November 16 2021 - St. Gertrude the Great - Visions of Purgatory

 St. Gertrude the Great was a holy mystic of the 14th century, who received many heavenly visions as a Benedictine nun. She actually received a vision as a young child too. The Lord visited her to tell her that she was studying too much and neglecting her prayers! 

Her many visions and conversations with Our Lord and Lady were recorded and are available in the book “The Life & Revelations of Saint Gertrude the Great” a spiritual classic hundreds of years.

Among her numerous visions were short glimpses into purgatory, like this:

“On Wednesday, at the elevation of the Host, she besought our Lord for the souls of the faithful in purgatory, that He would free them from their pains by virtue of His admirable Ascension; and she beheld our Lord descending into purgatory with a golden rod in His Hand, which had as many hooks as there had been prayers for their souls; by these he appeared to draw them into a place of repose. She understood by this that whenever any one prays generally from a motive of charity for the souls in purgatory, the greater part of those who during their lives have exercised themselves in works of charity, are released.”

It is fitting that the feast of St. Gertrude is found smack-dab in the middle of November, the month dedicated to praying for the souls in purgatory, for the saint had a very special devotion to praying for the holy souls, no doubt due to her many visions, but because she was filled with love for all souls.

She would offer daily a particular prayer for the holy souls that goes like this: “Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.” 

We may not be mystics, or have the ability to dedicate to prayer as a contemplative Benedictine nun, but each of us does well to pray daily for those holy souls, we will likely be in their company one day soon. 

May the saintly Virgin Gertrude the Great, assist us in making our hearts fitting dwelling places for Christ in this earthly life, that we may come to joyful fellowship with Him in the life to come, for the glory of God and salvation of souls. 

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For blessings upon the Bishops gathered in Baltimore for their annual meeting this week, that their conversations, prayers, and deliberations for the good of the Church may be blessed. 

That our young people may be assisted by their families in growing in faith, hope, and love, and protected from the evil and corruption of the world.

For all those struggling with addiction, mental illness, chronic sickness, unemployment, or ongoing trials of any kind: that they will be fortified and blessed with God’s special favor, healing and peace.  We pray to the Lord.

Through the intercession of St. Gertrude, we pray in a special way for all of the faithful departed during this Month of November, for the deceased members of our family, friends, and parish, and all the souls in purgatory, and for N. for whom this mass is offered. 

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord