purgatory

[kelliehammans]

I have a friend whose mother recently passed away. She asked if her Mom is not in heavan where is she and is she by herself suffering in the same physical state when she left earth? Can you help me explain the Catholic teachings on this?

 

[Derwin_James]

Purgatory is a time of spiritual “purging.” It is the removing of spiritual iniquities (sins) that we have not been forgiven of because we have not sought forgiveness. It is a place of both joy and sorrow, and if I were to guess, pain. But the pain is suffered for a very real goal, much like a woman giving birth suffers for a very clear, definite goal.