The Souls in Purgatory and Our Lady of Knock

Fr. Scott Haynes

The Souls in Purgatory: A Catholic Understanding

The doctrine of Purgatory reflects the belief in God’s merciful justice—a state where souls, although assured of salvation, undergo purification before entering the brightness of eternity. Rooted in Scripture, the concept of Purgatory assures the faithful that even after death, God’s love continues to purify and prepare the soul to stand fully in His presence.

The Bible includes references that indirectly point to this purifying state. In 2 Maccabees 12:46, for instance, it states, “It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.” Our prayers can aid the deceased. The New Testament also reflects this idea; in 1 Corinthians 3:15, St. Paul speaks of a “fire” through which a person is saved, but “as through fire,” which the Church understands as an allusion to purification.

Saints and Church Fathers developed this understanding further. St. Augustine, for example, discussed how certain sins could be purified after death, a process that assists souls on their path to heaven. St. Gregory the Great also spoke of Purgatory as a merciful gift from God, allowing souls to become fully sanctified. In his Dialogues, he even recounts stories of souls who appeared to the living to request prayers for their speedy release from Purgatory.

The theologian St. Thomas Aquinas later offered a more systematic explanation. He explained that Purgatory is both a place of purification and a manifestation of God’s mercy, designed to ready the soul for the Beatific Vision. According to Aquinas, Purgatory is not punishment in the punitive sense but rather a purgative process meant to prepare us for divine union with God.

Devotion to the souls in Purgatory has long been a practice of the Catholic Church, spurred on by the understanding that the living can aid these souls through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The Commemoration of All Souls, kept on November 2, honors the departed and encourages prayers for those in Purgatory. Numerous saints, including St. Gertrude the Great and St. Catherine of Genoa, had visions of the suffering souls and spoke fervently of the importance of interceding for them.

The Story of Our Lady of Knock

In 1879, the small village of Knock, County Mayo, Ireland, became the site of one of the most renowned Marian apparitions in modern history. On the rainy evening of August 21, fifteen villagers witnessed a unique apparition on the gable wall of the local parish church. They saw not only the Blessed Virgin Mary but also St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist, and, notably, an altar with a lamb and a cross, symbolizing Christ as the “Lamb of God.”

This apparition stands out because Our Lady did not speak, and the vision seemed to encapsulate a message in its symbolism rather than in words. Catholic scholars and historians have offered numerous interpretations of this silent yet profound vision. Some suggest that it was a message of hope and consolation for the Irish people, who were suffering from poverty, religious oppression, and a recent famine. Certainly, it was an invitation to deeper faith, urging a devotion to Christ, the Most Holy Eucharist, and His Mother, Mary.

Fr. Francis Duffy, a prominent priest and scholar, explained that Knock represents an invitation to pray and intercede, particularly for the souls in Purgatory. The presence of the Lamb of God on an altar suggests a Eucharistic connection, linking Knock to the ongoing sacrifices offered for the purification of souls. Scholars have noted that the Irish people’s deep devotion to the souls in Purgatory intensified after the apparition, seeing in it a call to remember the deceased and assist them in their journey to heaven.

The Connection Between Knock and the Souls in Purgatory

The devotion to Our Lady of Knock has often been linked to intercession for the souls in Purgatory. Since the apparition, Knock has become a place of pilgrimage, where many come to pray for the dead, asking Our Lady to intercede for their loved ones in Purgatory. This link is particularly strong in Ireland, where belief in Purgatory has always been deeply ingrained.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Knock apparition is its silent nature. The silence seems to convey a profound mystery and an invitation to contemplation, an opportunity to pray and offer penance for the deceased. The image of the Lamb on the altar resonates with Catholic teaching on the Mass as a sacrifice, the re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary. Many who visit Knock view it as an ideal place to offer Masses for the repose of the souls in Purgatory.

Historian and theologian Rev. John MacPhilbin has written about how the Irish faithful have long had a special love for the Poor Souls, perhaps due to Ireland’s own long history of suffering and endurance. MacPhilbin notes that “the Irish people, bearing witness to their own trials, naturally turn to Our Lady as both a comfort and a hope for those still undergoing their purgation.” This reverence is evident in the continuous stream of pilgrims who come to Knock, often bearing Mass intentions for loved ones who have passed.

Marian Intercession and Purgatory

Mary, as the Mother of Christ and Queen of Heaven, has a unique intercessory role. Her prayers are especially effective in aiding the souls in Purgatory. Saints and mystics, including St. Alphonsus Liguori, emphasize that Mary’s intercession has the power to comfort and aid the souls undergoing purification. In his Glories of Mary, St. Alphonsus writes that Mary often appears to those in Purgatory, offering them consolation and hope. He recounts stories of souls who were released from Purgatory through her intercession and the prayers of the faithful on earth. This belief is especially meaningful to pilgrims at Knock, who see Mary’s presence there as a sign of her special care for the souls in need of purification.

The prayers of Mary and the saints demonstrate the communion of saints—where the Church in heaven, the Church on earth, and the Church in Purgatory are united. This teaching reinforces the value of intercessory prayer, especially during Mass, where Christ’s sacrifice is made present for the salvation of all.

The Role of Pilgrimage in Catholic Devotion

For Catholics, pilgrimage is more than a physical journey; it is a symbol of the soul’s journey toward God. Visiting holy sites like Knock offers a tangible way to seek grace for oneself and others, especially the souls in Purgatory. The act of traveling to Knock to pray for these souls becomes an expression of love, a practical way to apply Christ’s teachings of charity and mercy.

At Knock, pilgrims frequently participate in Mass, the Sacrament of Confession, and the Stations of the Cross, all of which are seen as powerful means to obtain grace for the souls in Purgatory. The Stations of the Cross, in particular, offer pilgrims a way to meditate on Christ’s own sufferings, uniting them with the purification endured by the souls in Purgatory. These prayers and sacrifices aid in releasing loved ones from Purgatory more swiftly.

Fr. Benedict Groeschel has written about the spiritual benefits of pilgrimage, saying, “When we embark on a pilgrimage, we leave behind our daily routines to encounter God in a sacred place. Knock, with its silent apparition, reminds us to reflect on our own need for purification and the powerful gift of prayer for others, especially the suffering souls.” For Groeschel, Knock exemplifies the sacrificial love that all Catholics are called to show for the deceased, inviting pilgrims to contemplate their role in aiding souls through prayer.

A Call to Faith and Charity

The story of Our Lady of Knock and the teaching on the souls in Purgatory ultimately call Catholics to a life of deeper faith and charity. Just as Mary appeared in Knock as a silent witness to her Son, Catholics are invited to witness to Christ by offering prayers and sacrifices for those who have gone before them. This devotion reminds the faithful that, as members of Christ’s Mystical Body, they have a responsibility toward one another, even beyond death.

Our Lady of Knock, in her silent but powerful appearance, serves as a model for Catholics on how to offer their sufferings and sacrifices for others. Her presence at Knock encourages us to pray for those who have no one to pray for them, especially the forgotten souls in Purgatory. This practice, rooted in Catholic tradition, becomes a testament to the mercy of God, who desires that all souls be united with Him.

Historian Philip Freeman notes that “the message of Knock is one of hope, intercession, and compassion, inviting every Catholic to take up the call to pray for others, even those we have never met, trusting that God’s mercy reaches all.” Knock, therefore, serves as both a place of pilgrimage and a reminder of the Church’s universal call to charity, extending beyond the grave.

Devotion to the Souls in Purgatory: A Practice of Mercy

One of the most powerful acts of charity is praying for the dead, especially the souls in Purgatory. The belief that the living can aid these souls through prayer, fasting, and sacrifices is a manifestation of the communion of saints, where the Church triumphant (in heaven), the Church militant (on earth), and the Church suffering (in Purgatory) are spiritually united.

The practice of praying for the dead, particularly on All Souls’ Day and throughout the month of the poor souls (November), has been an essential aspect of Catholic life. Thus, Catholics should intercede for deceased loved ones, acknowledging that these prayers can help their purification. This longstanding tradition reflects the Catholic belief that God’s mercy extends beyond death and that the prayers of the faithful can aid them.

Our Lady of Knock: A Silent but Powerful Apparition

On August 21, 1879, fifteen villagers in Knock, County Mayo, Ireland, witnessed a unique apparition on the gable wall of their parish church. The apparition included Our Lady, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist, standing alongside an altar with a lamb and a cross, symbolizing the sacrificial Lamb of God. Unlike other Marian apparitions, this vision was silent, and no words were spoken. However, the symbolic nature of the apparition conveyed a powerful message of hope, faith, and the intercessory role of Mary and the saints.

Historically, this apparition occurred during a time of hardship in Ireland. The country was still reeling from the effects of the Great Famine and continued to endure social, political, and religious oppression. The silent apparition at Knock seemed to offer solace and encourage Irish Catholics to remain steadfast in their faith.

Many scholars and theologians see the Lamb on the altar as a powerful Eucharistic symbol, reinforcing the Mass as the center of Catholic worship. The imagery suggests a connection between Knock and the souls in Purgatory, who benefit from the prayers and sacrifices of the faithful, particularly through the Eucharistic sacrifice. The apparition serves as an invitation to pray, intercede, and deepen devotion to Jesus Christ through the Mass.

Knock and Purgatory: A Place of Intercession

Knock quickly became a pilgrimage site for Catholics seeking Our Lady’s intercession, especially on behalf of the souls in Purgatory. The silent apparition is often interpreted as a call to prayer and contemplation, inviting pilgrims to reflect on their own spiritual lives and on the suffering souls in need of purification.

Irish devotion to the souls in Purgatory has always been strong, likely shaped by the nation’s history of suffering and endurance. Historian Philip Freeman notes, “The Irish people, bearing witness to their own trials, naturally turn to Our Lady as both a comfort and a hope for those still undergoing their purgation.” Knock has become a focal point for this devotion, a place where pilgrims can offer Masses, prayers, and sacrifices for the deceased, uniting their petitions with the silent, loving presence of Mary.

The Role of Mary in Catholic Devotion to the Souls in Purgatory

The Catholic Church teaches that Mary has a unique role in aiding the souls in Purgatory. Saints such as St. Alphonsus Liguori emphasized Mary’s power to console and assist those undergoing purification. In The Glories of Mary, St. Alphonsus recounts numerous stories of Mary’s intercession for the souls in Purgatory, noting that her prayers can bring comfort and even hasten their entry into heaven.

Our Lady of Knock, standing alongside St. Joseph and St. John, is a silent but profound reminder of Mary’s intercessory power. Her appearance without words invites Catholics to seek her guidance and ask for her intercession, particularly for the deceased. Many pilgrims to Knock come with this purpose, seeing Mary as an advocate for the suffering souls and an embodiment of hope for those still journeying to God.

St. Gertrude the Great, another mystic with a strong devotion to the souls in Purgatory, composed prayers specifically for their release, inspired by visions of the Virgin Mary comforting these souls. St. Gertrude’s prayers, which have since become widely used, ask Mary to advocate for the deceased, offering consolation and the promise of eternal life. This tradition, echoed by the apparition at Knock, reinforces the Catholic belief in Mary’s powerful intercession for those in Purgatory.

Pilgrimage to Knock: A Journey of Faith and Charity

For Catholics, pilgrimage is a journey toward God, a reflection of the soul’s movement toward divine union. Visiting a place like Knock allows believers to express their faith tangibly, offering prayers and sacrifices for the souls in Purgatory and growing closer to God in the process. Many pilgrims participate in Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the Stations of the Cross at Knock, seeing these acts as ways to obtain grace for the deceased.

Father Benedict Groeschel, a prominent Catholic author and retreat leader, observed that “pilgrimage is a powerful expression of Catholic faith, where the physical journey reflects the spiritual path of the soul toward God.” Knock, with its quiet, sacred atmosphere, invites pilgrims to intercede for the souls in Purgatory, embodying the Catholic belief in the communion of saints and the enduring mercy of God.

Our Lady of Knock and the Call to Charity

The silent apparition of Our Lady of Knock offers Catholics a profound invitation to act with love and charity. In praying for the souls in Purgatory, Catholics reflect Christ’s own mercy and compassion. The act of interceding for those who have passed is a powerful expression of the Church’s mission to care for all souls, including those who have yet to reach the fullness of heaven.

Our Lady of Knock stands as a symbol of this love and charity. Her presence in Knock assures the faithful that their prayers for the dead are heard and valued by God. As historian Rev. John MacPhilbin explains, “The message of Knock reminds Catholics that our prayers and sacrifices have immense power, capable of helping souls reach their eternal home.” This message is one of encouragement for Catholics to remember the souls in Purgatory and to make sacrifices on their behalf.

Conclusion: Deepening Faith Through Prayer and Devotion

The Catholic teachings on Purgatory and the apparition of Our Lady of Knock offer profound lessons in faith, hope, and love. Through prayer and sacrifice, Catholics can help the souls in Purgatory on their journey to God, embodying the Church’s role as a merciful intercessor. Our Lady of Knock’s silent presence serves as a powerful reminder that, through Mary, Catholics are called to intercede for others, even beyond death.

As Catholics, praying for the dead is an act of charity that binds us to Christ’s mercy. By turning to Our Lady of Knock, Catholics can find inspiration and strength, trusting in the love of Mary and her intercession for the souls in Purgatory. This devotion serves as a testament to the Catholic faith, encouraging believers to deepen their love for Christ and to remember those who have gone before them in the journey toward eternal life.

Sources

-Augustine of Hippo. City of God. Translated by Marcus Dods. New York: Modern Library, 1950, Book 21.

-Gregory the Great. Dialogues, Book 4. Translated by Odo John Zimmerman. New York: Fathers of the Church, 1959.

-Catherine of Genoa. Treatise on Purgatory. Translated by Charlotte Balfour. New York: P. J. Kenedy & Sons, 1946.

-Liguori, Alphonsus. The Glories of Mary. Translated by Eugene Grimm. Brooklyn: Redemptorist Fathers, 1931.

-Groeschel, Benedict. A Pilgrim’s Journey: The Faith and Wisdom of Father Benedict Groeschel. Cincinnati: Servant Books, 2015.

-MacPhilbin, John. The Silent Witness of Knock. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan, 1979.