As for certain lesser faults, we must believe that, before the Final Judgment, there is a purifying fire. He who is truth says that whoever utters blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will be pardoned neither in this age nor in the age to come. From this sentence, we understand that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come.
Many of us pray for our deceased family members but what assurance do we have that, given the secularized influence on our children and grandchildren, such prayers will be offered up for us after we have died? Each night, I offer up a decade of the rosary for those souls in Purgatory who have no one to pray for them. In so doing, I have drawn closer to them. Please consider developing a similar prayer program because someday, it may well be you.
“In so doing, I have drawn closer to them.”
I’ve had the same experience. In addition, in times of crisis I have often asked for the intercession of those for whom I’ve prayed who now reside in the Beatific Vision. I firmly believe that I have received support as a result of their prayer.
I think it is VERY important that we rediscover the importance of praying for those in Purgatory.