True Stories of Purgatory

St. Lidwina (1380-1433) was a mystic who, during her life, suffered many painful illnesses. She was also granted many extraordinary graces and privileges of being able to see many things of the spiritual world. Among other things, God chose to show this Saint Purgatory itself. She knew well, then, the measure of God’s Justice and the terrifying severity of the suffering necessary to atone for sin. Nevertheless this same Saint was animated with a spirit of confidence in God’s Love and Mercy, and tried to inspire others with the same confidence.

St. Lidwina was visited by many people, and on one occasion a certain pious priest, as well as some other virtuous persons, were sitting at her bedside visiting with each other. At a certain point, the conversation turned to the sufferings of Purgatory and hell. The priest remarked that he trembled when thinking of the fire of Purgatory. Seeing in the hands of a woman a vase filled with mustard-seeds, the priest pointed at it and said, "Nevertheless, I would be happy to go there for as many years as there are grains of seed in this vase," indicating the mustard-seeds, "because then, at least, I could be certain of my salvation."

"What are you saying, Father?" responded the Saint, joining in. "Why so little confidence in the Mercy of God? Ah!" she gravely shook her head, "if you had a better knowledge of what Purgatory is…of what frightful torments are there endured, you would not say that!"

"Let Purgatory be what it may," he replied, "I persist in what I say."

It was some time after when this priest died. Some of the people who had been present during his conversation with St. Lidwina, questioned her as to his condition in the other world. She told them that he was well off because of his virtuous life. But she added that it would have been better for him if he had had more confidence in the Passion of Jesus Christ, and if he had not taken so hopeless a view on Purgatory.

The Saint knew well the incredible pains of that holy prison, but she also understood the great Mercy and Love of God Who desires the salvation and happiness of all. It is because of this Divine Goodness that the flames of Purgatory exist - to give imperfect souls a second chance to be purified. Then, and only then, will they be able to enter, much less enjoy, the glory of Heaven. St. Lidwina, when speaking of the priest’s attitude, believed that the Justice of Purgatory should fill us with a holy fear - but not a paralyzing one. Rather, it should motivate us to have a humble confidence in the Mercy of God and to fervently invoke it for ourselves and for others - especially those in most need of His Mercy.


	"Have Confidence!"
	St. Lidwina (1380-1433) was a mystic who, during her life, suffered many painful illnesses. She was also granted many extraordinary graces and privileges of being able to see many things of the spiritual world. Among other things, God chose to show this Saint Purgatory itself. She knew well, then, the measure of God’s Justice and the terrifying severity of the suffering necessary to atone for sin. Nevertheless this same Saint was animated with a spirit of confidence in God’s Love and Mercy, and tried to inspire others with the same confidence. St. Lidwina was visited by many people, and on one occasion a certain pious priest, as well as some other virtuous persons, were sitting at her bedside visiting with each other. At a certain point, the conversation turned to the sufferings of Purgatory and hell. The priest remarked that he trembled when thinking of the fire of Purgatory. Seeing in the hands of a woman a vase filled with mustard-seeds, the priest pointed at it and said, "Nevertheless, I would be happy to go there for as many years as there are grains of seed in this vase," indicating the mustard-seeds, "because then, at least, I could be certain of my salvation." "What are you saying, Father?" responded the Saint, joining in. "Why so little confidence in the Mercy of God? Ah!" she gravely shook her head, "if you had a better knowledge of what Purgatory is…of what frightful torments are there endured, you would not say that!" "Let Purgatory be what it may," he replied, "I persist in what I say." It was some time after when this priest died. Some of the people who had been present during his conversation with St. Lidwina, questioned her as to his condition in the other world. She told them that he was well off because of his virtuous life. But she added that it would have been better for him if he had had more confidence in the Passion of Jesus Christ, and if he had not taken so hopeless a view on Purgatory. The Saint knew well the incredible pains of that holy prison, but she also understood the great Mercy and Love of God Who desires the salvation and happiness of all. It is because of this Divine Goodness that the flames of Purgatory exist - to give imperfect souls a second chance to be purified. Then, and only then, will they be able to enter, much less enjoy, the glory of Heaven. St. Lidwina, when speaking of the priest’s attitude, believed that the Justice of Purgatory should fill us with a holy fear - but not a paralyzing one. Rather, it should motivate us to have a humble confidence in the Mercy of God and to fervently invoke it for ourselves and for others - especially those in most need of His Mercy.