Mary, Mother and Queen of the Holy Souls

In Catholic devotional tradition, the souls in Purgatory look to the Blessed Virgin Mary as their merciful Mother. The faithful have long asked her to console them, obtain relief from their sufferings, and hasten their entrance into Heaven, trusting that her maternal charity reaches even the Church Suffering.

Queen of Purgatory — Regina Purgatorii

Mary's queenship extends over the Church Suffering as over the Church on earth and in Heaven. St. Alphonsus Liguori, in The Glories of Mary, taught that she visits, consoles, and hastens the release of the holy souls, who call her Mother because she treats them with a mother's tenderness.

Mother of Mercy — Mater Misericordiae

Mary's mercy reaches those being purified. In revelations attributed to St. Bridget of Sweden, Mary speaks as Mother of the souls in the place of expiation, whose torments are eased by her prayers.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Carmelite tradition treasures the Sabbatine Privilege: the pious belief that Mary descends to Purgatory, especially on Saturdays, to console the souls and lead the faithful who wore the brown scapular to Heaven.

Our Lady of Suffrage — Consoler of the Afflicted

Under these titles Mary is invoked specifically for the holy souls. Confraternities of Our Lady of Suffrage exist for the express purpose of praying for those detained in Purgatory.

Star of the Sea — Stella Maris

Mary is the guiding star for souls passing through darkness and storm toward the harbor of Heaven. St. Bernard's counsel, "look at the star, call upon Mary," applies tenderly to the holy souls, for whom she shines as a star of hope.

Morning Star — Stella Matutina

Named in the Litany of Loreto, the Morning Star appears at the darkest hour and heralds the dawn. So Mary images the certain hope of souls who suffer in darkness while awaiting the daybreak of Heaven.

These titles and the accounts behind them belong to Catholic devotional tradition and private revelation rather than defined dogma, yet they form a rich and continuous part of the Church's piety toward the holy souls.

Entrust the faithful departed to Mary's intercession: pray the Rosary for them, remember them under her mantle, and add with confidence, "and may Our Lady lead them home."