March 6, 2024 (Edward J. Barr) – In earlier articles we explored the dangers that the demonic world poses to God’s children. In our current series on God’s holy army, we examined the roles of Mary, the angels, and the saints. We now explore the impact the Church Suffering can have on our spiritual journey, the life of the church, and the world.
Church teaching is clear that once we die and have our personal judgement by the Lord our fate is sealed – heaven, hell, or purgatory. For those in purgatory, otherwise known as the Church Suffering, they can do nothing to change their eternal destination. The good news is it will be heaven. However, they have not reached the beatific vision yet. We can help. This is why the Church Militant must pray for the Church Suffering, because the poor souls can no longer help themselves. But does it follow that the souls in purgatory can pray for those of us still on earth?”
The Church has not ruled definitively on whether souls in purgatory can pray for souls in the Church Militant. This is a matter of theological speculation and many of the powerhouses of the faith have weighed in on the issue. St. Thomas Aquinas believed that souls in purgatory “are not in a condition to pray” for those on earth. However, other theologians believe it is possible. St. Robert Bellarmine thought the souls in purgatory were more than capable of praying for us. He reasoned that as they are closer to God and although they are not aware of our circumstances (as may be the Church Triumphant), they may pray for us here on earth. St. Alphonsus Liguori also believed souls in purgatory can intercede for members of the Church Militant.
Pope Pius IX thought that the souls in purgatory had interceded for him to improve his memory. St. Padre Pio is probably the most known saint of recent times who has advocated for souls in purgatory praying for souls still in the world. His theological opinion has some similarities to others, such as St. Robert Bellarmine, in that he believes that God in His goodness can make our prayers known to the Church Suffering, and that they in charity can pray for us.
Another consideration comes from St. Paul. He writes, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39) This unity in Christ is best expressed by Catholic teaching on the Communion of Saints. The Catholic Encyclopedia states that “The communion of saints is the spiritual solidarity which binds together the faithful on earth, the souls in purgatory, and the saints in heaven in the organic unity of the same mystical body under Christ its head, and in a constant interchange of supernatural offices.”
If the Churches Triumphant, Suffering, and Militant are all part of the body of Christ they cannot be separated. Love of each other in a necessary part of the mutual exchange of gifts between members of His body. The Church teaches that souls from the Church Triumphant can and do intercede for those of us on earth. Souls in the Church Suffering are guaranteed the beatific vision and in some way are ‘closer’ to heaven that we are on earth. Their salvation is guaranteed; ours is not. That God would allow intercession for us from those who are destined for heaven yet are still on their journey makes some sense. Yet it is theological speculation.
The purgatory museum in Rome offers some evidence that souls from the Church Suffering can reach out to us. It is a highly recommended though seldom visited destination. While this collection focuses more on Church Suffering to Church Militant communications, it does confirm that God allows interaction between the two communities. Another good resource that promotes devotion to the Holy Souls and also contains vignettes on devout interaction is “Day by Day for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.” It is a simple reminder not to forget the “forgotten church.” To those who remember them, it is a pius thought that they will remember us.
Edward J Barr, Esq. is a Catechist and public speaker based in Florida. He earned a Master of Theology degree from the Augustine Institute. His first novel, The Gray Apostle: Mission of the Messiah is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores. The second in the series, The Gray Apostle: Roman Justice, will be released at the end of Lent, 2024. Mr. Barr is a contributing writer for the Roma Locuta Est blog (www.RomaLocutaEst.com)
Roma Locuta Est 