Catholic 411 Catechism Prayer For Vocations Youth Update Archives Links
The word itself means "purification" and is probably more like a state of transition between life and death. Not really a physical place, purgatory is a more of a state of being that Catholics believe is neither heaven (being fully present before God) nor hell (being absent from God). <p>Somewhat like a friend who gives you another chance to make the right choices, purgatory is another opportunity from a loving God who wants to remove obstacles to your clear decision to befriend God, God's people and creation. <p>The Church teachings about purgatory reflect a belief in God's mercy and forgiveness as well as biblical encouragement to pray for the dead.