Purgatory- Cleansing before the Beatific Vision

A big issue in today's society is what happens after we die. In the Catholic Faith, we believe that we either go to Heaven, due to our good actions on earth, or Hell, if we commit bad actions on earth. However, there is a third place that is less-discussed in Christian Literature. This place is called Purgatory- a place where one is to be cleansed before entering Heaven and experiencing God.

An artistic conception of Purgatory 

Why we need Purgatory

Purgatory is necessary in order to truly experience God. We know God is infinite and the ultimate sign of Love, so in order for us to be worthy to be in His presence, we must be cleansed. This "cleansing" is known in the place of Purgatory.

Catholic Church Teachings

Many Ecumenical Councils, including the Council of Trent, have discussed the issue of Purgatory. The Council of Trent in 1551 set a definitive teaching on Purgatory, explaining,

"To understand this doctrine and practice of the Church, it is necessary to understand that sin has a double consequence. Grave sin deprives us of communion with God and therefore makes us incapable of eternal life, the privation of which is called the 'eternal punishment' of sin. On the other hand every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified either here on earth, or after death in the state called Purgatory. This purification frees one from what is called the 'temporal punishment' of sin. These two punishments must not be conceived of as a kind of vengeance inflicted by God from without, but as following from the very nature of sin. A conversion which proceeds from a fervent charity can attain the complete purification of the sinner in such a way that no punishment would remain. [Cf. Council of Trent (1551): DS 1712-1713; (1563): 1820.]"

Essentially, the purification of Purgatory frees the human from the temporal punishment of sin. When this punishment of sin is alleviated, our connection with God is restored, and we are able to enter into Heaven. Think of this as a shower with good consequences.

-atohme