his pay, he refrained from every act of violence and the tumult of the camp never prevented him from the fulfillment of his essential duties. Although, in matters of minor importance, he had been guilty of many little falls common to men of his profession. Having reached a very advanced age, he fell ill, and seeing that his last hour had come, he called to his bedside an orphan nephew,

Starting point is 09:39:29 to whom he had been a father, and expressed to him his dying wishes, My son, he said, You know that I have no riches to bequeathed to you. I have nothing but my weapons and my horse. My weapons are for you. As to my horse, sell it when I shall have rented my soul to God

Starting point is 09:39:50 and distribute the money among the priests and the poor, that the former may offer the holy sacrifice for me, and the others may assist me by their prayers. The nephew wept, and promised to execute without delay the last wishes of his dying uncle and benefactor. The old man dying soon after, the nephew took possession of the weapons, and led away the horse. It was a very beautiful and valuable animal. Instead of selling it immediately, as he had promised his deceased uncle,

Starting point is 09:40:26 he began by using it for short journeys, and as he was well pleased with it, he did not wish to part with it so soon. He deferred under the double pretext that there was nothing that urged the prompt fulfillment of his promise, and that he would await a favorable opportunity to obtain a high price for him. Thus delaying from day to day, from week to week, and from month to month, he ended by stifling the voice of conscience, and forgot the sacred obligation which he had towards the soul of his benefactor. Six months had elapsed, when one morning

Starting point is 09:41:05 the deceased appeared to him addressing him in terms of severe reproach. Unhappy man, he said, thou hast forgotten the soul of thy uncle, thou hast violated the sacred promise which thou didst make at my deathbed. Where are the masses which thou oughtest to have had offered?

Starting point is 09:41:26 Where are the alms that thou shouldst have distributed to the poor for the repose of my soul. Because of thy guilty negligence, I have suffered on herd of torments in purgatory. Finally, God has taken pity on me. Today I am to enjoy the company of the blessed in heaven. But thou, by a just judgment of God,

Starting point is 09:41:51 shall die in a few days, and be subjected to the same tortures which would have remained for me to endure had God not shown mercy to me. Thou shalt suffer for the same length of time that I should have suffered, after which thou shalt commence the expiation of thine own faults. A few days later, the nephew fell dangerously ill.

Starting point is 09:42:18 He immediately called a priest, related to him the vision, and confessed his sins weeping bitterly. I shall soon die, said he, and I accept death from the hands of God as a chastisement, which I have but too well merited. He expired in sentiments of humble repentance. This was but the least part of the sufferings, which had been announced to him in punishment of his injustice.

Starting point is 09:42:49 We tremble with horror at the thought of the remaining portion, which he was about to undergo in the other life. End of Section 81, recording by John Brandon. Section 82 of purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 41. Motives of Justice.

Starting point is 09:43:23 St. Bernardine of Siena and the unfaithful widow. Disguised restitutions. Neglect to execute the last will. St. Bernardine relates that a married couple, having no children, made a contract, that in case one should die before the other, the one who survived was to distribute the property left by the other for the repose of the soul of the deceased. The husband died first, and his widow neglected to fulfill her promise. The mother of the widow was still living, and the deceased appeared to her, begging her. Begging her.

Starting point is 09:44:02 her to go to her daughter, and urge her in the name of God to fulfill her engagement. If she delays, he said, to distribute in arms the sum which I have destined for the poor, tell her on the part of God that in thirty days she will be struck by a sudden death. When the impious widow heard this solemn warning, she had the audacity to treat it as a dream, and persisted in her sacrilegious infidelity to her promise. Thirty days passed, and the unfortunate woman, having gone to an upper room in the house, fell through the window and was killed on the spot. Injustice towards the dead, of which we have just spoken and fraudulent maneuvers,

Starting point is 09:44:47 to escape the obligation of executing their pious legacies, are grievous sins, crimes which merit the eternal punishment of hell. Unless a sincere confession, and at the same time do rest, be made, this sin will meet its chastisement, not in purgatory, but in hell. Alas, yes, it is especially in the other life that divine justice will punish the guilty usurpers of the property of the dead. Judgment without mercy to him that hath not done mercy, says the Holy Ghost. If these words be true, how rigorous a judgment awaits those whose detestable avarice has left the soul of a parent, a benefactor, for months, years, perhaps even for centuries,

Starting point is 09:45:38 in the frightful torments of purgatory. This crime, as we have said above, is the more grievous, because in many cases these suffrages which the deceased asked for his soul are but disguised restitutions. This fact is in some families but too often overlooked. People find it very convenient to speak of intrigue and clarifications. avarice. The finest pretext are made use of to invalidate a last will and testament, which often perhaps in the majority of cases involves a necessary restitution. The priest is but a medium in this indispensable act, bound to absolute secrecy by virtue of

Starting point is 09:46:20 his sacramental ministry. Let us explain this more clearly. A dying man has been guilty of some injustice during his life. This is a... a more frequent occurrence than we imagine, even in regard to men who are most upright in the eyes of the world. At the moment when he is about to appear before God, his sinner makes his confession. He wishes to make a full reparation, as he is bound to do, of all the injury which he has caused his neighbor. But he has not the time left to do so himself, and is not willing to reveal the sad secret to his children. What does he do? He covers his restitution under the veil of a pious legacy. Now, if this legacy is not paid, and consequently the injustice not repaired, what will become of

Starting point is 09:47:15 the soul of the deceased? Will it be detained for an indefinite length of time in purgatory? We know not all the laws of divine justice, but numerous apparitions serve to give us some idea of them, since they all declare that they cannot be admitted into eternal beatitude, so long as any part of the debt of justice remains to be cancelled. Moreover, are not these souls culpable for having deferred until their death the payment of a debt of justice which they had owed for so long a time? And if now their heirs neglect to discharge it for them, is it not a deplorable consequence of their own sin, of their own guilty delay? It is through their fault that these ill-gotten goods remain in the family, and they will not cease to cry out against them,

Starting point is 09:48:09 as long as restitution be not made. Res, Klamet, Domino. Property cries out for its lawful owner. It cries out against its unjust possessor. If through the malice of the air, restitution is never made, it is evident that that soul cannot remain in purgatory forever. But in this case, a long delay to his entrance into heaven seems to be a fitting chastisement for an act of injustice, which the soul has retracted. It is true, but which still abides in its efficacious cause. Let us, therefore, think of these grave consequences when we allow days, weeks, months, and perhaps even years, to elapse, before discharging so sacred a debt.

Starting point is 09:49:05 Alas, how feeble is our faith? If a domestic animal, a little dog, falls into the fire, do you delay to draw it out? And see, your parents, benefactors, persons most dear to you, writhe in the flames of purgatory, and you do not consider it your urgent duty to relieve them. You delay, you allow long days of suffering to pass for those poor souls without making an effort to perform those good works which will release them from their pains. End of Section 82, recording by John Brandon. Section 83 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. recording by John Brandon

Starting point is 09:50:00 Part 2 Chapter 42 Motives of Justice Baranteers Thomas of Contemporary and his grandmother Blessed Margaret of Cortona We have just spoken of the obligation of justice which is incumbent upon errors

Starting point is 09:50:19 for the execution of pious legacies There is another duty of strict justice which regards children They are obliged to pray for their deceit deceased parents. Reciproically, in their turn, parents abound by natural right not to forget before God those of their children who have preceded them into eternity. Alas, there are parents who are inconsolable at the loss of a son, or of a dearly beloved daughter, and who, instead of praying for them, bestow upon them nothing but a few fruitless tears. Let us hear what Thomas of contemporary

Starting point is 09:50:54 relates on this subject. The incident happened in his own family. family. The grandmother of Thomas had lost a son in whom she had centered her fondest hopes. Day and night she wept for him and refused all consolation. In the excess of her grief, she forgot the great duty of Christian love, and did not think of praying for that soul so dear to her. The unfortunate object of this barren tenderness languished amid the flames of purgatory, receiving no alleviation in his sufferings. Finally, God took pity on him. One day, whilst plunged in the depths of her grief, this woman had a miraculous vision. She saw on a beautiful road a procession of young men, as graceful as angels,

Starting point is 09:51:42 advancing full of joy towards a magnificent city. She understood that they were souls from purgatory, making their triumphal entry into heaven. She looked eagerly to see if among their ranks, she could not discover her son. Alas, the child was not there, but she perceived him approaching far behind the others, sad, suffering, and fatigued. His garments drenched with water. Oh, dear object of my grief, she cried out to him. How is it that you remain behind, that brilliant band? I should wish to see you at the head of your companions. Mother, replied the child in a plaintiff, tone. It is you. It is these tears which you shed over me that moisten and soil my garments and retard my entrance into the glory of heaven. Cease to abandon yourself, to a blind and useless grief.

Starting point is 09:52:42 Open your heart to more Christian sentiments. If you truly love me, relieve me in my sufferings, apply some indulgences to me, say prayers, give alms, obtain for me the fruits of of the holy sacrifice of the Mass. It is by this means that you will prove your love, for by so doing you will deliver me from prison where I languish, and bring me forth to eternal life, which is far more desirable than the life terrestrial which you have given me. Then the vision disappeared, and that mother thus admonished, and brought back to true Christian sentiments instead of giving way to a moderate grief, applied to the practice of every good work which could give relief to the soul of her son. The great causes of this forgetfulness,

Starting point is 09:53:35 this indifference, guilty neglect, and injustice towards the dead is lack of faith. For do we not see that true Christians, those animated by the spirit of faith, make the most noble sacrifices in behalf of their departed friends? Descending in spirit into those penal flames? They're contemplating the rigors of divine justice, listening to the voice of the dead who implore their compassion. They think only how to give relief to those poor souls

Starting point is 09:54:08 and consider it their most sacred duty to procure for their parents and departed friends all the suffrage is possible, according to their means and condescending, Happy are those Christians. They show their faith by their works. They are merciful, and in their turn they shall obtain mercy. Blessed Margaret of Cotona was at first a great sinner, but after she had been sincerely converted, she blotted out her past disorders by great penances and works of mercy. Her charity towards the poor souls knew no bounds. She sacrificed everything,

Starting point is 09:54:48 time, repose, satisfactions to obtain their deliverance from Almighty God. Understanding that devotion towards the holy souls, when well directed, has for its first object our parents. Her father and mother being dead, she never ceased to offer for them her prayers, mortifications, vigils, sufferings, communions, and the masses at which she had the happiness to assist. In reward for her filial piety, God revealed to her that by all her prayers she had shortened the long-term of suffering which her parents would have had to endure in purgatory, that she had obtained their complete deliverance and entrance into paradise. End of Section 83, recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 09:55:47 Section 84 of Furgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 43. Motives of Justice, Prayer for Departed Parents, St. Catherine of Siena and her father, Jocamo. St. Catherine of Sienna has left as a similar example. It is thus related by her biographer, Blessed Raymond of Capua. The servant of God, he writes, had an ardent zeal for the salvation of souls. I will first speak of that which she did for her father, Giacomo, of whom we have already made mention. This excellent man had remarked the sanctity of his daughter, and was filled with respectful tenderness towards her.

Starting point is 09:56:43 He advised everyone in his house never to oppose her in anything, but to leave her perfect liberty in the practice of her good works. Thus the affection which united father and daughter increased day by day. Catherine constantly prayed for her father's salvation. Jocamo took a holy delight in the virtues of his daughter, hoping through her merits to obtain favor before God. The life of Jocamo finally approached its end, and he was confined to bed by a dangerous illness. Seeing his condition, his daughter, as was her Her custom betook herself to prayer, beseeching her heavenly spouse to cure him, whom she so tenderly loved. He answered that Jocchima was at the point of death, and that to live longer would not be profitable

Starting point is 09:57:35 to him. Catherine then went to her father, and found him so perfectly resigned to leave this world, and without any regret, that she thanked God with all her heart. But her filial love was not content. She returned to prayer in order to obtain from God the source of all grace, to grant her father not only the pardon of all his faults, but also that at the hour of his death he might be admitted into heaven without so much as passing through the flames of purgatory.

Starting point is 09:58:08 She was answered that justice could not sacrifice its rights, that the soul must be perfectly pure to enter the glory of paradise. Your father, said our Lord, has led a good life in the married state, and has done much that was very pleasing in my sight. Above all, his conduct towards you has been most agreeable to me, but my justice demands that his soul should pass through fire, in order to purify it from the stains which it contracted in the world. O my loving Savior, replied Catherine,

Starting point is 09:58:44 how can I bear the thought of seeing him who has nourished me, who has brought me up with such tender care, who has been so good to me during his whole life, tormented in those cruel flames. I beseech your infinite goodness, not to permit his soul to leave his body, until in some way or other, it shall have been so perfectly cleansed

Starting point is 09:59:08 that it shall have no need to pass through the fires of purgatory. Admiral Condescension God yielded to the prayer and desire of his creature. The strength of Giacomo was exhausted, but his soul could not depart, as long as the conflict lasted between our Lord who alleged his justice and Catherine, who implored his mercy. Finally, Catherine resumed, If I cannot obtain this grace without satisfying thy justice, let then that justice be exercised upon me. I am ready to suffer for my father all that thy good, may be pleased to send me. Our Lord consented. I will accept thy proposal, he said, on account of

Starting point is 09:59:57 thy love for me. I exempt thy father's soul from all expiation, but thou shalt suffer as long as thou livest, the pain that was destined for him. Full of joy, Catherine cried out, Thanks for thy word, O Lord, and may thy will be done. The saint immediately returned to her father, who had just entered upon his agony. She filled him with courage and joy by giving him, on the part of God, the assurance of his eternal salvation, and she left him not until he had breathed forth his soul. At the same moment that the soul of her father was separated from the body, Catherine was seized with most violent pains, which remained until her death, without allowing her one moment of repose.

Starting point is 10:00:51 She herself, adds Blessed Raymond, often assured me of this, and indeed it was evident to all who saw her. But her patience was greater than her malady. All that I have related, I learned from Catherine. When touched at the sight of her sufferings, I asked her the cause thereof. I must not not forget to say that at the moment her father expired, she was heard to cry out, her face beaming with joy and a smile upon her lips. May God be praised, my dear father, how I wish I were like you. During the celebration of the funeral obsequies, when all were in tears, Catherine seemed transported with delight. She consoled her mother, and everyone, as though unaffected by her father's death. It was because she had seen that beloved soul come forth triumphant from the prison of the

Starting point is 10:01:48 body, and pass, without any hindrance, into eternal beatitude. This sight had inundated her with consolation, because a short time previous she herself had tasted the joys of eternal light. Let us here admire the wisdom of Providence. The soul of Giacomo could surely have been purified in another manner, and have been immediately admitted into heaven, like the good thief who confessed our Savior on the cross. But God willed that his purification should be affected through the sufferings of Catherine, as she herself had requested, and this not to try her, but to increase her merits and her crown. It was fitting that this holy maid who so ardently loved the soul of her father should receive some recompense for her filial affection, and since she had preferred the

Starting point is 10:02:45 salvation of his soul to that of her own body, her bodily suffering contributed to the happiness of her soul. Thus, she always spoke of her sweet, her dear sufferings. And she was right, for these afflictions augmented the sweetness of grace in this life, and the delights of glory in the next. confided to me that long after his death her father Jocamo continually came to thank her for the happiness she had procured for him. He revealed many hidden things to her, warned her of the snares of the demon, and preserved her from all danger. End of Section 84, recording by John Brandon. Section 85 of Purgatory. By Reverend F. X. Shoup has This Libravox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 10:03:47 Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 44. Motives and incentives to devotion towards the Holy Souls. St. John of God. Give alms for your own sake. St. Bridget. Blessed Peter Lefevre. We have just seen how holy and meritorious charity

Starting point is 10:04:10 towards the holy souls is before God. Sancta, cogitatio. It remains to show how salutary at the same time it is for ourselves, salubrous cogitatio. If the excellence of the work in itself is so powerful an incentive, the precious advantages which we derive from it are no less stimulus. They consist on the one hand of the graces which we receive in recompense for our generosity, and on the other of the Christian fervor with which this good work inspires us. Blessed, said our Savior, are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed is he, says the Holy Ghost, that understandeth concerning the

Starting point is 10:04:58 needy and the poor. The Lord will deliver him the evil day, as long as you did it for one of these my brethren, you did it for me. The Lord deal mercifully with you, as you have dealt with the dead. sentences, express in their strongest sense, charity towards the departed. All that we offer to God in charity to the dead, says St. Ambrose, in his book of offices, is changed into merit for ourselves, and we shall find it after our death increased a hundredfold. Omne Quadifunctus impenditor, in Nostrum, Tandum Meritum Camutator, at Ild post-mortemortem We can say that the spirit of the Church, the sentiments of the doctors and the saints, are expressed in these words.

Starting point is 10:05:55 What you do for the dead, you do in a most excellent manner for yourself. The reason of this is that this work of mercy will be returned to you, increased a hundredfold, in the day when you yourself shall be in distress. We may here apply the celebrated words of St. John of God, when he asked the inhabitants of Grenada to give him an alms for the love of themselves. To provide for the needs of the sick whom he took into his hospital, the charitable saint traversed the streets of Grenada, crying, give alms, my brethren, give alms for the love of yourselves.

Starting point is 10:06:34 People were astonished at this new form of expression, because they had always been accustomed to hear, alms for the love of God. Why, said they to the saint, do you ask us to give alms for the love of ourselves? Because, replied he, it is the great means of redeeming your sins, according to the words of the prophet. Redeem thou thy sins with alms, and thy iniquities with works of mercy to the poor. In giving alms you labor in your own interest, sent you thereby diminish the terrible chastisements, which your sins have merited.

Starting point is 10:07:14 Must we not conclude that all this is true of alms bestowed upon the souls in purgatory? To assist them is to preserve ourselves from those terrible expiations which we shall not otherwise escape. We may therefore cry with St. John of God, give them the alms of your suffrages, assist them for the love of yourself.

Starting point is 10:07:39 generosity towards the departed is always repaid. It finds its recompense in all kinds of graces, the source of which is the gratitude of the holy souls, and that of our Lord, who considers as done to himself all that we do for the suffering souls. St. Bridget declares in her revelations, and her testimony is quoted by Benedict XIII, that she heard a voice from the depths of the purgatorial,

Starting point is 10:08:09 Flames, pronouncing these words, May those be blessed, may those be rewarded, who relieve us in these pains. And on another occasion, O Lord God, show thy almighty power in recompensing a hundredfold those who assist us by their suffrages, and make the rays of the divine light to shine upon us.

Starting point is 10:08:35 In another vision, the saint heard the voice of an angel saying, Blessed be upon earth, those who by their prayers and good works come to the assistance of the poor suffering souls. Blessed Peter Lefevre of the company of Jesus, so well known for his devotion towards the holy angels, had also a special devotion towards the souls in purgatory. Those souls, he said, have bowls of charity, which are ever open to those who still walk amidst the dangers of this life. They are filled with gratitude towards those who assist them. They can pray for us and offer up their torments to God in our behalf. It is a most excellent practice to invoke the souls in purgatory that we may obtain from God through their intercession, a true knowledge of our sins and a

Starting point is 10:09:30 perfect contrition for them. Fervor in the exercise of good works, care to produce worthy fruits of and in general, all virtues, the absence of which has been the cause of their terrible chastisement. End of Section 85, recording by John Brandon. Section 86 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Libra Fox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Art 2, Chapter 45. advantages of devotion towards the Holy Souls.

Starting point is 10:10:14 Their gratitude, St. Margaret of Catona, St. Philip Neri, Cardinal Baronius and the dying woman. It is difficult to understand the gratitude of the Holy Souls. If you had ransomed a captive from the galling yoke of slavery, would he be grateful for such a benefit? When the Emperor Charles V took position, of the city of Tunis, he restored to liberty twenty thousand Christian slaves, who before his

Starting point is 10:10:46 victory had been reduced to a most deplorable condition. Penetrated with gratitude towards their benefactor, they surrounded him, blessing him and singing his praises. If you gave health to a person dangerously sick, fortune to an unhappy creature who had been reduced to poverty, would you not receive in return their gratitude and their benedictions? And those souls, so holy and so good, will they conduct themselves differently with regard to their benefactors? Those poor souls, whose captivity, poverty, suffering, and necessity far surpass all captivity, indigence, or malady to be found upon earth. They come especially at the hour of death, to protect them, to accompany, and to introduce them into the happy abode of their

Starting point is 10:11:37 eternal rest. We have already spoken of St. Margaret of Cretona, and of her devotion to the holy souls. It is related in her biography that at her death, she saw a multitude of souls that she had delivered from purgatory form a procession to escort her to paradise. God revealed this favor granted to Margaret of Cretona through the medium of a holy person in the city of Costello.

Starting point is 10:12:05 The servant of God, wrapped in ecstasy at the moment when Margaret departed this life, saw her soul in the midst of this brilliant cortege, and on recovering from her rapture, she related to her friends while our Lord had been pleased to manifest to her. St. Philip Neri, founder of the congregation of the oratory, had her most tender devotion towards the holy souls in purgatory,

Starting point is 10:12:32 and he felt a particular attraction to pray for those who had been under his spiritual direction. He considered himself under greatest obligation to them because divine providence had confided them in a special manner to his zeal. It seemed to him that his charity ought to follow them until their final purification was accomplished and they were admitted into the glory of heaven. He confessed that many of his spiritual children appeared to him

Starting point is 10:13:02 after their death, either to ask his prayers or to return him thanks for what he had already done for them. He declared also that by this means he had obtained more than one grace. After his death, a Franciscan father of great piety was praying in the chapel, in which the venerated remains of the saint had been deposited, when the latter appeared to him surrounded with glory, and in the midst of a brilliant train. Encouraged by the air of amiable familiarity with which the saint,

Starting point is 10:13:35 saint regarded him, he ventured to ask the meaning of that bright band of blessed spirits, which accompanied him. The saint replied that they were the souls of those whose spiritual guide he had been during life, and whom by his suffrages he had delivered from purgatory. He added that they had come to meet him on his departure from this world, that in their turn they might introduce him into the heavenly Jerusalem. There is no doubt, says the devout Father Rossignoli, that on their entrance into eternal glory, the first favors which they ask of the divine mercy

Starting point is 10:14:14 are for those who have opened to them the gates of paradise, and they will never fail to pray for their benefactors, whenever they see them in any necessity or danger. In reverses of fortune, sicknesses, and accidents, of all kinds, they will be their protectors. Their zeal will increase when the interests of the soul are at stake. They will powerfully assist them to vanquish temptation, to practice good works, to die a Christian death,

Starting point is 10:14:46 and to escape the sufferings of the other life. Cardinal Barronius, whose authority as historian is well known, relates that a person who was very charitable towards the holy souls was afflicted with a terrible agony when on her deathbed. The spirit of darkness suggested to her the most gloomy fears unveiled from her sight the sweet light of divine mercy, endeavoring to drive her into despair, when suddenly heaven seemed to open before her eyes,

Starting point is 10:15:19 and she saw thousands of defenders fly to her aid, reanimating her courage and promising her the victory. Comforted by this unexpected assistance, she asked who were her defenders. We are, they replied, the souls which you have delivered from purgatory. We, in our turn, come to help you, and very soon we shall conduct you to paradise. At these consoling words, the sick person felt that her fears were changed into the sweetest confidence. A short time afterwards, she tranquilly expired. her countenance serene and her heart filled with joy.

Starting point is 10:16:02 End of Section 86, recording by John Brandon. Section 87 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Liber Vox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 46. Advantage is gratitude of the souls, the return of an exiled priest. Father Mumford and the printer, William Friesen.

Starting point is 10:16:36 In order to understand the gratitude of the souls, it is necessary that we should have a most clear conception of the benefit they receive from their liberators, that we should know what it is to enter heaven. Who will make known to us, says Abbe Lave, the joys of that blessed hour. Represent to yourself the happiness, of an exile, who at length returns to his fatherland. During the reign of terror, a poor priest of

Starting point is 10:17:07 L'Avende was condemned to be drowned. Having escaped by miracle, he was obliged to emigrate in order to save his life. When peace was restored to the church and to France, he hastened to return to his beloved parish. It was a festival day in the village. All the parishioners went to meet their pastor and father. The bells in the old tower rang joyously, and the church was decorated as upon days of great solemnity. The old man advanced, smiling in the midst of his children. But when the doors of the holy place opened before him, when he beheld again the altar that had so long rejoiced the days of his youth, his heart too weak to bear such transports of joy broke within his bosom. With a trembling voice he intoned the te deum, but it was the nunc dimittis of his priestly life.

Starting point is 10:18:06 He fell, dying at the foot of the altar. The exile had not the strength to support the joys of his return. If such are the joys of the return of an exile to his terrestrial fatherland, who will make known to us the transports we shall experience upon entering heaven, the true home of our souls, And how can we wonder at the gratitude of the blessed, whom we have caused to enter there? Father James Mumford of the Society of Jesus, who was born in England in 1605, and who struggled during 40 years in the cause of the church in that country,

Starting point is 10:18:48 given up to heresy, composed of remarkable work on purgatory, which he had printed at Cologne by William Friesen, a well-known Catholic publisher. This book obtained a large circulation and affected a great good among souls. The publisher, Friesen, being one of those who derived the greatest advantage from it. This is what he wrote to Father Mumford in 1649. I write, Father, to inform you of the miraculous and two-fold cure of my son and my wife, during the holidays, whilst my office was closed, I set to work reading the book, Mercy exercised towards the souls in purgatory, which you have

Starting point is 10:19:34 sent me to print. I was still engaged in reading the work when I was informed that my young son, four years of age, showed symptoms of a serious illness. The malady made rapid progress. The physician lost hope, and preparations for his burial were already thought of. It occurred to me that I might perhaps save him, by making a vow in favor of the souls in purgatory. I went to church early in the morning, and fervently besought God to have pity on me, promising by a vow to distribute a hundred copies of your book among the ecclesiastics and religious, free of charge, in order to remind them of the zeal with which they should

Starting point is 10:20:19 interest themselves in behalf of the church suffering, and of the practices that are best suited to fulfill this duty. I acknowledge that I was full of hope. Upon my return home, I found the child better. He already asked for nourishment, although for several days he had been incapable of swallowing even a single drop of liquid. The following day his cure was complete.

Starting point is 10:20:46 He arose, went out for a walk, and ate with as good an appetite as if he had never been sick. penetrated with gratitude, my most urgent desire was to fulfill my promise. I went to the college of the Society of Jesus, and besought the fathers to accept my hundred copies, to keep what they wanted for themselves, and to distribute the remainder among the other communities and ecclesiastics of their acquaintance, that the suffering souls, my benefactors, might be comforted by new suffrages. Three weeks later, another and not less serious accident happened to me.

Starting point is 10:21:28 My wife upon entering the house was suddenly seized with a violent trembling in all her limbs, which caused her to fall insensible to the ground. She soon lost her appetite and the power of speech. All manner of remedies were employed, but in vain. The malady only increased, and all hope seemed lost. Her confessor, seeing her reduced to this condition, sought words to console me, exhorting me to be resigned to the will of God. As for myself, after the protection I had experienced from the good souls in purgatory,

Starting point is 10:22:05 I could not think of despairing. I returned to the same church, prostrated myself before the blessed sacrament, and renewed my supplication with all the fervor of which I was capable. Oh, my God, I exclaimed, Thy mercy is without limit. In the name of thine infinite goodness, permit not that the restoration of my son to health be atoned for by the death of my wife.

Starting point is 10:22:33 I then made a vow to distribute 200 copies of your book in order to obtain copious relief for the suffering souls. At the same time, I besought the souls that had formerly been delivered to unite their prayers to those of the others still retained in purgatory. After this prayer, I returned home and saw my servants running to meet me. They told me that my dear wife was considerably better, that the delirium had ceased, and her speech had returned. I hastened to her side, and found all was true. I offered her nourishment, which she took with relish. A very short time afterwards, she was so

Starting point is 10:23:17 completely restored, that she accompanied me to the church, to return thanks to God for all his mercy. Your reverence may place entire confidence in this statement. I pray you to aid me in thanking our Lord for this double miracle. Frieson. End of Section 87, recording by John Brandon. Section 88 of purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup. S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 47. Advantages. Temporal favors. Labé Postel and the servant of Paris. The following is related as a fact by the Abbe Postel, the translator of Efrosignoli's work.

Starting point is 10:24:21 It took place in Paris, he says, about the year 1827. and is inserted as number 27 in the Marville's Dupurgatory. A poor servant, who had been brought up as a good Christian in her native village, had adopted the pious practice of having a mass every month for the suffering souls. Her employers having taken her with them to the capital, she never once neglected it, and furthermore made it her rule to assist at the divine sacrifice, and to unite her prayers with those of the priest, especially for the soul that had most nearly completed its expiation.

Starting point is 10:25:04 This was her ordinary intention. God soon tried her by a long illness that not only occasioned her cruel suffering, but also caused her to lose her place and draw upon her last resources. On the day that she was able to leave the hospital, she had but twenty sous left. After addressing a fervent prayer to heaven, full of confidence, she went in search of a situation. She was told that she would probably find employment in a certain

Starting point is 10:25:38 family at the other end of the city. Whither she went, and as she was obliged to pass by the Church of St. Eustachie, she entered. The sight of a priest at the altar reminded her that this month she had forgotten her usual mass for the dead, and that this was the very day upon which for many years she had been accustomed to do this good work. But what was she to do? If she disposed of her last rank, she would have nothing left,

Starting point is 10:26:13 even to satisfy her hunger. It was a struggle between devotion and human prudence. Devotion gained the day. After all, she said to herself, The good God knows it is for him, and he will not forsake me. Entering the sacristy, she gave her offering for a mass,

Starting point is 10:26:36 at which she assisted with her usual fervor. A few moments later, she continued on her way, full of anxiety, as may be readily understood, being absolutely destitute of means, what was she to do if she failed to obtain employment? She was still occupied with these thoughts when a pale young man of a slight figure

Starting point is 10:26:59 and distinguished appearance approached her and said, Are you in search of a situation? Yes, sir. Well, go to a certain street and number, to the house of Madame Blank. I think he will suit her, and that you will be satisfied there. Having spoken these words, he disappeared in the passing crowd, without waiting to receive the poor girl's thanks.

Starting point is 10:27:28 She found the street, recognized the number, and ascended to the apartments. A servant came out carrying a package under her arm, and uttering words of complaint and anger. Is Madame there? asked the newcomer. She may or she may not be, replied the other. What does it matter to me? Madame will open the door herself if it suits her. I will trouble myself no longer about it. Adieu.

Starting point is 10:27:59 And she descended the steps. Our poor girl rang the bell with trembling hand, and a sweet voice bade her enter. She found herself in the presence of an old lady of venerable appearance, who encouraged her to make known her wishes. Madame, said the servant, I learned this morning that you are in need of a servant, and I came to offer my services. I was assured that you would receive me kindly.

Starting point is 10:28:29 Oh, but, my dear child, what you tell me is very extraordinary. This morning I had no need of one. It is only within the last half hour that I discharged an insolent domestic, and there is not a soul in the world, except her and myself. who knew it. Who sent you then? It was a gentleman, madame, a young gentleman whom I met on the street, who stopped me for this purpose, and I praised God for it, for it is absolutely necessary for me to find a place today. I have not a penny in my pocket. The old lady could not understand who the person was, and was lost in conjecture, when the servant raising her eyes to the furniture of the

Starting point is 10:29:17 the little parlor, perceived a portrait. Wait, madame, she said immediately, do not puzzle yourself anymore. This is the exact picture of the young man who spoke to me. It is on his account that I am come. At these words, the lady uttered a loud cry and seemed to lose consciousness. She made the girl repeat the story of her devotion to the souls in purgatory of the morning mass

Starting point is 10:29:45 and her meeting with the stranger. Then, throwing herself on the neck of the girl, she embraced her amid a flood of tears and said, You shall not be my servant. From this moment, you are my daughter. It is my son, my only son, whom you saw. My son, dead for the past two years, who owes to you his deliverance,

Starting point is 10:30:12 whom God directed to send you here, I cannot doubt it. May you then be blessed, and let us pray continually for all those who suffer before entering into a blessed eternity. End of Section 88, recording by John Brandon. Section 89 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 48.

Starting point is 10:30:54 Advantage Temporal Favors The Neapolitan Woman and the Mysterious Note. To prove that the souls in purgatory show their gratitude, even by temporal favors, Father Rossignoli relates a fact that happened at Naples, which bears some resemblance to that which we have just read. If it is not given to all to offer to God the abundant alms

Starting point is 10:31:20 of Judas Maccabeus, who sent 12,000 drachmas to Jerusalem for sacrifices and prayers to be offered in behalf of the dead. There are very few who cannot at least make the offering of the poor widow of the gospel, who was praised by our Savior himself. She gave only two mites, but said Jesus, these two mites were of more value than all the gold of the rich, because she of her want cast in all she had, even her whole living. This touching example was imitated by a humble Neapolitan woman, who had the greatest difficulty in providing for the wants of her family. The resources of the house depended upon the daily earnings of the husband, who each evening brought home the fruit of his labors. Alas, one day this poor father was imprisoned for death, so that the responsibility

Starting point is 10:32:18 of supporting the family rested upon the unhappy mother, who possessed nothing but her confidence in God. With faith, she besought divine providence to come to her aid, and especially to deliver her husband, who languished in prison for no other crime than his poverty. She went to a wealthy and benevolent gentleman, and relating to him the sad story of her woes, entreated him with tears to assist her. God permitted that she should receive but a trifling alms, a carlin, a piece of money worth about ten cents of our coin. Deeply afflicted, she entered a church to implore the God of the indigent to succor her in her distress, since she had nothing to hope from earth. She was absorbed in her prayers and tears, when by an inspiration, no doubt, of her good angel, it occurred to her to interest the

Starting point is 10:33:15 sympathy of the holy souls in her behalf, for she had heard much of their sufferings, and of their gratitude towards those who befriend them. Full of confidence she went into the sacristy, offered her little piece of money, and asked if a mass could be celebrated for the dead. The good priest who was there hastened to say mass for her intention, and ascended the altar for that purpose, whilst the poor woman prostrate on the pavement, assisted at the holy sacrifice, offering her prayers for the departed. She returned quite consoled, as though she had received the assurance that God had heard her prayer.

Starting point is 10:33:59 Whilst traversing the populous streets of Naples, she was accosted by a venerable old man, who inquired whence she came and whether she was going. The unfortunate woman explained her distress, and the use she had made of the small arms she had received. The old man seemed deeply touched by her misery, spoke some words of encouragement, and gave her a note enclosed in an envelope, which he directed her to take to a gentleman whom he designated, and then left her. The woman went in all haste to deliver the note to the gentleman indicated. The latter on opening the envelope was seized with astonishment and was on the point of fainting away. He recognized the handwriting of his father, who had died some time previous.

Starting point is 10:34:53 "'Where did you get this letter?' he cried, quite beside himself. "'Sir,' replied the good woman, "'it was from an old man who accosted me in the street. I told him of my distress, and he sent me to give you this note in his name.' As regards his features, he very much resembles that portrait which you have there, over the door. More and more impressed by these circumstances, the gentleman again took up the note and read aloud. My son, your father has just been delivered from purgatory, thanks to a mass which the bearer has had celebrated this morning. She is in great distress, and I recommend her to you.

Starting point is 10:35:41 He read and re-read those lines, traced by that hand, so dear to him, by a father who was now among the number of the elect. Tears of joy coursed down his cheeks as he turned towards the woman. Poor woman, he said, by your trifling alms, you have secured the eternal felicity of him who gave me life. In my turn, I will secure your temporal happiness. I take upon myself, I take upon myself to supply all the needs of yourself and your whole family. What joy for that gentleman, what joy for that poor woman. It is difficult to say on which side was the greatest happiness. What is most important and most easy is to see the instruction to be derived from this incident.

Starting point is 10:36:36 It teaches us that the smallest act of charity towards the members of the church suffering, is precious in the sight of God, and draws down upon us miracles of mercy. End of Section 89. Recording by John Brandon. Section 90 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 49.

Starting point is 10:37:11 Advantageous, spiritual and temporal favors, Christopher Sandoval at Louvain, the lawyer renouncing the world. Brother Latchie and Dr. Verdiano. Let us here cite another example. The more worthy of mention as a great Pope Clement VIII saw therein the finger of God and recommended its publication for the edification of the church. Several authors, says Father Rossignoli, have related the marvelous assistance

Starting point is 10:37:46 which Christopher Sandoval, Archbishop of Seville, received from the souls in purgatory. While still a child, he was accustomed to distribute part of his pocket money in arms for the benefit of the holy souls. His piety increased with his age. For the sake of the poor suffering souls, he gave away all that he could dispose of,

Starting point is 10:38:09 and even went so far as to deprive himself of a thousand little things which were useful or necessary. When he was pursuing his studies at the University of Louvain, it happened that some letters which he expected from Spain were delayed, in consequence of which he found himself reduced to such pecuniary straits, that he scarcely had wherewith to purchase food. At this moment a poor person asked of him in arms for love, of the souls in purgatory, and what had never happened to him before, he was obliged to refuse. Afflicted by this circumstance, he went into a church. If, said he, I cannot give an alms

Starting point is 10:38:56 for my poor souls, I can at least give them the assistance of my prayers. Scarcely had he finished this prayer, when on leaving the church he was accosted by a beautiful young man, dressed as a traveler, who saluted him with respectful affability. Christopher experienced a feeling of religious awe, as though he were in the presence of a spirit in human form. But he was soon reassured by his amiable interlocer, who spoke to him with the greatest gentleness of the Marquis of Dania, his father, his relatives and friends,

Starting point is 10:39:35 just as a Spaniard who had recently arrived from the peninsula. He ended by begging him to accompany him to a hotel, where they could dine together and be more at their ease. Sandoval, who had not eaten anything since the previous day, gladly accepted the gracious offer. They therefore seated themselves at table, and continued to converse most pleasantly together. After the repast, the stranger,

Starting point is 10:40:05 gave Sandoval some of money, entreating him to accept it and to make use of it for any purpose he pleased, adding that the Marquis, his father, would make him compensation on his return to Spain. Then under pretext of transacting some business, he withdrew, and Christopher never saw him again. Notwithstanding all his inquiries concerning the stranger, he never succeeded in obtaining any information regarding him. No one neither in Levine nor Spain had ever seen or known a young man corresponding to his description.

Starting point is 10:40:46 As regards to the sum of money, it was exactly the amount which the pious Christopher needed to defray expenses until the arrival of his letters. And this money was never afterwards claimed from his family. He was therefore convinced

Starting point is 10:41:03 that heaven had worked a miracle in his favor, and had sent to his assistance one of those souls that he himself had relieved by his prayers and alms. He was confirmed, in this opinion, by Pope Clement VIII, to whom he related the incident when he went to Rome to receive the bulls raising him to the episcopate. This pontiff struck by the extraordinary circumstances of the case advised him to make it known for the edification of the faithful. He looked upon it as a favor from heaven, which proved how precious in the sight of God

Starting point is 10:41:42 is charity towards the departed. Such is the gratitude of the holy souls which have left this world, that they testify it even for favors bestowed upon them whilst they were still in this life. It is related in the annals of the friar's preachers that among those who went to receive the habit from the hands of St. Dominic in 1241, there was a lawyer who had quitted his profession under extraordinary circumstances.

Starting point is 10:42:13 He was united by ties of friendship to a young man of great piety, whom he charitably assisted during the sickness of which he died. This was sufficient to move the deceased to procure for him the greatest of all benefits, that of conversion and vocation to a religious life. About thirty days after his death, he appeared to the lawyer, and implored his assistance because he was in purgatory. Are you suffering intense? he asked of his friend. Alas, replied the latter,

Starting point is 10:42:45 if the whole earth with its forests and mountains were on fire, it would not form a furnace, such as the one into which I am plunged. Seized with fear, his faith revived, and thinking only of his own soul, he asked, In what state am I in the eyes of God? In a bad state, replied the deceased, and in a dangerous profession. What have I to do?

Starting point is 10:43:10 What advice do you give me? Quit the perverse world in which you are engaged, and occupy yourself only with the affairs of your soul. The lawyer following this counsel gave all his goods to the poor and took the habit of St. Dominic. Let us see how holy religious of the Society of Jesus showed his gratitude even after death

Starting point is 10:43:35 to the physician who had attended him during his last illness. Francis Latchy, a brother Coagetor, died in the College of Naples in 1598. He was a man of God, full of charity, patience, and tender devotion towards the Blessed Virgin.

Starting point is 10:43:55 Sometime after his death, Dr. Verdiano entered the church of the college to assist at Mass before beginning his visits. It was the day on which were celebrated the obsequies of King Philip II, who had died four months previous, when on leaving the church he was about to take holy water. A religious approached

Starting point is 10:44:15 and asked him why the catafalque had been prepared, and whose was the service about to be celebrated? It is that of King Philip II, he replied. At the same time, Verdiano, astonished at the religious, should ask a question of a stranger, and not distinguishing the features of his interlocor in the obscurity of the place where he stood, asked who he was. I am, he answered, Brother Latchey, whom you attended during my last illness. The doctor looked at him attentively, and recognized perfectly the features of him,

Starting point is 10:44:52 of Lachie. Stupified with astonishment, he said, But you died of that disease. Are you then suffering in purgatory? And do you come to ask our suffrages? Blessed be God, I am no longer in pain nor sorrow. I need not your suffrages. I am in the joys of paradise. And King Philip, is he also already in paradise? Yes, he is there, but placed as much below me. as he was elevated above me upon earth. As for you, Dr. Verdiano, where do you propose to make your first visit today?

Starting point is 10:45:32 Verdiano, having replied that he was then going to the patrician Di Mayo, who was dangerously ill. Lachey warned him to guard against a great danger which menaced him at the door of the house. In fact, the doctor found there a large stone so placed that on being shaken, it would have fallen and mortally injured him.

Starting point is 10:45:54 This material circumstance seems to have been designed by Providence to prove to Verdiano that he had not been the sport of an illusion. End of Section 90, recording by John Brandon. Section 91 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup, S.J. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 50 Advantage

Starting point is 10:46:28 Prayers of the Souls for Us Suarez St. Brigitte St. Catherine of Bologna Venerable Vianney We have just spoken of the gratitude of the Holy Souls This they sometimes manifest

Starting point is 10:46:46 as we have seen in a clearly visible manner but most frequently they exercise it invisibly by their prayers. The souls pray for us, not only when after their deliverance, they are with God in heaven, but even in their place of exile, and in the midst of their sufferings. Although they cannot pray for themselves yet, by their supplications, they obtain great grace for us. Such is the express doctrine of two eminent theologians,

Starting point is 10:47:17 Bellarmine and Suarez. These souls are holy, says Suarez. And dear to God, Charity urges them to love us, and they know, at least in a general way, to what dangers we are exposed, and what need we have of the divine assistance. Why then would they not pray for their benefactors? Why? But it will be answered because they know them not. In that dismal abode, in the midst of their torments,

Starting point is 10:47:50 how can they know who are those that assist us? them by their suffrages. To this objection may be replied, the souls feel at least the alleviation which they receive, and the assistance which is given them. This suffices even should they be ignorant of the source once it came, to call down the benedictions of heaven upon the benefactors whosoever they may be, and who are known to God. But in reality, do they not know from whom they receive assistance in their sufferings? Their ignorance of this is no wise proved, and we have strong reason to believe that no such ignorance exists. With their angel guardian who dwells there with them, to give them all the consolation in his power, deprive them of this consoling knowledge?

Starting point is 10:48:43 Is this knowledge not conformable to the doctrine of the communion of saints? Would the intercourse which exists between us and the church suffering not be the more perfect for its being reciprocal, and that the souls know their benefactors better. This doctrine is confirmed by a great number of particular revelations, and by the practice of several holy persons. We have already said that St. Bridget, in one of her ecstasies, heard several souls cry aloud, Lord God, all-powerful, reward a hundredfold, those who are, and we are, and assist us by their prayers, and to offer to you their good works, in order that we may

Starting point is 10:49:26 enjoy the light of your divinity. We read in the life of St. Catherine of Bologna that she had a most tender devotion towards the holy souls in purgatory, that she prayed for them very frequently, and with the greatest fervor, that she recommended herself to them with the greatest confidence in her spiritual necessities, and advised others to do the same, saying, when I wish to obtain any favor, from our Father in heaven, I have recourse to the souls that are detained in purgatory. I entreat them to present my request to the divine majesty in their own name, and I feel that I am heard through their intercession. A holy priest of our own day, because of whose beatification has been commenced in Rome, venerable Vianney, Curie of ours said to an ecclesiastic, who consulted him,

Starting point is 10:50:22 O if it were but known, how great is the power of the good souls in purgatory with the heart of God, and if we knew all the graces we can obtain through their intercession, they would not be so much forgotten. We must therefore pray much for them, that they may pray much for us. These last words of venerable Vianni indicate the true manner of having recourse to the souls in purgatory. We must assist them to obtain their prayers and the effects of their gratitude in return. We must pray much for them, that they may pray much for us. There is no question here in invoking as we invoke the saints in heaven.

Starting point is 10:51:04 Such is not the spirit of the church, which before all else prays for the departed, and assists them by their suffrages. But it is no wise contrary to the spirit of the church, nor to Christian piety, to procure relief for the souls, with the intention of obtaining in return, through the assistance of their prayers, the favors which we desire. Thus it is a laudable and pious act to offer a mass for the departed

Starting point is 10:51:32 when we are in need of any particular grace. If when the holy souls are still in their sufferings, their prayers are so powerful we may easily conceive that they will be much more efficacious when, being entirely purified, these souls stand before the throne of God. End of Section 91, recording by John Brandon. Section 92 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Libre of Ox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 10:52:14 Part 2. Chapter 51 Advantage Gratitude of the divine spouse of souls Venerable Archangela Panagoraola and her father, Goddard If the souls are so grateful towards their benefactors Our Lord Jesus Christ, who loves those souls, who receives as done to himself, all the good which we procure for them,

Starting point is 10:52:42 will bestow an abundant recompense, very often even in this life, and always in the next. He regards those who show mercy and punishes those who forget to show it towards the suffering souls. Let us first see an example of chastisement. Venerable Archangela Panagoraola, a Dominican religious and prioress of the monastery of St. Martha in Milan, had extraordinary zeal for the relief of the souls in prison.

Starting point is 10:53:14 purgatory. She prayed and obtained prayers for all her deceased friends, and even for those unknown to her, but of whose death she had been notified. Her father, Goddard, whom she tenderly loved, was one of those Christians of the world who seldom thought of praying for the dead. He himself died, and quite disconsolate, Archangela understood that her dear father stood more in need of her prayers than of her tears. She therefore took the resolution of recommending him to God by special suffrages. But strange to say, this resolution was scarcely ever carried into effect. This girl so pious and devoted to her father did very little for his soul. God permitted that notwithstanding her holy resolutions, she continually forgot him, and interested her

Starting point is 10:54:14 in behalf of others. Finally, an unexpected event explained this unwanted forgetfulness and aroused her devotion in behalf of her father. On the feast of all souls, she remained secluded in her cell, exclusively occupied in exercises of piety and penance for the relief of the poor souls. Suddenly her angel appeared to her, took her by the hand, and conducted. her in spirit into purgatory. Among the first souls which she saw, she recognized that of her father, plunged in a pond of icy water. Scarcely had Goddard seen his daughter, then coming towards her he reproached her sorrowfully for having abandoned him in his sufferings, whilst she showed so much charity towards others, whom she constantly relieved and frequently delivered, those who were strangers to her. Archangela stood for some time confused by these reproaches,

Starting point is 10:55:22 which she knew she had merited. Soon, however, shedding a torrent of tears, she replied, I will do, my dear father, all that you ask of me. May it please God to give ear to my supplications and speedily deliver you. Meanwhile, she could not recover

Starting point is 10:55:43 from her astonishment, nor understand how she could thus have forgotten her beloved father. Having taken her back, her angel told her that this forgetfulness had happened by a disposition of divine justice. God, he said, has permitted it in punishment for the little zeal, which during life your father manifested for God, his own soul, and that of his neighbor. You saw how he was tormented and be numbed in a lake of ice. This was the chastisement of his depidity in the service of God, and his indifference with regard to the salvation of souls. Your father was not an immoral man, it is true,

Starting point is 10:56:29 but he showed little inclination for the acquirement of virtue and for the practice of those works of piety and charity, to which the Church exhorts the faithful. This is the reason why God permitted that he should be forgotten even by you, who would have given him too much relief. This is the chastisement ordinarily inflicted by divine justice, upon those who are lacking in fervor and charity. He permits that others should conduct themselves in their regard,

Starting point is 10:57:04 as they have acted towards God and towards their brethren. Moreover, this is the rule of justice, which our Savior has established in the gospel. With what measure you meet, it shall be measured to you again. End of Section 92, recording by John Brandon. Section 93 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup, S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. 2. Chapter 52. Advantage

Starting point is 10:58:02 Charity Towards the Holy Souls Recompensed by Jesus Christ, St. Catherine of Siena, and Pomerin, St. Magdalene de Pazzi and her mother. God is more inclined to reward than to punish, and if he inflict a chastisement upon those who forget the souls so dear to his heart, He shows himself, truly grateful towards those who assist him in the person of his suffering spouses. In recompense, he will one day say to them, Come ye blessed of my father, possess the kingdom, which is prepared for you. You have exercised mercy towards your necessitous and suffering brethren. Amen, I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these might be.

Starting point is 10:58:57 least brethren, you did it to me. Very often in this life, Jesus rewards compassionate and charitable souls by the bestowal of many favors. St. Catherine of Siena, by her charity, had converted a sinner named Pomerin, who died and went to purgatory. The saint gave herself no rest until she had delivered this soul. In recompense, our Lord permitted her to appear to the saint, or rather our Savior himself, showed her to his servant as a glorious conquest of her charity. Blessed Raymond thus gives the details. In the middle of the 14th century, when St. Catherine edified her native city by all sorts of works of mercy, a woman named Palmerin, after having been the object of her tenderest charity,

Starting point is 11:00:00 conceived a secret aversion towards her benefactors, which even degenerated into implacable hatred, no longer able to see or listen to this saint, the ungrateful palmerin, embittered against the servant of God, ceased not to blacken her reputation by the most atrocious calumnies. Catherine did all in her power, to conciliate her, but in vain. Then seeing that her kindness,

Starting point is 11:00:32 her humility, her benefits served but to excite the fury of this unfortunate woman, she earnestly implored God to vouchsafe himself to move her obdurate heart. God heard her prayer by striking Palmarin with a mortal malady, but this chastisement did not suffice to make her enter into herself. In return for all the tender care, which the saint lavished upon her, the wretched woman loaded her with insults and drove her from her presence. Meanwhile, her end approached, and a priest was called to administer the last sacraments. The sick person was unfit to receive them, on account of the hatred which he nourished, and which he refused to give up.

Starting point is 11:01:23 On hearing this, and seeing that the unfortunate creature had already one foot in hell, Catherine shed a torrent of tears and was inconsolable. For three days and three nights, she ceased not to supplicate God on her behalf, adding fasting to prayer. What, Lord, she said, will you allow this soul to be lost on my account? I conjure you, grant me at any price, her conversion and her salvation. Punish me for her sin, of which I am the occasion. It is not her but me. The chastisement should strike. Lord, refuse me not the grace, which I ask of you. I shall not leave you

Starting point is 11:02:11 until I shall have obtained it. In the name of your goodness, of your mercy, I conjure you, most merciful Savior, not to permit the soul of my sister to leave her body until it has been restored to your grace. Her prayer, adds her biographer, was so powerful that she prevented the sick woman from dying. Her agony lasted for three days and three nights to the great astonishment of her nurses. Catherine during this time continued to intercede and ended by gaining the victory. God could no longer resist and worked a miracle of mercy. A ray of heavenly light penetrated the heart of a dying woman, showed her her fault, and nerved her to repentance. The saint to whom God revealed this, hastened to her side. As soon as the sick person saw her,

Starting point is 11:03:10 she gave her every possible mark of friendship and respect, accused herself aloud of her fault, received with piety the last sacraments, and died in the grace of God. Notwithstanding the sincerity of her conversion, it was to be feared that a sinner who had barely escaped hell would have to undergo a severe purgatory. The charitable Catherine continued to do all in her power, to hasten the moment when Palmerin would be admitted to the glory of paradise. So much charity could not fail to meet its reward. Our Lord, writes Blessed Raymond, showed to his spouse that soul, saved by her prayers. It was so brilliant that she told me she could find no words capable of expressing its beauty.

Starting point is 11:04:05 It was not yet admitted to the glory of the beatific vision. but had that brightness which creation and the grace of baptism imparts. Our Lord said to her, Behold my daughter, This lost soul which you have found. And he added, Does she not appear to you most beautiful and precious? Who would not endure all sorts of suffering to save a creature so perfect

Starting point is 11:04:30 and introduce it into eternal life? If I, who am the supreme beauty, from whom all beauty emanates have been so far captivated by the beauty to souls as to descend upon earth and shed my blood to redeem them. With how much more greater reason

Starting point is 11:04:50 should you not labor one for another that such admirable creatures be not lost? If I have showed you this soul, it was that you should be all the more zealous in all that concerns the salvation of souls. St. Magdalene de Pazzi, so full of devotion for the dead, exhausted all the resources of Christian charity on behalf of her mother, after the latter had departed this life.

Starting point is 11:05:21 A fortnight after her death, Jesus wishing to console his spouse, showed her the soul of her beloved parent. Magdalene saw her in paradise, arrayed in dazzling splendor, and surrounded by saints who appeared to take great, interest in her. She heard the blessed soul give her three commands, which ever remained impressed upon her memory. "'Take care, my daughter,' she said, to descend as low as possible

Starting point is 11:05:50 in humility, to observe religious obedience, and to carry out with prudence all that it prescribes. Saying this, Magdalene saw her blessed mother vanish from sight, and she remained in inundated with the sweetest consolation. End of Section 93. Recording by John Brandon. Section 94 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup. S.J. This Libervox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 11:06:32 Part 2, Chapter 53. Advantage Charity Towards the Dead rewarded. St. Thomas of Aquin his sister and brother Romano, the archpriest, Hansoni, and Don Alfonso Sanchez, Blessed Margaret Mary, and Mother Grefier.

Starting point is 11:06:55 The angelic doctor, St. Thomas of Aquin, was likewise very devout towards the suffering souls, who appeared to him several times, and we know of them by the testimony of the illustrious doctor himself. He offered his prayers and sacrifices to God, particularly for the departed souls, whom he had known,

Starting point is 11:07:18 or who were related to him. When he was professor of theology at the University of Paris, he lost his sister, who died in Capua, at the convent of St. Mary, of which he was abbess. As soon as he heard of her decease, he recommended her soul to God with great fervor, Some days later, she appeared to him, conjuring him to have pity on her and to redouble his suffrages, because she suffered cruelly in the flames of the other life.

Starting point is 11:07:52 Thomas hastened to offer for her all the satisfaction in his power, and solicited also the suffrages of several of his friends. He thus obtained the deliverance of his sister, who came herself to announce the glad tidings. Some time after this, having been sent to Rome by his superiors, the soul of this sister appeared to him in all the glory of triumphant joy. She told him that his prayers had been heard, that she was freed from suffering, and was going to enjoy eternal repose in the bosom of God.

Starting point is 11:08:29 Familiarized with the supernatural communications, the saint feared not to interrogate the apparition, and asked what had become of his two brothers, Arnold and Landolph, who had died sometime previous. Arnold is in heaven, replied the soul, and there enjoys a high degree of glory for having defended the Church and the sovereign pontiff against the aggressions of the Emperor Frederick.

Starting point is 11:08:58 As to Landolph, he is still in purgatory, where he suffers much, and is greatly in need of assistance. As regards yourself, my dear brother, she added, A magnificent place awaits you in paradise, in recompense for all you have done for the church. Hasten to put the last stroke to the different works which you have undertaken, for you will soon join us. History tells us that, in fact, he lived but a short time after this event.

Starting point is 11:09:29 On another occasion, the same saint being in prayer in the Church of St. Dominic at Naples saw approaching him Brother Romano, who had succeeded. him at Paris in the chair of theology. The saint thought at first that he had just arrived from Paris, for he was ignorant of his death. He therefore arose, went to meet him, saluted him, and inquired of him concerning his health, and the motive of his journey.

Starting point is 11:09:59 I am no longer in this world, said the religious with a smile. And by the mercy of God I am already in the enjoyment of eternal beatitude. I come by the command of God to encourage you in your labors. Am I in the state of grace? Asked Thomas immediately. Yes, dear brother, and your works are very agreeable to God. And you had you to suffer purgatory. Yes, for fourteen days,

Starting point is 11:10:28 on account of little infidelities, which I had not sufficiently expiated on earth. Then Thomas, whose mind was constantly occupied with, questions of theology, profited by the opportunity to penetrate the mystery of the beatific vision. But he was answered with this verse of Psalm 47, Sikuta divimus, Sik vidimus in chivite dei nostri. As we have learned by faith, we have seen with our eyes in the city of our God. Saying these words, the apparition vanished, leaving the angelic doctor,

Starting point is 11:11:09 inflamed with the desire of the eternal good. More recently, in the 16th century, a favor of the same nature but perhaps more wonderful was granted to the zealotaur of the souls in purgatory, an intimate friend of St. Charles Borromeo, venerable Gratzion Ponzoni, archpriest of Arona, interested himself in the cause of the poor suffering souls throughout his whole lifetime.

Starting point is 11:11:41 During the pest which carried off so many victims in the diocese of Milan, Hansoni, not content with administering the sacraments, to the plague-stricken, hesitated not to become sexton, and to bury the dead bodies. For fear had paralyzed the courage of all, and no one would take upon themselves that terrible task. with a zeal and charity truly apostolic. He had assisted a large number of the unfortunate victims in Arona

Starting point is 11:12:13 in their last moments, and had interred them in the cemetery near his Church of St. Mary. One day, after the office of Vespers, as he was passing by the cemetery, in company with Don Alfonso Sanchez, then governor of Arona, he stopped suddenly. Struck with an extraordinary vision.

Starting point is 11:12:39 Fearing some delusion, he turned toward Sanchez and said, Sir, do you see the same spectacle which presents itself to my view? Yes, replied the governor, who had the same vision. I see a procession of the dead advancing from their graves towards the church,

Starting point is 11:13:01 and I avow that on Until you spoke, I could not believe my eyes. Assured of the reality of the apparition, the archpriest added, They are probably the recent victims of the past, who wish to make known that they are in need of our prayers. He immediately caused the bells to be rung, and invited the parishioners to assemble on the following morning for a solemn service for the dead.

Starting point is 11:13:33 We see here two persons whose sound judgment guarded them against all danger of illusion, and who both struck at the same time, seeing the same apparition, hesitate to give credence to it, until they were convinced that their eyes saw the same phenomenon. There is not the least room for hallucination, and every sensible man must admit the reality of a supernatural occurrence, attested by such witnesses. Nor can we call in question those apparitions based upon the testimony

Starting point is 11:14:09 of the St. Thomas of Aquin as related above. We must also guard against too easily rejecting other facts of the same nature, from the moment they are attested by persons of recognized sanctity and truly worthy of belief. We must be prudent, no doubt, but ours must be a Christian prudence, equally removed from credulity

Starting point is 11:14:35 and from that proud conceited spirit, with which, as we have remarked elsewhere, Jesus reproached his apostles. Noly essay in Cordulis, said Fidelis. Monsignor, Longuei, Bishop of Sir Swan, makes the same remark with reference to a circumstance, which he relates in the life of Blessed Margaret Aalco. Madame Billet, wife of the doctor of the house,

Starting point is 11:15:08 that is to say, of the convent of Peret, where the Blessed Sister resided had just died. The soul of the deceased appeared to the servant of God, asking her prayers, and charging her to warn her husband of two secret affairs that concerned his salvation. The Holy Sister gave an account of what had taken place to her superior, Mother Grefier. The superior ridiculed the vision, and the one who related it to her.

Starting point is 11:15:44 She imposed silence upon Margaret, forbidding her to say or do anything regarding what had been asked of her. The humble religious obeyed with simplicity, and with the same simplicity, she related. to Mother Grefay the second solicitation which she received from the deceased some days later.

Starting point is 11:16:08 But the superior treated this with the same contempt. However, the following night she herself was aroused by such a horrible noise in her room that she thought she would die from fright. She called the sisters, and when assistance came,

Starting point is 11:16:27 she was on the point of swooning away. When she somewhat recovered, she reproached herself with her incredulity, and no longer delayed to acquaint the doctor with what had been revealed to Sister Margaret. The doctor recognized the warning as coming from God and profited by it. As for Mother Grefier, she learned by experience that if distrust is ordinarily the wisest policy, it is sometimes wrong to carry it. it too far, especially when the glory of God and the good of our neighbor is concerned. End of Section 94. Recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 11:17:17 Section 95 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup, S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 54. advantages, salutary thoughts, make satisfaction in this life rather than in the next. St. Augustine and St. Louis Bertrand, brother Lorenco, Father Michel de la Fontaine. Besides the advantages which we have already considered, charity towards the departed is very salutary to those who practice it because it stimulates them to fervor in the service of God

Starting point is 11:18:03 and inspires the holiest thoughts. To think of the souls in purgatory is to think of the sufferings of the other life. It is to call to mind that all sin demands expiation, either in this life or the next. Now who does not understand that it is better to make satisfaction here since future chastisements are so terrible, a voice seems to come forth from purgatory repeating these words of the imitation.

Starting point is 11:18:34 Better is it to purge away our sins and to cut off our vices now and to keep them for purgation hereafter. We call to mind also this other sentence of which we read in the same chapter. There one hour of punishment will be more grievous than a hundred years of the most bitter penance here. Then penetrated with salutary fear,

Starting point is 11:19:02 we willingly endure the sufferings of the present life. And we say to God with St. Augustine and St. Louis Bertrand, Domine, Hic Yore, Hick Seca, Hicknon Parkas, Ut in Eternum Parkas. Lord, apply here. iron and fire, spare me not in this life, in order that you may spare me in the next. Penetrated with these thoughts the Christian regards the tribulations of the present life, and especially the sufferings of the painful malady, as a purgatory upon earth,

Starting point is 11:19:44 which will dispense him from purgatory after death. On January 6th, 1676, there died in Lisbon at the age of 69 years, the servant of God, Gaspar Lorenco, brother coadjutor of the Society of Jesus, and porter of the professed house of that institute. He was full of charity towards the poor and towards the souls in purgatory. He knew not how to spare himself in the service of the unfortunate. and was marvelously ingenious in teaching them to bless God for their misery, which was to purchase heaven for them. He himself was so penetrated with the happiness of suffering for our Lord

Starting point is 11:20:31 that he crucified his flesh, almost without measure, and added other austerities on the visuals of communion days. At the age of 78 he would accept of no dispensation from the fast, and abstinences of the church, and allowed no day to pass without taking the discipline at least twice. Even in his last illness, the brother in Framarium said that the approach of death did not make him divest himself of his hair shirt,

Starting point is 11:21:06 so great was his desire to die upon the cross. The sufferings of his agony, which were most cruel, might have taken the place of the most rigorous penances. When asked if he suffered much, I am undergoing my purgatory before departing for heaven, he replied with a joyous air. Brother Lorenco was born on the day of Epiphany,

Starting point is 11:21:33 and our Lord had revealed to him that this beautiful day was to be also that of his death. He designated the hour on the previous night, and when the infomerium visited him at daybreak, he said to him with a smile expressive of doubt, Is it not today, brother, that you expect to go and enjoy the vision of God? Yes, he replied, as soon as I shall have received the body of my saviour for the last time.

Starting point is 11:22:05 In fact, he received Holy Communion, and expired without struggle and without agony. There is then every reason to believe that he spoke with a supernatural knowledge of the truth when he said, I am undergoing my purgatory before departing for heaven. Another servant of God received from the Blessed Virgin herself the same assurance that her earthly suffering would take the place of purgatory. I speak of Father Michel de la Fontaine, who slept sweetly in the Lord. on February 11, 1606 at Valencia in Spain.

Starting point is 11:22:48 He was one of the first missionaries who labored for the salvation of the people of Peru. His greatest care when instructing the new converts was to inspire them with a sovereign horror of sin and to lead them to great devotion towards the mother of God by speaking of the virtues of that admirable virgin and teaching them to recite the beads in her honor. Mary, on her part, did not refuse the favors asked of her.

Starting point is 11:23:19 One day when exhausted with fatigue, he lay prostrate in the dust, not having strength to rise. He was visited by her whom the church styles with reason, comforter of the afflicted. She reanimated his courage, saying to him, Confidence, my son, your fatigue. will take the place of purgatory for you. Bear your sufferings patiently, and on leaving this life, your soul will be received into the abode of the blessed. This vision was for Father de la Fontaine during life, but especially at the hour of his death, a source of abundant consolation. In gratitude for this favor, he each week practiced some particular penance. At the moment when he expired,

Starting point is 11:24:15 A religious of eminent virtue saw his soul Take its flight to heaven in company of the Blessed Virgin, The Prince of the Apostles, St. John the Evangelist, and St. Ignatius, the founder of the company of Jesus. End of Section 95, recording by John Brandon. Section 96 of Purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon, Part 2, Chapter 55.

Starting point is 11:24:55 Advantage is Salutary Instruction. Blessed Mary of the Angels, St. Peter Claver, and the Sick Negro, the Negro and the Rosary. Besides the holy thoughts which devotion to the Holy Souls suggests, the latter sometimes contribute directly to the spiritual welfare of their benefactors. In the life of Blessed Mary of the Angels, of the Order of Mount Carmel, it is said that it is almost beyond belief how frequent were the apparitions of the souls of purgatory who came to implore her assistance, and afterwards to thank her for their deliverance.

Starting point is 11:25:36 Very often they conversed with the Blessed Sister, giving her useful advice for herself or for her sisters, and revealing things relating to the other world. On the Wednesday, within the octave of the assumption, she writes, While saying the evening prayers, one of our good sisters appeared to me. She was clad in white, surrounded with glory and splendor. And so beautiful that I know of nothing here below, to which I could compare her. Fearing some illusion of the devil, I armed myself with a sign of the cross.

Starting point is 11:26:13 But she smiled, and disappeared shortly after. I begged our Lord not to permit me to be deceived by the demon. The following night the sister again appeared, and calling me by my name, said, I come on the part of God, to let you know that I am in the enjoyment of eternal bliss. Tell our mother prior as that it is not the design of God to reveal to her the destiny that awaits her. Tell her to place her confidence in St. Joseph and in the soul, in purgatory. Having said this, he disappeared. St. Peter Claver, apostle of the Negroes of Carthagena, was aided by the souls in purgatory in this work of the Apostolate.

Starting point is 11:27:01 He did not abandon the souls of his dear Negroes after their death. Penances, prayers, masses, indulgences. As far as depended upon himself, he applied to them, says Father Florian, his biographer. Thus it often happened that those poor afflicted souls, sure of his power with God, came to ask the assistance of his prayers. The fastidiousness and incredulity of our century, says the same author, does not prevent us from relating some few additional facts. They may perhaps appear worthy of the raillery of freethinkers, but does it not suffice to know that God is the master of these occurrence?

Starting point is 11:27:47 and that they are, moreover, so well authenticated as to deserve a place in a history written for Christian readers? A sick negro whom he had taken into his room, and laid upon his own bed, having heard a noise as of loud moaning during the night, fear made him run to Father Claver, who was kneeling in prayer. "'Oh, Father,' he cried, "'what is that dreadful noise?' which terrifies me and prevents me from sleeping. Return, my son, replied the holy man,

Starting point is 11:28:25 and go to sleep without fear. Then having assisted him to get into bed, he opened the door of the chamber, said a few words, and immediately the moaning ceased. Several other negroes being occupied in repairing a house at some distance from the city, one of them went out to cut wood

Starting point is 11:28:45 upon a neighboring mountain. As he approached the forest, he heard himself called by his name, from the top of a tree. He raised his eyes in the direction whence the voice came, and not seeing anyone was about to take to flight and join his companions, but he was stopped in a narrow path by a frightful Spector, who discharged a shower of blows upon him with a whip furnished with pieces of red-hot iron, and saying, Why have you not got your rosary? Carry it about with you in future, and say it for the souls in purgatory. The phantom then ordered him to ask of the mistress of the house for three gold pieces, which were due to him, and which he was to take to Father Claver. that masses might be offered for his intention, after which he disappeared.

Starting point is 11:29:45 In the meantime the noise of the blows and the cries of the negro had brought his companions to the spot, where they found him more dead than alive, covered with the wounds he had received, and unable to utter a word. They carried him to the house, where the mistress acknowledged that in reality she owed the sum of money in question to an eagle. who had died some time previous. Father Claver on being informed of what had occurred, said the masses which were asked of him,

Starting point is 11:30:18 and gave a rosary to the Negro, whoever afterwards wore it, and never omitted to say it daily. End of Section 96, recording by John Brandon. Section 97 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 56.

Starting point is 11:30:51 Advantage is, salutary instructions. St. Magdalene de Pauze and Sister Benedicta. Father Paul Hoffie. Venerable Father Dela Columbier. Louis Corbinelli. St. Magdalene de Pauze in an apparition of a departed soul. received the most wholesome instruction on religious virtues. There was in her conventive sister named Mary Benedicta,

Starting point is 11:31:23 who was distinguished for her piety, her obedience, and all other virtues, which are the ornament of holy souls. She was so humble, says Father Separi, and had such contempt for herself that without the guidance of her superiors, she would have gone to extremes with the sole view of acquiring the reputation of being a person,

Starting point is 11:31:45 without prudence and without judgment. She therefore said that she could not help feeling jealous of St. Alexis, who found a meaning of living a hidden life, contemptible in the eyes of the world. She was so docile and prompt in obedience that she ran like a little child at the least sign of the will of her superiors, and the latter were obliged to use great circumspection, in the orders which they gave her,

Starting point is 11:32:13 lest she should go beyond their desires. In fact, she had gained such control over her passions and appetites that it would be difficult to imagine a more perfect mortification. This good sister died suddenly, having had but a few hours of sickness, the following morning, which was Saturday,

Starting point is 11:32:33 when during the Mass, which was celebrated, the religious were singing the songtas. Magdalene was wrapped in ecstasy. During the rapture, God showed her this soul under a corporal form in the glory of heaven. She was adorned with a golden star, which she had received in recompense for her ardent charity. All her fingers were covered with costly rings on account of her fidelity to all the rules, and the care she had taken to sanctify her most ordinary actions. Upon her head she wore a very rich crown, because she had always loved obedience,

Starting point is 11:33:11 and suffering for Jesus Christ. In fact, she surpassed in glory a great multitude of virgins, and she contemplated her spouse, Jesus, with singular familiarity, because she had so loved humiliation. According to these words of our Savior, He that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Such was the sublime lesson

Starting point is 11:33:34 which the saint received in reward for her charity towards the departed. The thought of purgatory incites us to labor zealously and to fly the least false in order to avoid the terrible expiations of the other life. Father Paul Huffy, who died a holy death in Engelstadt, in the year 1608, made use of this thought for his own benefit and that of others. He never lost sight of purgatory, nor ceased to relieve the poor souls who frequently appeared to him to solicit his sight. as he was superior of his brethren in religion he often exhorted them first to sanctify themselves the better to be able afterwards to sanctify others and never to neglect the smallest prescription of their rules then he would add with great simplicity otherwise i feel you will come like several others have done to ask my prayers that you may be delivered from purgatory in his last moments he was wholly occupied in his last moment he was wholly occupied in loving colloquies with our Lord, His Blessed Mother, and the Saints. He was sensibly consoled by a visit

Starting point is 11:34:46 of a very holy soul, who had preceded him to heaven but two or three days previous, and who now invited him to go and enjoy the eternal love of God. When we say that the thought of purgatory makes us use all means to avoid it, it is evident that we have reason to fear that we shall go there. Now on what is that fear-based? If we but reflect a little upon the sanctity required to enter heaven, and the frailty of human nature, which is the source of many faults, we easily understand that this fear is but too well-founded. Moreover, do not the examples we have read above show us clearly that very often,

Starting point is 11:35:29 even the holiest souls, have sometimes to want to grow expiation in the other life. Venerable Father Claude de la Columbier died in the odor of sanctity at Paray February 15, 1682, as Blessed Margaret Mary had predicted to him. As soon as he had expired, a pious girl came to announce his death to sister Margaret. The holy religious,

Starting point is 11:35:57 without showing any disturbance or breaking forth into vain regrets, said simply to that person, go and pray to God for him, and cause prayers to be everywhere offered for the repose of his soul. The father had died at five o'clock in the morning. At same evening, she wrote a note to the same person in these terms. Cease to be afflicted, invoke him, fear nothing. He is more powerful to aid us than ever.

Starting point is 11:36:30 These words gave us to understand that she had been, and supernaturally enlightened regarding the death of this holy man, and of the state of his soul in the other life. Sister Margaret's peace and tranquility at the death of a director, who had been useful to her, was another sort of miracle. The Blessed Sister loved nothing except in God and for God. God held the place of all else in her heart, and consumed by the fire of his love all other attachment. The Superior was surprised at her perfect tranquility on the death of the Holy missionary, and still more so that Margaret did not ask to do any extraordinary penance for the repose of his soul, as was her custom on the death of any one of her acquaintances in whom

Starting point is 11:37:21 she was particularly interested. The Mother Superior asked the servant of God the reason of this, and she replied quite simply, He is in no need of it. He is in a condition to pray for us, since he is exalted in heaven by the sacred heart of our divine Lord, only to expiate some slight negligence in the practice of divine love, she added. His soul was deprived of the vision of God from the time it left his body, until the moment when his remains were consigned to the tomb. Let us add one example more, that her father Corbinelli. This holy person was not exempted from purgatory. It is true he was not detained there, but he had to pass through the flames before being admitted into the presence of God.

Starting point is 11:38:15 Louis Corbinelli, of the Company of Jesus, died in the odor of sanctity at the professed house in Rome in the year 1591. Almost at the same time with St. Aloysius Gonzaga, the tragic death of Henry the second King of France gave him a disgust for the world, and he decided to consecrate himself entirely to the service of God. In the year 1559, the marriage of the Princess Elizabeth was celebrated with great pomp in the city of Paris. Among other amusements, a tournament was organized, in which figured the flower of the French nobility and chivalry. The king himself appeared in the midst of this brilliant court. Among the spectators, gathered even from foreign lands,

Starting point is 11:39:04 was young Louis Corbinelli, who had come from his native city, Florence, to assist at the festival. Corbinelli contemplated, with admiration, the glory of the French monarch, now at the zenith of his grandeur and prosperity, when suddenly he saw him fall, struck by a fatal blow

Starting point is 11:39:25 aimed by an imprudent tilter. The lance badly directed by Montgomery transpierced the king, who expired, bathed in his blood. In the twinkling of an eye, all his glory vanished, and the royal magnificence was covered with a shroud.

Starting point is 11:39:42 This event made a salutary impression upon Corpinelli. Seeing the vanity of human greatness thus exposed, he renounced the world and embraced a religious life in the society of Jesus. His life was that of a saint, and his death filled with joy all those who were witnesses of it.

Starting point is 11:40:03 It took place a few days before that of St. Aloysius, who was then sick in the Roman college. The young saint announced to Cardinal Bellarmine that the soul of Father Carbonelli had entered into glory, and when the Cardinal asked him if it had not passed through purgatory, it passed through, he replied, but it did not stay. End of Section 97, recording by John Brandon. Section 98 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup has Chey.

Starting point is 11:40:41 This Libra Fox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2. Chapter 57. Advantage is. Stimulant to fervor. Cautions to us. Probability of going to Pergatory. means of escaping it, employment of those means. St. Catherine of Genoa,

Starting point is 11:41:07 if holy religious pass through purgatory, although not detained there, have we not to fear that we shall not only pass through it, but also remain for a longer or shorter time? Can we live in a security that would be, to say the least, very imprudent? Our faith and our conscience tell us that our fear of purgatory is where, grounded. I go still further, dear reader, and say that, with a little reflection, you yourself must acknowledge that it is very probable and almost certain that you will go to purgatory. Is it not true that on leaving the earth your soul will enter into one of those three abodes

Starting point is 11:41:48 pointed out to us by faith? Hell, heaven, or purgatory? Will you go to hell? It is not probable because you have a horror of mortal sin, and for nothing in the world would you commit one, or keep it upon your conscience after having committed it? Will you go to heaven? You answer immediately that you think yourself unworthy of such a favor. There remains then, but purgatory,

Starting point is 11:42:17 and you must own that it is very probable, almost certain, that you will go into that place of expiation. By setting this grave truth before, your eyes, do not think, dear reader, that we wish to frighten you, or take from you all hope of entering heaven without purgatory. On the contrary, this hope must ever remain deeply impressed upon our hearts, for it is the spirit of Jesus Christ, who no wise desires that his disciples should stand in need of future expiation. He even instituted sacraments, and established all sorts of means to assist us to make full satisfaction in this world. But these means are too often neglected,

Starting point is 11:43:04 and it is especially by a salutary fear that we are stimulated to make use of them. Now, what are these means which we have to employ in order to avoid, or at least shorten our purgatory, and mitigate its rigor? They are evidently those exercises and good works, which most assist us to satisfy satisfy for our false in this world, and to find mercy before God, namely the following, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and fidelity in wearing her scapular, charity towards the living and the dead, mortification and obedience, a pious reception of the sacraments, especially on the approach of death, confidence in the divine mercy. And finally, the Holy Except. of death in union with the death of Jesus upon the cross.

Starting point is 11:44:02 These means are sufficiently powerful to preserve us from purgatory, but we must make use of them. Now to employ them seriously and with perseverance, one condition is necessary. It is to form a firm resolution of satisfying in this world rather than in the next. This resolution must be based upon faith, which teaches us how easy is satisfaction in this life. How terrible is purgatory!

Starting point is 11:44:30 Be at agreement with thy adversary betimes, says Jesus Christ, whilst thou art in the way with him, lest perhaps thy adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Amen, I say to thee, thou shalt not go out from thence till thou repay the last farthing. To be reconciled with our adversarial, in the way, signifies in the mouth of our Lord, to appease divine justice and to make satisfaction on our way through life, before reaching that unchangeable end. That eternity where all penance is impossible, and where we shall have to submit to all the rigors of justice. Is not this

Starting point is 11:45:18 counsel of our divine Savior most wise? Can we appear before the tribunal of God burdened with an enormous debt, which we might so easily have discharged by some works of penance, and which we shall then have to pay by years of torment? He who purifies himself from his false in the present life, says St. Catherine of Genoa, satisfies with a penny a debt of a thousand ducats, and he who waits until the other life to discharge his debts consents to pay a thousand ducats for that which he might before have paid with a penny. We must, therefore, begin with the firm and efficacious resolution of making satisfaction in this world. That is the foundation stone. This foundation once laid, we must

Starting point is 11:46:08 employ the means enumerated above. End of Section 98, recording by John Brandon. Section 99 of purgatory by Reverend F. X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. According by John Brandon, Part 2, Chapter 58. Means to avoid purgatory. Great devotion to the Blessed Virgin. Father Jerome Carvalho. St. Bridget, the scapular of Mount Carmel. A servant of God sums up these means and reduces them to two, saying,

Starting point is 11:46:52 Let us cleanse our souls by water and by fire. That is to say, by the water of tears, and by the fire of charity and good works. In fact, we may classify them all under these two exercises, and this is conformable to Holy Scripture, where we see that souls are cleansed from their stains and purified like gold in the crucible. But since we must seek above everything to be practical,

Starting point is 11:47:21 let us follow the method we have indicated, and which has been practiced with so much success by the saints and by all fervent Christians. In the first place, in order to obtain great purity of soul, and in consequence to have little reason to fear purgatory, we must cherish a great devotion towards the Blessed Virgin Mary. This great mother will so assist her dear children in cleansing their souls and in shortening their purgatory

Starting point is 11:47:50 that they may live in the greatest confidence. She even desires that they should not trouble themselves on this subject, and that they should not allow themselves to be discouraged by excessive fear, as she herself deigned to declare to her servant Jerome Carvalho, of whom we have already spoken. Have confidence, my son, she said to him. I am the mother of mercy for my dear children in purgatory, as well as for those still living upon earth.

Starting point is 11:48:23 In the revelations of St. Bridget, we read something similar. I am, said the Blessed Virgin to her, the mother of all those who are in the place of expiation. My prayers mitigate the chastisements inflicted upon them for their faults. Those who wear the holy scapular have a special right to the protection of Mary. The devotion of the holy scapular, unlike that of the rosary, does not consist in prayer, but in the pious practice of wearing a sort of habit which is in the livery of the queen's of heaven. The scapular of our lady of Mount Carmel, of which we hear speak, traces its origin back to the 13th century, and was first preached by Blessed Simon Stock, fifth general of the

Starting point is 11:49:12 order of Mount Carmel. This celebrated servant of Mary, born in Kent, England in the year 1,100, whilst yet young retired into a solitary forest to apply himself to prayer and penance. He chose as his dwelling the hollow of a tree, to which he attached a crucifix and a picture of the Blessed Virgin, whom he honored as his mother, and ceased not to invoke with the tenderest affection. For twelve years he entreated her to make known to him what he could do that would be most agreeable to her divine son, when the Queen of Heaven told him to enter the Order of Mount Carmel, which was particularly devoted to her service, Simon obeyed, and under the protection of Mary, became an exemplary religious, and the ornament of the Order of Mount Carmel, of which he was elected Superior General in 1245. One day, it was the 16th July 1251, the Blessed Virgin appeared to him, surrounded by a multitude of heavenly spirits, and with a countenance radiant with joy, she presented to him a scapular, of a brown color, saying, Receive, my dear son,

Starting point is 11:50:31 this scapular of thy order. It is the badge of my confraternity and the pledge of a privilege which I have obtained for thee and for thy brethren of Mount Carmel. Those who die devoutly clothed in this habit shall be preserved from eternal fire. It is the sign of salvation,

Starting point is 11:50:51 a safeguard in peril, a pledge of peace and special, protection until the end of time. The happy old man everywhere published the favor he had received, showing the scapular, healing the sick and working other miracles in proof of his marvelous mission. Immediately, Edward I, King of England, Louis the Ninth, King of France, and after their example, almost all the sovereigns of Europe, as also a great number of their subjects, received the same habit. From that time commenced the celebrated

Starting point is 11:51:29 confraternity of the scapular, which was soon afterwards canonically erected by the Holy See. Not content with granting this first privilege, Mary made another promise in favor of the members of the confraternity of the scapular, by assuring them of a speedy deliverance from the sufferings of purgatory. About 50 years after the death of Blessed Simon, the illustrious potif, John 22nd, whilst at prayer in the early morning, saw the mother of God appears surrounded with light and bearing the habit of Mount Carmel. Among other things she said to him, if among the religious or members of the confraternity of Mount Carmel there are any who, on account of

Starting point is 11:52:18 their faults, are condemned to purgatory, I will descend into the midst of them like a tender mother on the Saturday after their death. I will deliver them and conduct them to the Holy Mount of Eternal Life. These are the words which the pontiff places in the lips of Mary in this celebrated bull of the 3rd of March 1322, commonly called the Sabatine Bull.

Starting point is 11:52:45 He concludes in these words, I therefore accept this holy indulgence. I ratify and confirm it upon earth. as Jesus Christ has graciously granted it in heaven through the merits of our most blessed Virgin. This privilege was afterwards confirmed by a great many bulls and decrees of the sovereign pontiffs. Such is the devotion of the Holy scapular. It is sanctioned by the practice of pious souls throughout the Christian world, by the testimony of 22 popes, by the writings of an incalculable number of pious authors, and by multiplied miracles during the past 600 years.

Starting point is 11:53:28 So that, says the illustrious Benedict of 14th, he who dares call in question the validity of the devotion of the scapular, or deny its privileges, would be a proud despiser of religion. End of Section 99, recording by John Brandon. Section 100 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J. This Libervox recording is in the public domain, recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 59. Means to avoid purgatory.

Starting point is 11:54:08 Privileges of the Holy Scapular. Venerable Father de la Colombier. The hospital at Toulon. The Sabatine. St. Teresa. A Lady Adotranto. According to what we have said, the Blessed Virgin has attached two great privileges to the Holy scapular.

Starting point is 11:54:31 On their part, the sovereign pontiffs have added to them the richest indulgences. We shall not speak here of the two indulgences, but we consider it useful to make these two precious privileges thoroughly known, the one under the name of preservation, the other under that of deliverance. The first is the exemption from the first is the exemption from, the torments of hell. In Hocmoriens Eternum non-potietor Hincendium, he who dies wearing this habit shall not suffer the fire of hell. It is evident that he who

Starting point is 11:55:09 dies in mortal sin, even whilst wearing the scapular, will not be exempt from damnation, and such is not the meaning of Mary's promise. This good mother has promised mercifully so to dispose all things that he who dies wearing this holy habit will receive an efficacious grace worthily to confess and bewail his faults. Or

Starting point is 11:55:35 if he is surprised by sudden death, he will have the time and will to make an act of perfect contrition. We might fill a volume with the miraculous events which prove the fulfillment of this promise. Let it suffice to relate a few

Starting point is 11:55:50 of them. Venerable Father de la Columbier tells us that a young person, who was at first pious and wore the holy scapular, had the misfortune to stray from the path of virtue. In consequence of bad literature and dangerous company, she fell into the greatest disorders and was about to lose her honor. Instead of turning to God and having recourse to the Blessed Virgin, who is the refuge of sinners, she abandoned herself to despair. The demons soon suggested a remedy to her evils, the frightful remedy of suicide,

Starting point is 11:56:29 which would put an end to her temporal miseries, to flunge her into eternal torments. She ran to the river, and still wearing the scapular, threw herself into the water. But, oh, wonder, she floated instead of sinking, and could not find the death she sought,

Starting point is 11:56:49 A fisherman who saw her hastened to give her assistance, but the wretched creature prevented him. Tearing off her scapular, she cast it far from her and sank immediately. The fisherman was unable to save her, but he found the scapular and recognized that this sacred livery while she wore it had prevented the sinner from committing suicide. In the hospital at Toulon, there was an officer, a most impious man who refused to see a priest. Death approached, and he fell into a sort of lethargy. The attendants profited by this to place a scapular about his neck, without his knowledge.

Starting point is 11:57:33 On recovering soon after, he cried out in a fury, Why have you put fire upon me, a fire which burns me? Take it away, take it away! Then they invoked the Blessed Virgin, and tried again to put on the scapular. He perceived this, tore it off in a rage, threw it far away from him, and with a horrible blasphemy upon his lips, he expired.

Starting point is 11:57:59 The second privilege, that of the sabbatine or deliverance, consists in being released from purgatory by the Blessed Virgin on the first Saturday after death. To enjoy this privilege, certain conditions are to be fulfilled. First, to observe the chastity of our state. Second, to recite the little office of the Blessed Virgin.

Starting point is 11:58:24 Those who recite the canonical office satisfy this condition. Those who are unable to read must, instead of saying the office, observe the fasts prescribed by the church, and abstain from flesh meat on all Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Third, in case of necessity, the obligatory, the obligation of reciting the office, the abstinence and fasting, may be commuted into other pious works by those who have the power to grant such dispensations.

Starting point is 11:58:58 Such is the privilege of the sabbatine or deliverance, with the conditions necessary to enjoy it. If we remember what has been said of the rigors of purgatory and its duration, we shall find this privilege is most precious, and its conditions very easy. We know that doubts have been raised concerning the authenticity of the Sabotine Bull, but besides constant tradition and the pious practice of the faithful,

Starting point is 11:59:28 the great Pope Benedict XIV, whose eminent learning and moderation of opinions, are well known as pronounced in its favor. In Otranto, a city in the Kingdom of Naples, a lady of high rank experienced great pleasure in assisting, at the sermons of a Carmelite father, who was a great promoter of the devotion to Mary. He assured his auditors that all Christians, who piously wore the scapular, and fulfilled the prescribed conditions, would see the divine mother at their departure from this world, and that this great consoler of the afflicted would come on the Saturday after their death,

Starting point is 12:00:12 to deliver them from purgatory and take them into the abode of the blessed, struck with these precious advantages the lady immediately put on delivery of the blessed virgin firmly resolved to observe faithfully the rules of the confraternity her piety made rapid progress she prayed to marry day and night placed all her confidence in her and rendered her all possible homage among other favors which she asked she implored that of dying on a saturday in order that she might be the sooner delivered from purgatory. Her prayers were heard. Some years later, having fallen ill, notwithstanding the contrary opinion of her physician, she declared that her malady would carry her to the grave.

Starting point is 12:01:03 I bless God, she added, in the hope of being soon united with him in heaven. Her sickness made such rapid progress that the doctors unanimously declared that she was at the point of death, and that she could not live through the day, which was Wednesday. You are again mistaken, said the sick lady. I shall live three days more, and shall not die until Saturday.

Starting point is 12:01:31 The event justified her words. Regarding the days of suffering which remained to her as an inestimable treasure, she profited of them to purify her soul and to increase her memory. When Saturday came, she rendered her soul into the hands of her creator. Her daughter, who was also very pious, was inconsolable in her bereavement. Whilst praying in her oratory for the soul of her dear mother and shedding abundant tears, a great servant of God, who was habitually favored with supernatural communications, went to her and said,

Starting point is 12:02:10 cease to weep, my child, or rather let your grief be turned into joy. I come to assure you, on the part of God, that today, Saturday, thanks to the privileges granted to the members of the confraternity of the scapular, your mother has gone to heaven and is numbered among the elect. Be consoled and bless the most august virgin, the mother of mercy. End of Section 100, recording by John Brandon. Section 101 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Starting point is 12:02:58 Recording by John Brandon, Part 2, Chapter 60. Means to avoid purgatory, charity and mercy, the prophet Daniel and the King of Babylon, St. Peter Damien and John Patrizzi. We have just seen the first means of avoiding purgatory, a tender devotion towards Mary. The second consists in charity and works of mercy of every kind. Many sins are forgiven her, said our Lord, speaking of Magdalene, because she hath loved much. Listen are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Starting point is 12:03:38 Judge not, and you shall not be judged. condemn not and you shall not be condemned. Forgiven, you shall be forgiven. If you forgive men their offenses, your heavenly father will forgive you also your offenses. Give to everyone that asketh of thee, give, and it shall be given to you. For with the same measure as you shall meet with all,

Starting point is 12:04:04 it shall be measured to you again. Make unto you friends of the mammon of iniquity, that when you shall fail, when you leave this world, they might receive you into everlasting dwellings. And the Holy Ghost says, by the mouth of the royal prophet, Blessed is he that understandeth concerning the needy and the poor. The Lord will deliver him in the evil day. All these words indicate clearly that charity, mercy, and benevolence, whether towards the poor or towards sinners, towards our enemies, and those who injure us, or towards the departed who are in great need of our assistance,

Starting point is 12:04:50 we shall find mercy at the tribunal of the sovereign judge. The rich of this world have much to fear. Woe to you that are rich, says the Son of God, for you have had your consolation. Woe to you that are filled. for you shall hunger. Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.

Starting point is 12:05:15 Certainly these words of God should cause the wealthy votaries of this world to tremble. But if they wished, their wealth itself could become for them a great means of salvation. They might redeem their sins

Starting point is 12:05:30 and pay their terrible debt by abundant alms. Let my counsel, O King, be acceptable to thee. said Daniel to the proud Nebuchadonazor, and redeem thy sins with Ames, and thy iniquities with works of mercy to the poor. For Ames deliver from all sin and from death,

Starting point is 12:05:51 and will not suffer the soul to go into darkness. Ames shall be a great confidence before the most high God to all them that give it, said Tobias to his son. Our Savior confirms all this, and goes even further when he says to the Pharisees, but yet that which remaineth give alms, and behold all things are clean unto you. How great then is the folly of the rich,

Starting point is 12:06:19 who have in hand so easy a means of ensuring their future spiritual welfare, and yet neglect to employ it? What folly not to make a good use of that fortune, of which they shall have to render an account to God? What folly to go and burn in hell or purgatory, and leave a fortune to avaricious and ungrateful heirs, who will not bestow upon the departed so much as a prayer, a tear, or even a passing thought.

Starting point is 12:06:51 But on the contrary, how happy are those Christians who understand that they are but the dispensers before God of the goods which they have received from him, who think only of disposing of them according to the designs of Jesus Christ, to whom they must render an account, and in fine, who make use of them, only to procure friends, defenders, and protectors in eternity. St. Peter Damien in one of his treatises

Starting point is 12:07:24 relates the following. A Roman lord, named John Patrizzi, died. His life, although Christian, had been like that of the genesis, generality of the rich, far different from that of his divine master, poor, suffering and crowned with thorns. Fortunately, however, he had been very charitable towards the poor, even so far as to give away his garments to clothe them. A few days after his death, a holy priest being in prayer was wrapped in ecstasy, and transported to the basilica of St. Cecilia, one of the most celebrated in

Starting point is 12:08:06 Rome. He there saw a number of heavenly virgins, St. Cecilia, St. Agnes, Sister Agatha, and others, grouped around a magnificent throne, upon which sat the queen of heaven, surrounded by angels and blessed spirits. At this moment appeared a poor woman dressed in a miserable garment, but having a cape of costly fur upon her shoulders. She knelt humbly at the feet of the heavenly queen, and joining her hands her eyes filled with tears, she said with a smile, Mother of mercy, in the name of thy ineffable goodness, I beg thee to have pity on the unfortunate John Patrizzi, who has just died, and who suffers most cruelly in purgatory. Three times she repeated the same prayer, each time with more fervor, but without receiving any answer.

Starting point is 12:09:05 Thou knowest well, O merciful Queen, that I am that beggar, who at the entrance to your great basilica asked alms in the depth of winter with nothing to cover me but my rags. Oh, how I trembled with cold! Then John, whom I petitioned in the name of Our Lady, took from his shoulder this costly fur, and gave it to me, depriving himself of it in order to give it. it to me. Does so great an act of charity performed in thy name, O Mary, not merit some indulgence? At this touching appeal, the Queen of Heaven cast a glance of love upon the supplicant. The man for whom you pray, she replied, is condemned for a long time to the most terrible

Starting point is 12:09:58 suffering, on account of his numerous sins. But since he had two special virtues, mercy towards the poor, and devotion for my altars. I will condescend to give him my assistance. At these words, the Holy Assembly testified its joy and gratitude towards the Mother of Mercy. Patrice was brought in. He was pale, disfigured, and loaded with chains, which had made deep wounds.

Starting point is 12:10:30 The Holy Virgin looked upon him for a moment with tender compassion, then ordered that his chains should be taken off, and garments of glory to be put upon him, in order that he might join the saints and blessed spirits who surrounded her throne. This order was immediately executed, and all disappeared. The holy priest who had enjoyed this vision

Starting point is 12:10:55 ceased not from that moment to preach the clemency of our lady towards the poor suffering souls, especially towards those who had been devoted to her service and who had had great charity towards the poor. End of Section 101, recording by John Brandon. Section 102 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup as J.

Starting point is 12:11:26 This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon Part 2, Chapter 61. Means to avoid purgatory, Blessed Margaret Mary and the suffering souls, the novice and her father, a soul that had suffered without complaint. Among the revelations of our Lord to Margaret Mary

Starting point is 12:11:50 on the subject of purgatory, there is one which shows how particularly severe are the punishments inflicted for faults against charity. One day, relates Monsignor, Longuewe, Our Lord showed his servant a number of souls deprived of the the assistance of the Blessed Virgin and the Saints, and even of the visits of their angel guardians. This was, said her divine master, in punishment for their want of union with their

Starting point is 12:12:20 superiors and certain misunderstandings. Many of those souls were detained to remain for a great length of time in horrible flames. The Blessed Sister recognized also many souls who had lived in religion, and who on account of their lack of union and charity with their brethren were deprived of their suffrages, and received no alleviation. If it is true that God punishes thus severely, those that have failed in charity, he will be infinitely merciful towards those who have practiced this virtue so dear to his heart. But before all things he says to us by the mouth of his Apostle, St. Peter, have a constant mutual charity among yourselves, for charity covereth a multitude of sins. Let us hear Monsignor Longue again in the life of Margaret Mary. It is Mother

Starting point is 12:13:17 Grefay, he says, who in the memoir she wrote after the death of the Blessed Sister, attests the following fact. I cannot omit the cause of certain particular circumstances, which manifests the truth of a revelation made on this occasion to the servant of God. The father of one of the novices was the cause of it. This gentleman had died some time previous, and had been recommended to the prayers of the community. The charity of Sister Margaret, then mistress of novices, urged her to pray more especially for him.

Starting point is 12:13:57 Some days later the novice went to recognize, recommend him to her prayers. My daughter, said her holy mistress, be perfectly tranquil. Your father is rather in a condition to pray for us. Ask your mother, what was the most generous action your father performed before his death? This action has obtained for him from God a favorable judgment.

Starting point is 12:14:25 The action to which he alluded was unknown to the novice. No one in Perrae knew the circumstance of a death which had happened so far away from that town. The novice did not see her mother until long afterwards, on the day of her profession. She then asked what was that generous Christian action which her father had performed before dying. When the Holy Viaticum was brought to him, replied her mother, the butcher joined those who accompanied the blessed sacrament, and placed himself in a corner of the room. The sick on perceiving him, called him by his name, told him to approach,

Starting point is 12:15:08 and pressing his hand with a humility uncommon in persons of his rank, asked pardon for some hard words which he had addressed to him from time to time, and desired that all present should be witness of the reparation which he made. Sister Margaret had learned from God alone what had taken place, and the novice knew by that the consoling truth of what she had told her concerning her father's happy state in the other life. Let us add that God by this revelation has shown us once more how charity covereth a multitude of sins

Starting point is 12:15:45 and will cause us to find mercy in the day of justice. Blessed Margaret Mary received from our divine Lord another communication relative to charity. He showed her the soul of a deceased person who had to undergo but a light chastisement, and he told her that among all the good works which this person had performed in the world, he had taken into special consideration

Starting point is 12:16:13 certain humiliations to which she had submitted in the world, because she had suffered them in the spirit of charity, not only without murmuring, but even without speaking of them. Our Lord added that in recompense, he had given her a mild and favorable judgment. End of Section 102, recording by John Brandon. Section 103 of Pergatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain, recording by John Brandon.

Starting point is 12:16:54 Part 2, Chapter 62. means to avoid purgatory Christian mortification St. John Birkman's Blessed Emily de Versil and the religious who was weary of choir The third means of satisfying in this world is the practice

Starting point is 12:17:15 of Christian mortification and religious obedience. We bear about in our body the mortification of Jesus, says the apostle, that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our bodies. This mortification of Jesus, which the Christian must bear about in him, is in its broadest sense, the part that he must take in the sufferings of his divine master, by bearing in union with him the trials he may have to encounter in this life,

Starting point is 12:17:48 or the suffering which he voluntarily inflicts upon himself. The first and best mortification is that which is attached to our daily duties, the pains we have to take, the effort we must make to acquit ourselves properly of the duties of our state, and to bear the contradictions of each day. When St. John Berkman's said that his chief mortification was the common life, he said nothing else than this, because for him the common life embraced all the duties of his state. Moreover, he who sanctifies the duties and sufferings of each day, and who thus practices fundamental mortification, will soon advance and impose voluntary privations

Starting point is 12:18:36 and sufferings upon himself in order to escape the pains of the other life. The slightest mortifications, the most trifling sacrifice, especially when done through obedience, are of great value in the sight of God. Blessed Emily, a Dominican and prioress of the monastery of St. Mary at Berseli, inspired her religious with a spirit of perfect obedience in view of purgatory. One of the points of the rule prohibited the religious to drink between meals without express permission of the superior. Now the latter knowing, as we have seen, the value of the sacrifice

Starting point is 12:19:19 of a glass of water in the eyes of God, was generally accustomed to refuse this permission that she might afford her sisters an opportunity to practice an easy mortification. But she sweetened her refusal by telling them to offer their thirst

Starting point is 12:19:36 to Jesus, tormented by a cruel thirst upon the cross. She then advised them to suffer this slight privation with a view of diminishing their torments in the expiatory flames of purgatory. There was in her community a sister named Mary Isabella, who was too prone to levity,

Starting point is 12:19:59 being fond of conversation and other exterior distractions. The consequence was that she had little relish for prayer, was negligent in reciting the office, and only acquitted herself of this her chief duty with the greatest repugnance. Thus she was never in any haste to go to choir, and as soon as the office was ended, she was the first to go out. One day, whilst she was hurrying to leave the choir, she passed by the stall of the prioress who stopped her. Where are you going in such haste, my good sister? she said to her,

Starting point is 12:20:41 and why are you so anxious to get out before the other sisters? The sister taken by surprise, at first observed a respectful silence. Then she acknowledged with humility that the office was wearisome to her, and seemed too long. That is all very well, replied the prioress, but if it costs you so much to chant the praises of God, seated comfortably in the midst of your sisters, What will you do in purgatory? Where you will be obliged to remain in the midst of flames.

Starting point is 12:21:19 To spare you that terrible trial, my daughter, I order you to leave your place the last of all. The sister submitted with simplicity, like a truly obedient child. She was recompensed. the disgust which he had experienced thus far, for the things of God, was changed into devotion and spiritual joy. Moreover, as God revealed to Blessed Emily, having died some time afterwards, she obtained a great diminution of the suffering

Starting point is 12:21:54 which awaited her in the other life. God counted as so many hours in purgatory, the hours which he passed in prayer, through a spirit of obedience. End of Section 103, recording by John Brandon. Section 104 of purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J.

Starting point is 12:22:21 This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 63. Means to avoid purgatory. The sacraments. Receiving them promptly. medicinal effect of extra-munction. St. Alphonsus Ligori

Starting point is 12:22:42 We have indicated, as a fourth means of satisfying in this world, the use of the sacraments, and especially a holy and Christian reception of the last sacraments on the approach of death. The divine master admonishes us in the gospel to prepare ourselves well for death, in order that it may be precious in his eyes and the worthy crowning of a Christian life. His love for us makes him desire ardently that we should leave this world entirely purified, divested of all debt towards divine justice, and that on appearing before God we should be found worthy to be admitted among the elect, without need of passing through purgatory. It is for this end that he ordinarily sends us the pains of sickness before death,

Starting point is 12:23:29 and that he has instituted the sacraments to aid us in sanctifying our sufferings, and the more perfectly to dispose us to appear before his face. The sacraments which we receive in time of sickness are three. Confession, which we may receive as soon as we wish. Holy viaticum, an extra munction, which we may receive as soon as there is danger of death. This circumstance of the danger of death must be taken in the broad sense of the word. It is not necessary that there should be an imminent danger of dying, and that all hope of recovery be lost. It is not even necessary that the danger of death be certain.

Starting point is 12:24:14 It suffices that it be probable and prudently presumed, even when there is no other infirmity than old age. The effects of the sacraments well-received correspond to all the needs, all the lawful desires of the same. sick. These divine remedies purify the soul from her sins and increase her treasure of sanctifying grace. They fortify the sick person and enable him to bear his sufferings with patience, to triumph over the assaults of the demon at the last moment, and to make a generous sacrifice of his life to God. Moreover, besides the effects which they produce upon the soul, The sacraments exert a salutary effect upon the body. Extra-munction especially comforts the sick person and alleviates his sufferings.

Starting point is 12:25:09 It even restores him to health if God judges it expedient for his salvation. The sacraments are then for the faithful and immense assistance, an inestimable benefit. It is not, therefore, surprising, that the enemy of souls makes it his first option, to deprive them of so great a good. Not being able to rob the church of her sacraments, he endeavors to keep them from the sick, either by making them entirely neglect to receive them, or that they receive them so late as to lose all their benefit.

Starting point is 12:25:46 Alas, how many souls allow themselves to be taken in this snare? How many souls, for not promptly receiving the sacraments, fall into hell, or into the deepest abyss of purgatory. To avoid this misfortune, the first care of a Christian in case of sickness must be to think of the sacraments and to receive them as promptly as possible. We say that he should receive them promptly whilst he is still in possession of the use of his faculties. And we dwell upon this circumstance for the following reasons.

Starting point is 12:26:22 One, in receiving the sacraments promptly, the patient, having yet sufficient strength to prepare himself properly derives all the fruit of them. 2. He needs to be provided as soon as possible with the divine assistance in order to support his sufferings, to overcome temptation, and to sanctify the precious time of sickness. 3. It is only by receiving the holy oils in time that we can experience the effects of a bodily cure. For we must here remark an important point. The sacramental remedy of the holy unction

Starting point is 12:27:05 produces its effect upon the sick person in the same manner as medical remedies. It resembles an exquisite medicine that assists nature, in which there is still supposed to be a certain vigor, so that extramunction cannot exercise a medicinal virtue, when nature has become too feeble, and life is almost extinguished. Thus a great number of sick persons die because they put off receiving the sacraments

Starting point is 12:27:35 until they are at their last extremity, while it is not unusual to see those entirely recover who hastened to receive them. St. Alphonseus speaks of a sick man, who delayed to receive extra munction until it was almost too late, for he died shortly afterwards. Now God, made known by way of revelation, says the Holy Doctor, that if he had received that sacrament earlier, he would have been restored to health. However, the most precious effect of the last sacraments is that which it produces upon the soul. They purify it from the remains of sin, and take away, or at least diminish, its debt of temporal punishment.

Starting point is 12:28:23 They strengthen it to bear suffering in a holy manner. They fill it with confidence in God, and assist it to accept death from his hands, in union with that of Jesus Christ. End of Section 104, recording by John Brandon. Section 105 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J. This Librevox recording is in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon Part 2, Chapter 64, means to avoid purgatory.

Starting point is 12:29:05 Confidence in God. St. Francis de Sales. St. Philip Neri and Sister Scholastica. The fifth means for obtaining favor before the tribunal of God is to have great confidence in his mercy. In thee, O Lord, have I hoped. Let me never be confounded. says the prophet. Surely, he who said to the good thief,

Starting point is 12:29:33 This day thou shalt be with me in paradise. Well merits that we should have an unbounded confidence in him. St. Francis de Sales avowed that if he considered his misery only, he deserved hell. But full of humble confidence in the mercy of God and in the merits of Jesus Christ, he firmly hoped to share the happiness of the elect. And what would our Lord do with his eternal life, said he, if not to give it to us poor little insignificant creatures as we are, who have no hope but in his goodness?

Starting point is 12:30:13 Lest it be God, I have this firm confidence in the depth of my heart that we shall live eternally with God. We shall one day be all united in heaven. take courage we shall soon be there above we must he said again die between two pillows the one of the humble confession that we merit nothing but hell the other of an entire confidence that god and his mercy will give us paradise having one day met a gentleman who was filled with excessive fear of the judgments of god he said to him he who he who was filled with excessive fear of the judgments of god he said to him he who has a true desire to serve God and to avoid sin, must in no wise allow himself to be tormented by the thought of death and judgment. If they are to be feared, it is not with that fear which

Starting point is 12:31:09 dejects and depresses the vigor of the soul, but a fear tempered with confidence and therefore salutary. Hope in God. Who hopes in Him shall never be confounded? We read in the life of St. Philip Neri, that having gone one day to the convent of St. Martha in Rome, one of the religious, named Scholastica, desired to speak to him in private. This lady had been tormented for a long time with a thought of despair, which she had not dared to make known to anyone, but full of confidence in the saint, she resolved to open her heart to him. When she went to him, before she had time to say a word, the man of God said to her with a smile,

Starting point is 12:31:58 You are very wrong, my daughter, to believe that you are destined for eternal flames. Paradise belongs to you. I cannot believe it, Father, she replied with a deep sigh. You do not believe it? That is folly on your part, you will see. Tell me, Scalastiga, for whom did Jesus? die. He died for sinners. And now tell me, are you a saint? Alas, replied she weeping, I am a great sinner. Therefore Jesus died for you, and most assuredly it was to open heaven for you.

Starting point is 12:32:40 It is thus clear that heaven is yours, for as to your sins, you detest them, I have no doubt. The good religious was touched by these words. Light entered her soul. The temptation vanished. And from that moment these sweet words, Paradise is yours, filled her with confidence and joy. End of Section 105, recording by John Brandon. Section 106 of Purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup S.J.

Starting point is 12:33:21 This Librevox recording is a in the public domain. Recording by John Brandon. Part 2, Chapter 65. Means to avoid purgatory. Holy Acceptation of Death. Father Aquitonus. St. Alphonsus Ligori.

Starting point is 12:33:42 Venerable Francis of Pampluna and the person who was not resigned to die. Father Vincent Carrafa and the condemned man. Sister Mary of St. Joseph and Mother Isabella St. John of the Cross Sweetness of the death of the saints The sixth means to avoid purgatory is the humble and submissive acceptation of death

Starting point is 12:34:09 in expiation of our sins. It is a generous act by which we make a sacrifice of our life to God, in union with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross. Do you desire an example of this holy resignation of life into the hands of the Creator? On December 2, 1638, there died at Brissick on the right bank of the Rhine, Father George Aquitonus of the Society of Jesus. Twice he had devoted his life to the service of the plague-stricken.

Starting point is 12:34:43 It happened that on two different occasions the pest raged with such fury that it was almost impossible to approach the sick, without being attacked by the contagion. Everyone fled and abandoned the dying to their unhappy fate, but Father Aquitonus, placing his life in the hands of God, made himself the servant and the apostle of the sick. He employed himself exclusively in relieving their sufferings and in administering to them the sacraments.

Starting point is 12:35:15 God preserved him during the first visitation of the pest, but when it again broke out with renewed, violence, and the man of God was called upon for the second time to devote himself to the care of the sick, God this time accepted his sacrifice. When, a victim of his charity, he lay extended upon his bed of death. He was asked if he willingly made the sacrifice of his life to God. Oh, he replied, full of joy, if I had a million lives to offer to him, he knows how readily I would give them to him. Such an act that is easy to understand is very meritorious in the sight of God. Does it not resemble that supreme act of charity, accomplished by the martyrs who died for Jesus Christ,

Starting point is 12:36:04 and which, like baptism, effaces all sin and cancels all debts? Greater love than this, says our Lord, no man hath that a man lay down his life for his friend. To make this act in time of sickness, it is useful not to say necessary that the patient should understand his condition and know that his end is approaching. It is therefore to do him great injury to withhold this knowledge from him through a false delicacy. We must, says St. Alphonseus, prudently impart to the sick person the knowledge of his danger. If the patient endeavors to deceive himself with illusions, if instead of resigning himself into the hands of God, he thinks only of his cure, even when he receives all the sacraments, he does himself, a deplorable wrong.

Starting point is 12:37:03 We read in the life of venerable Mother Francis of the Blessed Sacrament, a religious of Pampluna, that a soul was condemned to a long purgatory for not having had a true submission to the divine will upon her deathbed. She was otherwise a very pious young person, but when the icy hand of death came to touch her in the flower of her youth, nature recoiled, and she had not the courage to resign herself into the ever-loving hands of her heavenly father.

Starting point is 12:37:37 She would not die yet. She expired nevertheless, and the venerable Mother Francis, who received frequent visits from the soul, of the departed, learned that this soul had to expiate by long sufferings her want of submission to the decrees of her creator. The life of venerable Father Karafa furnishes us with a more consoling example. Father Vincent Karafa, General of the Society of Jesus, was called to prepare for death a young nobleman who was condemned to be executed, and who,

Starting point is 12:38:16 thought himself condemned to death unjustly. To die in the flower of one's age, when one is rich, happy, and when the future smiles upon us is hard, we must own. Yet a criminal who is prey to remorse of conscience may resign himself to it, and accept it as a chastisement in expiation for his crime. But what shall we say of a person who is innocent? The father had their therefore a difficult task to accomplish. Nevertheless, assisted by grace, he knew so well how to manage this unhappy man. He spoke with such unction of the faults of his past life, and of the necessity of making satisfaction to divine justice. He made him understand so thoroughly how God permitted this temporal chastisement for his good, that he crushed rebellious nature, and completely changed

Starting point is 12:39:16 the sentiments of his heart. The young man looked upon his sentence as an expiation which would obtain for him the pardon of God, mounted the scaffold, not only with resignation, but also with a truly Christian joy. Up to the last moment, even under the acts of the executioner, he blessed God,

Starting point is 12:39:40 and implored his mercy to the great edification of all those who assisted at his, execution. At the moment when his head fell, Father Karafa saw his soul rise triumphantly to heaven. He immediately went to the mother of the young man to console her by relating what he had seen. He was so transported with joy that on returning to his cell, he ceased not to cry aloud, O happy man, O happy man. The family wished to have a great number of masses celebrated for the repose of his soul.

Starting point is 12:40:22 It is superfluous, replied the Father. We must rather thank God and rejoice, for I declare to you that his soul has not even passed through purgatory. Another day whilst engaged in some work, he suddenly stopped. His countenance changed, and he looked towards heaven. Then he was heard to cry out, O happy lot, oh happy lot! And when his companion asked him an explanation of those words, Ah, my dear father, he replied,

Starting point is 12:41:00 It was the soul of that condemned man, which appeared to me in glory. Oh, how profitable to him has been his resignation. Sister Mary of St. Joseph, one of the four first Carmelites, who embraced the reform of St. Teresa, was a religious of great virtue. The end of her career approached, and our Lord wishing that his spouse should be received into heaven in triumph on breathing her last sigh, purified and adorned her soul by the sufferings which marked the end of her life. During the four last days which she spent upon earth,

Starting point is 12:41:39 she lost her speech and the use of her senses. She was a prayer. of frightful agony, and the religious were heartbroken to see her in that state. Mother Isabella of St. Dominic, prioress of the convent, approached the sick religious and suggested to her to make many acts of resignation, and total abandonment of herself into the hands of God. Sister Mary of St. Joseph heard her, and made these acts interiorly, but without being able to give any exterior sign thereof. She died in these holy dispositions, and on the very day of her death,

Starting point is 12:42:24 whilst Mother Isabella was hearing Mass and praying for the repose of her soul, our Lord showed her the soul of his faithful spouse, crowned in glory, and said, She is of the number of those who follow the Lamb. Sister Mary of St. Joseph on her part thanked Mother Isabella for all the good she had procured for her at the hour of death. She added that the acts of resignation, which she had suggested to her, had merited for her, great glory in paradise, and had exempted her from the pains of purgatory. What happiness to quit this miserable life, to enter the only true and blessed one!

Starting point is 12:43:08 We all may enjoy this happiness if we employ the means which Jesus Christ has given us for making satisfaction in this world, and for preparing our souls perfectly to appear in his presence. The soul thus prepared is filled in her last hour with the sweetest confidence. She has, as it were, a foretaste of heaven, the experiences which St. John of the Cross has read on the death of a saint in his living flame of love. Perfect love of God, he says, renders death agreeable, making the soul taste the greatest sweetness therein. The soul that loves is inundated with a torrent of delights

Starting point is 12:43:56 at the approach of that moment when she is about to enjoy the full possession of her beloved. On the point of being delivered from this prison of the body, she seems already to contemplate the glories of paradise, and all within her is transformed into love. End of Section 106. End of purgatory by Reverend F.X. Shoup, S.J.

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