A certain mother, having lost her only son through death, wept for his loss long and bitterly. Day and night, there was no joy left to her which could raise her from the depths of her sorrow. And yet, while she remained inconsolable in her grief, she neglected to help her deceased son - she didn't pray for him, have Masses said for him, or in any other way seek to obtain his release from Purgatory.

God, in His loving mercy, decided to show this devoted, but worldly, woman a far more useful outlet for her maternal love. One day, He granted her a vision. In this vision she saw a procession of youths, who were clad in white garments, upon which they wore various precious stones, jewels, and the like. These happy youths were joyously directing their steps towards a magnificent church. The woman understood that this vision was a symbol. The church represented Heaven, the white garments represented the virtue of Faith, and the precious ornaments were their various good works.

The bereaved mother anxiously sought for her son amongst this chosen band (for he was in her mind and heart continually). But alas! He was nowhere among them. In fact, it was not until everyone in the procession had passed by and out of view that she beheld her beloved son. But in what a sorry state she found him! His robe was dark and sullied, his footsteps were slow and with difficult.

This sad sight caused her tears to flow anew, and, with a voice broken with sobs, she exclaimed: "Why, O my son, are you so sad, and so different from your companions? Why do you remain so far behind?"

The young man looked at her. Then, in a voice filled with sorrow and weariness he replied, "Mother, you see these mournful and sullied garments. Behold in them what you, by your obstinate grief and tears, have done for me! Your unreasonable sorrow weighs heavily upon me and impedes my release from Purgatory. Please! Cease to abandon yourself to mere natural feelings, mother. If you truly love me, if you truly desire to see me happy, arouse your faith, and aid me by works of faith and charity! Assist me in my pain by prayers and good works, as is done by other mothers - not less affectionate, but more wise and more religious than you. Then I shall be able to join the happy company you have seen, and be admitted into that heavenly bliss, for which I long with all my heart."