THIRD DAY. --THE DOCTRINE OF PURGATORY.
The destiny awaiting us at death is not the same for all men: "He will render to all men according to his works." (Matth. xvi. 27.) Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory are the three places into which the souls of the departed are received. Heaven is the happy destination of perfectly pure and holy souls only; Hell the final doom of the reprobate; Purgatory, temporary for the just, who are as not yet entirely purified. There God completes the punishment due to their faults, which were not sufficiently atoned for on earth; there He submits these holy souls to the last purgation, to cleanse them from the least stain, and, by fire, bring them to that degree of perfected purity, which is necessary for them before being admitted to eternal bliss.
Hence there are two classes of souls in Purgatory:
1.Those who depart this life, stained by venial sins and imperfections.
2.Those who have repented sincerely of their mortal sins and confessed them, if possible, without having done sufficient penance for them.
Judging from our lives, experience teaches us that most men deserve Purgatory for both causes.
Prayer: Graciously hear, O God, the fervent prayers we offer Thee for the suffering souls in Purgatory, who, not having satisfied Thy divine justice, confide in Thine infinite mercy and our intercessions. Extend onto them Thy consolations, and redeem them, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Special Intercession: Pray for the souls of those who suffer in Purgatory for little faults.
Eternal rest grant onto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them; may they rest in peace. Amen. (Three times)
Practice: Be conscientious and faithful in the performance of the little duties, and offer the in convenience for the suffering souls.
