On October 13, 1849, in the parish of Ardoye, Flanders, Eugenie Van de Kerckove died at the age of fifty-two. She was a pious and charitable woman, married to a farmer named John Wybo. Although she was not wealthy, she gave alms as generously as she reasonably could. She also had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin, which lasted to the end of her days. Every Friday and Saturday, Eugenie had abstained from meat in honor of Our Lady.

Eugenie, however, did have some faults, and did not always fulfill all her duties to the members of her household. For the most part, though, she led a very edifying life before she died.

In her last sickness, Eugenie was assisted by a good servant named Barbara Vennecke, who was twenty-eight years old. Barbara was a virtuous and devoted girl. After her mistress died, she continued to serve her master, John Wybo, who was now a widower.

About three weeks after Eugenie’s death, the deceased woman appeared to her servant in the following way.

It was in the middle of the night; Barbara was sleeping soundly, when she distinctly heard someone call her by name three times. Very much startled, she awoke.

There, sitting on the edge of Barbara’s bed, was her mistress Eugenie! She was wearing working clothes - which consisted of a skirt and short jacket.

Naturally, Barbara was astonished at this sight. But strange to say, she was not frightened at all.

Then the apparition spoke to her - but simply said the same word again: "Barbara".

"What do you desire, Eugenie?" replied the servant.

The deceased mistress answered.

"Take the little rake which I often told you to put away. Stir the heap of sand in the little room - you know which one I’m referring to. There you will find a sum of money; use it to have Masses said, two francs for each, for my intention - for I am still suffering."

Barbara now understood why her mistress had come to her. Eugenie had gone to Purgatory and was still there, suffering for her sins. To be freed from this suffering, Eugenie needed Barbara to make reparation for her.

"I will do so, Eugenie." replied Barbara.

At that moment the apparition vanished.

The servant, still quite calm, fell asleep again, and slept quietly until morning.

When she woke up, Barbara thought it was all a dream. But the event had made such a deep impression on her - and Barbara knew that she was wide awake when it happened. She had seen her old mistress in a form so distinct, so full of life, and she had received from Eugenie’s lips such exact directions - that Barbara could not help saying to herself:

"This is not how we dream. I saw my mistress in person: She showed herself before my eyes and spoke to me. It is no dream, but a reality."

So she went and took the rake as directed. Using the rake, she stirred the sand. There she found a purse which contained five hundred francs.

The apparition and the hidden purse were such strange and extraordinary events that Barbara knew she needed to get advice before doing anything else. So she went to her pastor, the parish priest. She very simply told him the whole story.

The priest replied that the Masses must be celebrated as the soul from Purgatory had requested. But to spend the money, they would need the permission of the deceased Eugenie’s husband.

John Wybo was most willing to let the money be used for so holy a purpose.

So the Masses were celebrated, and the clergy were given two francs for each Mass.

Now in those days, the fee for a Mass - as ordered by the diocesan tariff - was about a franc and a half. But many people in that part of the land had been reduced to poverty, and the clergy had to do what they could to help the poor.

So Eugenie, while she was still alive, would always give the priests two francs when she had a Mass said. She had made this her generous practice during her life on earth - it was not surprising that she kept it up in the other life.

Two months after the first apparition, Barbara was again awakened during the night. This time her chamber was filled with a bright light, and her mistress was there again. She was dressed in a robe of dazzling whiteness. Although she had died at the age of fifty-two, Eugenie now looked much younger and very beautiful.

But the loveliest thing Barbara saw was the beaming smile on Eugenie’s face.

"Barbara," she said, in a clear and distinct voice, "I thank you. I am delivered."

Saying these words, Eugenie disappeared, and the chamber became dark as before. The servant, amazed at what she had seen, was filled with joy. Her dear mistress was freed of the pains of Purgatory, and enjoying the wonders of Heaven forever! The consoling memory of this apparition stayed with the devoted servant for the rest of her life.