From her earliest days the Church has proclaimed the need to pray for the dead (cf. 2 Macc 12:45). The words of Holy Scripture (see also Mat 12:32; 1 Cor 3:10-15) confirm her teaching that purgatory is a state in which souls, having come at the moment of death to know the holiness of God and all those who abide with Him, seek to purify themselves of the imperfections of which they have become so painfully aware. The Church also teaches that we on earth are able to render special assistance to them. Through the Holy Mass, indulgences, prayer, almsgiving, and acts of self-denial we can help our dearly departed to achieve their desire for eternal happiness beside our loving God.
Saint Faustina was an especially powerful intercessor for the poor souls. Mercy shown to those who cannot help themselves is a reflection of the unmerited mercy God extends to us every day. “I saw my Guardian Angel, who ordered me to follow him. In an instant I was in a misty place full of fire in which there was a great crowd of suffering souls. They were praying fervently for themselves, but to no avail; only we can come to their aid. The flames which were consuming them did not touch me at all. My Guardian Angel did not leave me for an instant. I asked these souls what their greatest suffering was. They answered me in one voice that their greatest torment was longing for God. I saw Our Lady visiting the souls in Purgatory. The souls call her ‘The Star of the Sea.’ She brings them refreshment. I wanted to go on talking to them, but my Guardian Angel beckoned me to leave. We went out of that prison of suffering. [I heard an interior voice] which said, ‘My mercy does not want this, but justice demands it.’ Since that time, I am in closer communion with the suffering souls” (Diary, 20).
“When I entered the chapel for a moment, the Lord said to me, ‘My daughter, help Me to save a dying sinner. Say the chaplet that I have taught you for him.’ When I began to say the chaplet, I saw the man dying in the midst of terrible torment and struggle. His Guardian Angel was defending him, but he was, as it were, powerless against the enormity of the soul’s misery. A host of devils was waiting for the soul. But while I was saying the chaplet, I saw Jesus just as He is depicted in the image. The rays which issued from Jesus’ Heart enveloped the sick man, and the powers of darkness fled in panic. The sick man peacefully breathed his last. When I came to myself, I understood how very important the chaplet was for the dying. It appeases the anger of God” (Diary, 1565).
“Today bring to Me the souls who are in the prison of Purgatory, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool their scorching flames. I dearly love all these souls. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. If you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice” (Diary, 1226).
“Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of the purifying fire, that in that place, too, the power of Your mercy may be praised” (Diary, 1227).