Mary helps her followers in Purgatory

By St Alphonsus Maria Liguori   |   12 November 2025

From the Glories of Mary

Mary helps her followers in the prison of purgatory (where they cannot help themselves). “The pains of purgatory are called waves. They are transitory, yet they are bitter.” (St Bernardine) “In that prison where souls are detained, Mary has a plenitude of power. She relieves pain and delivers from purgatory. Our Lady never forgets her followers who are suffering in those flames. She relieves all suffering souls, but shows greater favours to her followers.” (Novarimus)

The Mother of Purgatory
Mary told St Bridget, “I am the Mother of all the souls in purgatory. Every hour that they are there, I mitigate their pains.” She even goes occasionally into that holy prison. “Mary goes to purgatory to relieve the holy souls by her presence.” (St Bonaventure) “How kind the Blessed Virgin is to those suffering in purgatory. She gives them comfort and refreshment.” (St Vincent Ferrer) What other comfort do they have? St Bridget saw Jesus say to Mary, “You are the Mother of mercy and the Consolation of the souls in purgatory.” Mary told Bridget, “As a sick person is relieved by words of encouragement, so the souls in purgatory are relieved just by hearing my name.” When these souls invoke Mary, “Her prayers are like heavenly dew immediately refreshing their burning pain.” (Novarimus)

Emptying Purgatory
She also delivers these souls. “When she was assumed into heaven, purgatory was entirely emptied.” (Gersen) Many authors say that Mary, at her Assumption, asked that all the souls in purgatory be with her. “After this, Mary always had the privilege of delivering her followers.” (Gersen) “Mary can deliver souls from purgatory, especially her followers.” (St Bernardine) “Not only is their pain lessened but their time is shortened.” (Novarimus) A woman named Marozia appeared after her death to her godmother. She said that, on the feast of the Assumption, Mary set free from purgatory more souls than Rome’s population. “On Christmas and Easter, Mary visits purgatory and sets many souls free.” (Denis the Carthusian) “I believe that on all her solemn feasts, Mary delivers many souls.” (Novarimus)

Brown Scapular
Our Lady appeared to Pope John XXII and told him to make known that she releases all souls who wore the Carmelite scapular on the Saturday after their death. The Pope proclaimed this and five later popes have ratified his teaching. Pope Paul V wrote, “The Christian faithful can piously believe that our Lady will help them after death and that on Saturdays (the day consecrated to her), she helps in a more particular manner the members of our Lady of Mount Carmel Confraternity, if they died in the state of grace, wore the habit and fulfilled the other obligations.” Why should we not hope for the same graces? If we serve her with a special love, why not hope to go directly to heaven without even going to purgatory? Mary gave Brother Alberto a message, “Tell Brother Godfrey to advance rapidly in virtue so he belongs to my Son and to me. When his soul departs, I will not allow it to go to purgatory. I will offer it to my Son.”

Example
A noble lady was told that her son was killed. She reflected on Mary and how she forgave those who executed Jesus. So, the lady decided to forgive the man who killed her son. She even provided him with what he needed. Her son appeared and told his mother that he was saved. Also, because of his mother’s devotion, Mary had set him free from purgatory.

Prayer
O Mary, in heaven, millions of angels and saints love you continually. Even in this world, many souls burn with love for you. I, too, want to love you and get others to love you. Assist me at death, deliver me from purgatory, and lead me to heaven. All your lovers hope for this.