There is probably no other Catholic dogma that is more
subject to harsh examination, and also more misunderstood than that of
purgatory.
The name spout is derived from purgare Latin, which means
scrubbing or cleaning. Purgatory is considered collectively as a place or a
spiritual field however this is not the best way to describe it - cleaning is
actually a scrub. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, cleaning
can best be thought of as a process or cleansing condition. "All those who
die with God's grace and friendship but have not yet been thoroughly cleansed
are indeed ensured for their eternal salvation, but after death are subject to
purification in order to attain the sanctity necessary for him enter into the
joy of heaven. The church gives the name Purgator for this final cleansing of
the elect ... "- CCC 1030-1031
Catholics believe that Purgatory is a step ahead of Heaven
where believers are cleansed for the "wedding banquet" of God in
Heaven. Not all believers have to go through Purgator (some go straight to
Heaven), but all people in Purgator eventually do it in Heaven. They are the
elect.
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