What is a purgatory state?

Purgatory is a state or place in Roman Catholic theology where souls, who died in God's grace but aren't perfectly pure, undergo final purification to achieve the holiness needed for heaven, cleansing them of remaining sins through temporary suffering or spiritual cleansing before entering God's presence. It's seen as a temporary, hopeful condition of purification, not eternal damnation like hell, where prayers from the living can help the dead.

What does being in a state of purgatory mean?

Purgatory (Latin: purgatorium, borrowed into English via Anglo-Norman and Old French) is a belief in Catholic theology. It is a passing intermediate state after physical death for purifying or purging a soul before entering Heaven. A common analogy is dross being removed from gold in a furnace.

Is purgatory a state?

Purgatory is a place, state, or stage in the Christian afterlife where, after death, the soul is purged of minor, unexpiated sin so that it can be fit for heaven. 'Purgatory' derives from the Latin purgare (to purge) and hence as the noun purgatorium it is a place of purgation and purification.

What are the 7 stages of purgatory?

The "7 stages of Purgatory" typically refer to the seven terraces in Dante Alighieri's Purgatorio, where souls are cleansed of the seven deadly sins in ascending order: Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Avarice/Greed, Gluttony, and Lust, culminating in the Earthly Paradise at the summit. Each terrace features unique punishments designed to teach virtues opposite to the sins, like the Proud carrying stones to learn humility.
 

What happens to a person in purgatory?

In Catholic teaching, Purgatory is a temporary state of final purification for souls who die in God's grace but aren't perfectly holy, allowing them to achieve the sanctity needed for heaven by cleansing remaining attachments to sin, often described as a painful but joyful process of suffering and purification through "fire" and longing for God, distinct from hell. Souls there experience temporal suffering, a pain of sense (like fire), and the pain of loss (separation from God), but are guaranteed eventual entry into heaven.
 

What You Should Know About Purgatory

How many days does a soul stay after death?

The time a soul stays after death varies greatly by belief, with traditions like Judaism suggesting 3-7 days (Shiva) for mourning and wandering, while Eastern Orthodox Christianity and some Islamic beliefs mention a significant 40-day journey for trials before the final destination. Some modern interpretations suggest spirits linger longer, potentially for weeks or months, due to attachment or unfinished business, while other Christian views hold that a believer's soul goes immediately to be with God. 

Can souls in purgatory hear us?

The general consensus seems to be that while the souls in purgatory are not normally aware of our prayers, it is still possible that God at times reveals to them our prayers and accepts their prayers on our behalf.

How long is one day in purgatory?

There is no time in purgatory as we know time. Purgatory is a state of purification rather than a place, as Pope Benedict pointed out in his encyclical Spe Salvi.

Who gets stuck in purgatory?

People who get "stuck" in Purgatory are those who die in God's grace but are not yet perfectly holy, needing a final purification to achieve the holiness required for Heaven, removing attachments to sin and making them ready for God's presence. It's a temporary state, not permanent damnation, for repentant souls who will eventually reach Heaven, though popular belief sometimes envisions it as a place, while doctrine sees it more as a process. 

How long do you suffer in purgatory?

In Catholic teaching, the time spent in purgatory varies greatly for each soul, depending on their level of attachment to sin, not the severity of the sin itself, and isn't measured in earthly years because it's outside of time; it could be moments or centuries, but prayers and indulgences from the living can shorten this purification process, making it feel like a shorter but intense cleansing fire before entering Heaven. 

Why do Christians not believe in purgatory?

The first reason for our opposition is its lack of biblical support. The second reason is that it denies the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone, so central to our faith. According to the Bible, we are saved from our sins by trusting in Jesus Christ as our Savior.

What is the biggest sin in Catholicism?

In Catholicism, there isn't a single "biggest" sin, but Pride (Superbia) is often considered the root or deadliest of the Seven Capital Sins as it's the source of all others, leading to a refusal of God; however, grave sins like willful murder, rape, apostasy (denial of faith), blasphemy, and obstinate refusal of communion are seen as extremely severe offenses against God and neighbor, potentially jeopardizing eternal salvation if unrepented. 

Who controls purgatory?

In Catholic theology, God controls purgatory, viewing it not as a place but as a state of final purification for souls destined for heaven, where they are cleansed of imperfection through God's mercy, with help coming from prayers of the faithful on Earth; however, other beliefs, like in the show Supernatural, depict it as a realm controlled by rogue reapers with portals to Hell, highlighting different, non-theological interpretations. 

Does Jesus say there is purgatory?

Jesus didn't explicitly name "purgatory," but Catholic tradition points to passages like Matthew 5:25-26 and Matthew 12:32 where He speaks of temporary "prisons" or cleansing fires for unforgiven sins, suggesting a state of purification before ultimate judgment, while Protestants often interpret these as metaphors for earthly reconciliation or life's consequences, emphasizing Christ's finished work for salvation. 

What does being in purgatory feel like?

Purgatory is described as an intensely painful but hopeful state of purification, involving the "pain of loss" (separation from God's direct vision) and "pain of sense" (a cleansing fire or spiritual fever) to remove sin, all while experiencing deep love and eager anticipation for the joy of Heaven, making it a mix of profound suffering and intense longing. It feels like being in a spiritual "fire" that burns away imperfections, revealing the true horror of one's sins, but with the certainty of eventual union with God, often compared to a mother's labor pain leading to great joy.
 

How does a person get out of purgatory?

Getting out of Purgatory, in Catholic teaching, involves purification after death, but you can avoid it by living a holy life through sacraments, prayer, and good works, or shorten your time by gaining indulgences and having Masses offered for you by the living, as souls in Purgatory can't help themselves; it's about detaching from sin and growing in love for God. Key methods for the living include frequent confession, receiving Communion, praying for the dead (especially the Divine Mercy Chaplet), and seeking indulgences, which can be applied to oneself or others. 

How to avoid purgatory?

To avoid purgatory, Catholic teaching suggests living a life of holiness through frequent Sacraments (Confession, Eucharist), prayer, penance, and doing God's will with perfect contrition, accepting sufferings, and forgiving others, aiming for a holy death so you're purified in this life and don't need Purgatory for temporal punishment, often by offering small sacrifices and acts of love. 

How long do you pray for someone in purgatory?

Composed by Saint Alphonsus Liguori, the nine days of prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory is a more prolonged way to pray for the deceased. Traditionally, it is prayed in preparation for All Souls Day or in the days following the celebration.

How do you know if someone is in purgatory?

You generally cannot know for certain if a soul is in purgatory, but Catholic tradition suggests prayers help them, and rare private revelations (like visions to saints) or miracles following prayer are sometimes seen as signs, though only the Church's canonization process definitively confirms someone in Heaven, not purgatory status. The most common way for the living to help is by praying for them and offering Masses, as souls in purgatory are being purified for Heaven and are aware of their state. 

How many years is one day in heaven?

If a thousand years on earth is like one day in heaven (which may not be the case—compare the twenty-one angelic days in Daniel 10:13), this still is a comforting thought, particularly regarding our believing loved ones who are waiting to reunite with us.

Will all people in purgatory eventually go to heaven?

But going to purgatory does not mean that a person isn't “saved” — it's quite the opposite, actually. A person in purgatory is one who is ultimately and surely destined for heaven. Jesus' passion, death and resurrection did indeed save us from sin, making heaven possible for us.

What are the 7 levels of purgatory in order?

Dante's version of Purgatory is extraordinarily detailed and, in some key respects, strikingly original. First, he imagines Purgatory as being divided up into seven terraces, each one corresponding to a vice (in the order that Dante sees them: Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Avarice and Prodigality, Gluttony and Lust).

Can our deceased loved ones see us from heaven?

Whether loved ones in heaven can see us is a matter of faith, with different religious and spiritual perspectives; some Christian views suggest they might be "witnesses" cheering us on (Hebrews 12:1) but others believe they are focused on God, while some spiritual beliefs suggest closeness and observation, but the Bible doesn't give a definitive answer, leaving it a personal comfort or question of belief. 

What is the Catholic Miracle prayer that never fails?

Lord Jesus, I come before You, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In Your Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce satan, the evil spirits and all their works.

Why can't you pray for yourself in purgatory?

Souls in purgatory can't pray effectively for themselves because their time for earning merit ended at death, so they rely on the prayers of the living for their purification, though they can still pray for others out of love, a concept rooted in Catholic tradition and theology, emphasizing the communion of saints where the Church on Earth, in Purgatory, and in Heaven help each other.