Purgatorian Archconfraternity
In Honour of the Most Holy Redeemer on Golgotha
For the Relief of the Poor Souls in Purgatory

St Mary Magdalene de Pazzi

Caterina de Pazzi, born on 4 April, 1566, after an exceptionally devout childhood, entered the Florentine Carmel of St Mary of the Angels in 1582. She endured the most austere penances — almost perpetual bread & water fast, barefoot through winter, no more than five hours sleep and frightful combats with Satan — whilst being graced by Almighty God with the most astonishing and regular miracles, healings, prophecies, visions and ecstasies. This year marks the 400th anniversary of her death. (On 26 May)

She was permitted many visions of souls in the next life. Her own mother, who passed way in 1590, appeared to her as she travelled from Purgatory to Paradise, encircled by glory and accompanied by her patron saints. Her mother instructed her to be particularly attentive to humility, obedience, and prudence before continuing her flight.

Two criminals were being lead to execution near the convent and the saint revealed that one of them who accepted death in penance and satisfaction for his sins, conforming himself to the Divine Will, would go instantly to Paradise, and that the other, who did not die in such perfect dispositions would, for a short time, remain in Purgatory. Later, witnesses declared that that they had indeed died in good dispositions but one better than the other.

These facts are a reminder to us all that the Purgatorian Archconfraternity is an excellent way to help our own soul and the souls of our loved ones after death. †