Fire of Love!: Understanding Purgatory

Rating:
Summary: Nothing but the very basics
Review: Fire of Love is a reprint and translation of St. Catherine's 15th century treatise On Purgation and Purgatory. The book does not offer much. In 17 very brief chapters, St. Catherine repeats just one idea - the souls in purgatory are rightly there, and although they suffer greatly, they are very happy because (i) they have received grace, and (ii) they desire nothing more than to be cleansed in the fires of purgatory before meeting God face to face. This book is the story of what St. Catherine learned of purgatory through the visions God blessed her with. If you're looking for an explanation of doctrine on purgatory, try the Catechism instead (1030-1032). If you're looking for inspiration, try Maria Simma, whose visions of souls suffering in purgatory has inspired her to join her sufferings with theirs in atonement for their sins.