Purgatory: Merciful Purification

"The Divine Essence is so pure —

purer than the imagination can conceive —

that the soul,
finding in itself the slightest imperfection,

would rather cast itself into a thousand hells than appear,
so stained,

in the presence of the Divine Majesty.

Knowing, then, that Purgatory was intended for her cleansing,

she throws herself therein,

and finds there that great mercy, the removal of her stains."

~ St. Catherine of Genoa ~