St. Vincent Ferrer had a sister who, sadly, refused to benefit by the words or example of her saintly brother. She pursued sinful pleasures, with no thought of God or her salvation. As hopeless as it looked, Vincent never gave up praying for her conversion. At last, when she was struck by a fatal illness, the dying sinner was moved by a powerful grace, and made her last confession with sincere repentance.

Some days after her death, as Vincent was offering Mass, his sister appeared to him. She was surrounded by flames and suffering horribly.

"Alas! my dear brother," she cried, "I am condemned to undergo these torments until the day of the Last Judgment. Nevertheless, you can assist me. The power of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is so great. Offer for me about thirty Masses, and I may hope the happiest result."

For the next thirty days, the saint offered daily Mass for his deceased sister. On the last day, she appeared to him again. This time, she was surrounded by angels and soaring to Heaven!

Purgatory has always been an incredible proof of both the Justice and Mercy of God. This tragic soul, by her many bad choices, deserved punishment till the end of time. If nothing else took place, justice would have demanded that she remain there the full length of her sentence. Yet God’s Mercy is so generous that, because of the fervent Masses and prayers offered by her brother, her sentence was changed! After just one month, all of her debts were paid and she was freed to Heaven, where she is now gratefully enjoying the company of her generous brother.