Purgatory is not normally spoken of in positive ways - but Father Anthony Baetzold, CFR, did indeed offer a positive spin.
Speaking November 4 at St. Leo’s Church in Hilton for a day of reflection for local Secular Franciscans, Father Baetzold cited St. Catherine of Genoa.
“I believe no happiness can be found worthy to be compared with that of a soul in Purgatory except that of the saints in Paradise; and day by day this happiness grows as God flows into these souls, more and more as the hindrance to His entrance is consumed,” she said. “Sin's rust is the hindrance, and the fire burns the rust away so that more and more the soul opens itself up to the divine inflowing.”
Thus, Father Baetzold noted in his homily that day, those in Purgatory, even if they are viewed as “poor souls,” are indeed undergoing their final preparation for Heaven.
He also cited Proverbs 16: 6 (“By faithful love and constancy sinis expiated”) and 1 Peter 4: 8 (Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins”).
After the positive message of his homily, he also delivered a talk about then-Venerable Solanus Casey, a Franciscan priest and porter who died in 1957 after a life of calling for constant thankfulness for the blessings of God, and who would be beatified November 19. Father Baetzold summarized Blessed Solanus’s life and ministry, his humility in accepting slights and seemingly menial assignments, and the joyful holiness he shared with the world.
The day included fellowship, Adoration, Benediction, and opportunities for Confession.
A wonderful day for Franciscans to renew and celebrate their vocation..
As Blessed Solanus once said, “We should ever be grateful for and love the vocation to which God has called us. This applies to every vocation because, after all, what a privilege it is to serve God, even in the least capacity!”
Pax et bonum
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