The Three States of the Church and the Communion of Saints

The doctrine of Purgatory is inseparable from the mystery of the Communion of Saints — the spiritual union of all the members of Christ's Mystical Body, whether living on earth, suffering in Purgatory, or reigning in Heaven.

The Church has traditionally spoken of herself as existing in three states:

The Church Militant

The faithful on earth, who are still engaged in the warfare of this life against the world, the flesh, and the devil. They strive to grow in holiness, receive the Sacraments, and persevere in grace until death.

The Church Suffering

The holy souls in Purgatory, who have died in the state of grace but are undergoing purification. They are certain of their salvation and cannot sin, but they suffer the pains of purgation and long ardently for the vision of God. They cannot help themselves, but they can be helped by the prayers and good works of the living.

The Church Triumphant

The blessed in Heaven, who behold God face to face in the Beatific Vision. They intercede for the Church Militant on earth and, according to the common teaching, also for the souls in Purgatory. The saints in Heaven are not idle spectators; they are powerful intercessors whose prayers before the throne of God avail much.

These three states are not three separate churches but one Church in three conditions. The bond of charity unites them all. The faithful on earth can offer prayers, Masses, sacrifices, and indulgences for the souls in Purgatory. The saints in Heaven intercede for both the living and the dead. The souls in Purgatory, though unable to merit for themselves, are widely held to pray for those on earth who have aided them.

This mutual exchange of spiritual goods — prayers ascending, graces descending, charity circulating through all three states — is the very heart of the Communion of Saints. Purgatory is not a grim doctrine that stands alone; it is part of a mystery of love that binds the entire Body of Christ across the divide of death.