THE SUFFERINGS OF PURGATORY
The sufferings of Purgatory are twofold: the pain of loss, and the torture of the senses; both in proportion to temporal punishment unremitted. Having committed sin, the soul has turned away from God, thus increasing the pain of loss, or, according to our ideas, God departs from that soul and deprives her of His beatific vision. By sin, the soul has been attached to creatures, making improper use of them, displeasing to God, hence the severe punishment, consisting in the pain of the senses. God permits that those who have abandoned their Creator, and bestowed their affections upon creatures, are chastised by the same, for we read in the Book of Wisdom: "By what things a man sinneth, by the same also is he tormented.”(Wis. xi. 17.)
God has not revealed, nor has the Church ever taught in what manner or to what extent the souls in Purgatory suffer, but it is the opinion of the holy Fathers and Doctors of the Church that, what St. Paul writes to the Corinthians, (i, iii. 15) "But he himself shall be saved: yet so as by fire," must be taken in a literal sense, which is accepted also by St. Thomas Aquinas.
Prayer : O Lord, by Thine infinite love and clemency, graciously grant to the suffering souls in Purgatory remittance of their punishment. Receive them into Thy eternal glory, that blessed by Thy beatific vision, they may praise and adore Thee for ever and ever. Amen.
Special Intercession : Pray for the souls of those who have suffered for the longest time in Purgatory.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen.
(Three times)
Practice : Do not let human respect prevent you from performing a duty.
Invocation : My Jesus, mercy!
