Purgatory

Description

Is Purgatory almost like Hell? Or is it a place of peace and even joy? The famous Fr. Faber explains both of these classic Catholic views, basing his discussion on Catholic teaching and the revelations of saintly souls, especially St. Catherine of Genoa, in her Treatise on Purgatory.

Father Faber discusses whether it is better to pray for the conversion of sinners or to pray for the Souls in Purgatory. He discusses how praying for the poor souls shows our love of Jesus and why it is so effective for the souls who receive the benefits of our prayers. Father Faber discusses how the Poor Souls tenderly love God and are loved by Him, how they yearn for unity with God and for purification. He describes the suffering of the Poor Souls: their pain of loss, their pain of sense, and their helplessness, along with the consolations that God gives them in His mercy: the joy of knowing they are destined for the Beatific Vision, hope in the grace of Jesus, and the help of the angels as well as of our own prayers for them.

Praying for these souls also benefits us as well. Discover how praying for the Poor Souls increases our fear of offending God, increases the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, and other beautiful effects this work of mercy has on us.

Father Faber also discusses other elements of the Four Last Things, such as how the fear of Hell helps to save souls.

Find More Resources on the Four Last Things on This Resource Page

Fr. Frederick William Faber was one of the greatest Catholic writers in the English language of the 19th century. Initially an Anglican priest, he found his way into the Catholic Church through the preaching of St. John Henry Newman and the Oxford Movement, eventually being ordained as an Oratorian priest. His works are numerous, and each satisfies a different part of the soul’s need for knowledge and strengthening in the Catholic religion.

In Purgatory: The Two Catholic Views of Purgatory Based on Catholic Teaching and Revelations of Saintly Souls, Fr. Faber is at it again explaining Catholic doctrine in a clear and engaging manner rare in modern times. Considering the different views Catholics have had about Purgatory over the ages, Fr. Faber asks: What is Purgatory like? Is it almost like Hell? Or is it a place of relative peace and even joy? Emphasizing that Catholicism has no definitive answer for such mysteries, Fr. Faber explores the traditions about this place of God’s Mercy that nevertheless involves pain. He bases his discussion on teachings and revelations from saintly souls, including St. Catherine of Genoa’s well-known Treatise on Purgatory (available from TAN in The Spiritual Doctrine of St. Catherine of Genoa).

As always, Fr. Faber’s prowess as a writer and teacher of the Catholic Faith shines admirably. His work is thorough, concise, and, as ever, deeply moving on account of the holiness of his own soul and the beauty of the words that spring from it.