I love the idea of Purgatory, and, in fact, it was one of the great reasons I left my Lutheran faith for Catholicism. I have always said that Catholicism is a great faith for sinners, because there are so many ways to turn yourself around through it. Purgatory being the final one, of course. Not all Purgatory is like Hell, especially if your soul is just a little mussed up. And even in the worst level of Purgatory, you know that you are eventually going to Heaven, so you have that reassurance no matter how painful it is to get there. I have read that when you pray for a soul in Purgatory, their soul during that time period is quenched. I oftentimes offer up prayers for my mother who recently passed away, and explained to my daughter that Grandma Murph is being relieved with a glass of water (she hated the heat!) every time I pray, and my daughter said that with all my prayers, she surely must have gallons of water in reserve by now. Hopefully, that is true. All Souls Day is right around the corner. Pray for a holy soul today!
The Catholic Church has often been likened to a "hospital for sinners", where they may meet Jesus in the Sacrament of Confession and receive reconciliation for their sins.
Dear militant2 - you don't explain what drew you away from your faith but I would encourage you to visit this site and explore the answers to some of your misconceptions.
Thanks. I don’t exactly know why, but your post comforts me. Bless you and your precious daughter!
Militant