Joy in Purgatory

[DiscerningTheTruth]

Is it possible to experience joy while in Purgatory? The only reference I can find in the Catechism is that our prayers can bring consolation to the departed.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

We don’t know. Additionally, Purgatory might be different for different people.

 

[Bluebright]

I don’t know either except to say that there must be some joy in knowing one is destined for heaven. Here we hope for heaven but we don’t know, there they know they are to go to heaven they must just wait and be purified.

 

[JanetF]

Which is why Fr. John Riccardo has said in the past that we should hope we make it to purgatory because we know we’ll eventually make it to Heaven. A light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

 

[Sursumcorda1]

We will have joy since we will see Jesus, but we will not be happy since Jesus brings us the full Truth of our lives on Earth. I am picturing that Catholics Come Home commercial where the individuals walk into the airline hangar and watch the movie of their life and weep over their mistakes.

 

[LovelyLadybug]

We don’t know what it’s like in Purgatory, but the souls there will someday go to heaven. I think that would make them happy.

 

[ListensToTheDead]

They have ice cream there so sure, but at the same time that sensation on how your fate ends up must be nerve wracking.

 

[StudentMI]

Benedict Groeschel had a lot to say about Purgatory. He’s one of my favorite authors. I believe Dante too described it as ultimately hopeful.

In a speech once Groeschel said Purgatory isn’t that bad, “it’s like New Jersey.”