Question: I’ve been reading about apparitions where Our Lady revealed to the children in Fátima and to Sister Mariana in Quito, Ecuador, that some souls spend the rest of time in purgatory, some bishops and religious for 80 to 100 years! Wouldn’t these religious have heard of plenary indulgences? It makes me depressed to think how long I could spend in purgatory — God willing I make it!
— E. Rossman, via email
Answer: Of purgatory, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned” (Nos. 1030-31)
There are, however, significant mysteries pertaining to purgatory that merit a caution on our part. While it is true that numerous saints have had visions or ideas of purgatory, their visions are not at the level of dogma. That purgatory exists and that it is a place of purifications are indeed dogmas of the Church. But time or the exact manner of the purification is not fully known. Does time exist in purgatory? If so, how does it relate to time here on earth? Is 80 to 100 years the same as here? It is not certain. Further, is purgatory a fiery place of great suffering, or is the purification more gentle?
Both images seem to be rooted in Scripture. St. Paul says of the purification after death: “The work of each will come to light, for the Day will disclose it. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire [itself] will test the quality of each one’s work. … But if someone’s work is burned up, that one will suffer loss; the person will be saved, but only as through fire” (1 Cor 3:13, 15). So here is a fiery image. However, the Book of Revelation says, regarding the dead that “[Jesus] will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Rv 21:4). Hence it would seem that there is some release of sorrows also after death. So purgatory includes both suffering and healing.
It has always been the duty of the Church on earth to pray for the souls in purgatory, and this is due to the belief that there is some degree of suffering. Purification and the letting go of earthly sorrows surely involves suffering. Hence, we are directed to pray for their quick purification and admittance into the fullness of heavenly glory.
As for plenary indulgences, this refers to a complete purification of all sin’s effects and sorrows, and we can apply them to the souls in purgatory. But a full indulgence is not easy to obtain since one must be free of all attachment to sin. Rare indeed is such a holy soul here on earth. Thus, the remarks of Our Lady and other saints as to the lengthy purification of some souls can be seen as likely. Our prayers for them can lessen their time there even if we cannot easily gain a plenary indulgence on their behalf. Sadly today, many make light of their obligation to pray for the faithful departed. Too rarely are the words uttered: “May all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”
Halloween
Question: Can Catholics celebrate Halloween? Certainly there is no harm in children (and even adults) dressing up in creative costumes and joyfully receiving candy and other treats.
— Michael W., Altandena, California
Yes, Halloween is originally our feast. “Halloween” means “the een of all hallows” or the Evening before All Saints. Sadly, it has degraded into a ghoulish display of scary, satanic and sinful images, along with a lot of drinking and bad behavior. To be preferred is dressing as saints and recalling their memory.
Saints and angels
Question: How can St. Michael be both an angel and a saint? Isn’t an angel a spirit and a saint a deceased human?
— Patricia Clark, via email
Answer: No, the word applies to both angels and human beings. The term “saint” in English is from the Latin sanctus, which means “holy.” Hence, the angels that we do know by name — Michael, Raphael and Gabriel — do merit the title “saint.” So, “St. Michael” is another way of saying “Holy Michael,” just as saying “St. Margaret” is another way of saying “Holy Margaret.”
Msgr. Charles Pope is the pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian in Washington, D.C., and writes for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. at blog.adw.org. Send questions to msgrpope@osv.com.
