What Is Purgatory?
Most Popular
•
3m 13s
When we die in God’s friendship but with a heart not yet perfected, we need further purification before entering the holiness of God’s presence. This final purification is called purgatory.
Purgatory is purification—purgation—after death before we can see God face-to-face. If we cooperate with his grace, God will transform and sanctify us during our lives. If, however, we die in a state of grace, but not yet pure or holy enough to enter the full presence of God in heaven, we receive the purification we need to enter the heavenly banquet in purgatory.
“We believe that God—by grace—transforms us through his Son Jesus Christ to be able to be with him and live with him forever.”
The consuming fire of God’s love in purgatory consumes any residue of inordinate self-love or unrepented venial sin. Like heaven and hell, purgatory exists outside of time. It is not a waiting period to see if we “make it” to heaven; souls in purgatory are bound for heaven and the joys of union with God forever.
Up Next in Most Popular
-
What is the Difference Between Pallia...
Palliative care is comfort care that can be implemented with or without an end goal of being cured. Hospice is concerned with keeping patients comfortable after they decide to cease aggressive, curative treatment.
Although many people—even medical professionals—may use the terms interchangeably,...
-
Benedict XVI: A Love Affair with the ...
A compelling inside look at the life and times of Joseph Ratzinger and the challenging pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI. This biographical documentary covers his childhood, his rise within the Catholic Church, and the first few years of his papacy as the Vicar of Christ.
It contains unique foo... -
Ars Moriendi (The Art of Dying) | The...
How do we die well? Dr. Joseph Meaney, president of the National Catholic Bioethics Center, aims to answer this question in his book Ars Moriendi (The Art of Dying). Dr. Meaney joins the Augustine Institute Show with Dr. Tim Gray to discuss death, bioethics, and end of life issues.
