Purgatory

Catholic dogma says purgatory is a place of detention where the prayers of the living are beneficial for the souls therein. We can not know which souls are in need of our prayers or whether the souls we pray for are in purgatory or not. God  liberates the souls we would liberate, and leaves bound those we forget. 

We can share our merits gained by attending Mass with the needful souls suffering in purgatory. Until we are there ourselves will we not realize the benefits of this. Even the offerings of confessions and holy communions help these souls. Mary is queen of purgatory, and visits and assists the souls in purgatory. The rosary offered up is very beneficial. We have the keys to let them out. They beg us to pray for them. Do you pray for your parents and relatives and friends who may be there?

Phillip, a student,  went boating and was drowned. Dr Cox , head of the school, had to inform the parents. He decided to do so himself. As he approached the father came out and met him saying he knew why he was here and that he had seen his son with two people. His son had been looking at a companion in a black robe and smiling. After the funeral, four months later, the father  saw a picture in a church resembling the dark glad figure. He learnt it was a Jessuit saint who Philip prayed to. (1875).