Purgatory: Explained by the Lives and Legends of the Saints [Paperback]

F. X. Schouppe (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

Product Details

• Paperback: 427 pages
• Publisher: Tan Books & Publishers (August 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895553015
• ISBN-13: 978-0895553010
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #607,497 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive Description of the Place., August 15, 2002

By 

John P. Rooney "John" (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Purgatory: Explained by the Lives and Legends of the Saints (Paperback)

"Purgatory"; "Explained By The Lives And Legends Of The Saints", by Fr. F.X. Schouppe, S.J. Tan Books, Rockford, Illinois.

This book received its IMPRIMATUR on October 11, 1893, so these writings of the Jesuit priest, F.X. Schouppe, are more than a century old. Fr. Schouppe collected and compiled the descriptions of Purgatory as recorded in the lives of saints and various holy people. Some of the saints are well known (St. Catherine of Genoa and St. Gertrude) while others are less familiar, e.g. St. Odilo, or, for example, Blessed Stephana Quinziani. The book is divided into two parts, "Purgatory: the Mystery Of God's Justice" and "Purgatory: the Mystery Of God's Mercy". If you read only the first part, it would, in my opinion, be very easy to lose hope. The suffering of the souls in Purgatory is real and they suffer for great things and for the least little offense. The Foreword, selected from St. Matthew's Gospel, makes Fr. Schouppe's point,
"... that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall render
an account for it in the day of judgment" Matt. 12:36.

The second part of the book, written, you will recall, before the 20th Century St. Faustina was born, is called "Purgatory: the Mystery Of God's Mercy" and the good Jesuit author makes the point that God's charity will not be out done. In this second part of the book, as in the first, the author relates examples of "... how efficacious are the smallest prayers, the shortest supplications, to alleviate the sufferings of the poor souls". P.237. Schouppe gives examples of the efficacy of, first of all, The Mass, and then, the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross, in the relief of the suffering of souls in Purgatory. This book presents some frightening aspects of the punishment in Purgatory, thereby providing motivation for good works in this life and the earning of indulgences.

Read this book to learn about Purgatory, the place.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone who is a Catholic should read this book . . ., March 28, 2002

By 

Jeanne Marie Dauray (Northern Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Purgatory: Explained by the Lives and Legends of the Saints (Paperback)

After reading this book I can honestly say that it the best and most informative piece of information I have encountered on the subject. This is a must read for every Catholic and for anyone else who believes that there is a God and that we must be in a state of grace before we see Him. For the first time purgatory makes sense and for the first time I believe I have a much truer understanding of just what it is I have to do before my life ends here on this earth. Additionally, the book also covers the topic of why it is so important to pray for our dead and there is a section of appropriate prayers in this book as well. And for those who may be wondering, it is marked "Nihil Obstat" and "Imprimatur" thus making it a reliable source for those seeking authentic Catholic teachings.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A strong case for devotion to souls in Purgatory, April 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Purgatory: Explained by the Lives and Legends of the Saints (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book. Do not by this book, though, looking for an argument on why Christians should believe in Purgatory. Instead, this fascinating work discusses visions of Purgatory and of souls from Purgatory. It is divided into two sections- the first section talks about the Justice and is meant to inspire holy fear of Purgatory, while the second section is meant to show the mercy of God in giving such a place, so as to keep any inordinate fear of it in check. It inspires one to pray for the poor souls there while inspiring that person to avoid sins. A wonderful book overall, even if it is 100 years old!