Faith and the Suffering Church

Does purgatory exist? Yes. The Church says that it is the state where all those who die in God’s friendship are assured of eternal salvation but who still have need of purification (expiation of sin) before entering heaven (CCCC 210).

That purgatory exists is clear from Holy Scriptures: Judas offered a sacrifice for the dead that they might be pardoned for their sin (2 Mac 12:46); the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead fasted for seven days for Saul and Jonathan after burying them (1 Kings 31:13); Sirach says not to forget the dead (Sir 7:33); Jesus told the Pharisees that there are sins that can not be forgiven either in this age or in the age to come (Mt 12:32); Jesus also speaks of a prison where one stays until the last penny has been paid(Mt 5:26, Luke 12:59); Paul also says that “at the Name of Jesus all knees should bend in heaven, on earth and under the earth” (Phil 2:10).

The souls in purgatory are called the Suffering Church. Though their sufferings are great they can no longer pray for themselves. The Church says that because of the communion of saints, the faithful who are still pilgrims on earth are able to help them by offering prayers in suffrage for them, especially the Eucharistic sacrifice. They also help them by almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance.
All Souls Day is a time when the Militant Church commemorates the faithful departed. We are then to spend the day in prayer and offer Masses for them so as to mitigate their sufferings and hasten the time of their deliverance.

May we remember to pray for the poor souls in purgatory not only once a year but for as long as we live.