August 12, 2009. We’re in Rome, a city known around the world for its history and art. But few people know about this small museum dedicated to the souls of purgatory.
It’s on the banks of the Tiber river, in the only church in Rome built in neo-gothic style. It’s one of the most original collections in the Eternal City.
Father Jouet, first parishioner of the church, dedicated himself to spreading the devotion of the souls of purgatory. That’s why he has travelled throughout Europe searching for stories told by the living about visits from the souls of purgatory asking for prayers.
Father Mario Di Ianni
Missionary, Sacred Heart of Suffrage
“The museum of purgatory, as its name rightly bears, is a collection of documents of apparitions that the souls of purgatory made in Europe to ask for prayers.”
Here you can see the burn mark that Palmira Rastelli left on a book in 1871. With this apparition she asked that several Masses be offered for her soul. Or this other object, the print of the hand of Luisa LeSenechal on her husband’s night cap. She visited him in 1875 to ask him to pray for her.
Father Mario Di Ianni
Missionary, Sacred Heart of Suffrage
“Our brother collected all these testimonies to spread the devotion of the souls of purgatory. This is the prayer for those who are in purgatory and that have not yet entered heaven.”
The museum’s mission is to revive the ancient Christian tradition of praying for the souls of the dead that have to purify themselves before entering heaven. It’s a devotion welcomed by the Church that has nothing to do with extraordinary or paranormal phenomena.
Father Mario Di Ianni
Missionary, Sacred Heart of Suffrage
“These are personal objects that don’t interfere with faith at all. We believe in purgatory because it’s a dogma of faith. These documents don’t increase or diminish it. But they remind us of the reality of purgatory and of the souls that are in it. This is what’s important.
It’s a small museum in memory of those that can’t yet see God and that are gracious for some help through prayer.
