The following incident is related in the life of St. Lidwina. It regards a person whom she saw in Purgatory, suffering for mortal sins that he did not make enough reparation for during his life.

This man had been very impure for a long time. But finally, he had the happiness of being converted. He confessed his sins with great contrition, but then died before having time to do penance and make reparation for his numerous sins.

Now Lidwina had known him well. She prayed for him very much. Twelve years after his death she still continued to pray. Then one day, in one of her ecstasies, she was taken into Purgatory by her Guardian Angel. Once there, she heard a mournful voice coming from a deep pit. Her Angel explained.

"It is the soul of that man that you have prayed for with so much fervor and perseverance."

The Saint was astonished to find him so deep in Purgatory twelve years after his death. The Angel saw the great impression that this sight made on her. So, her good guardian asked if she was willing to suffer something for the poor soul’s deliverance.

"With all my heart!" was the earnest reply.

From that moment St. Lidwina suffered new pains and frightful torments - so intense that they seemed more than a human being could survive enduring. Nevertheless, by God’s grace, she bore them with courage. Sustained by a charity stronger than death, she persevered in suffering for that soul until it pleased God to send her relief.

Later, out of nowhere, St. Lidwina suddenly breathed as one restored to a new life. And at the same time, she saw that soul for which she had suffered so much come forth from Purgatory. This happy soul, as white as snow, gratefully took his flight to Heaven before her very eyes.