ON ALL SOULS BLESSED JOHN OF LA VERNA SAW COUNTLESS SOULS ESCAPE PURGATORY

Blessed John of La Verna was one of the first Franciscans. He was born 33 years after St Francis died. Blessed John was originally from Fermo, Italy, but his superiors sent him to live on Mount La Verna where Francis had received the stigmata. On this holy rock face, he gave himself to prayer and penance, and he is also thought to have composed the preface of the Mass of St Francis. He also outdid himself for the souls in Purgatory. 

Once when he was offering Holy Mass on the Feast of All Souls, he was consumed in ecstasy.  Our Lord gave him the spectacular vision of seeing all the souls who were being released on account of all the Masses said throughout the world. Blessed John saw Purgatory fall open and souls escaping who had just been delivered; they were like sparks from a roaring incinerator. They were myriad, so numerous Blessed John could not count. 

Such an edifying account for us to hold dear on the Feast of All Souls! To contemplate that so many souls are being set free from purgation on this day, at the Masses at which we assist and all around the globe, just as they were released on the day Blessed John offered the Holy Sacrifice 7 centuries ago. 

Blessed John died and was buried at Mount La Verna. Miracles abounded at his final resting place. I hope to pray there myself some day.  In the meantime on this November 2, I wish all of my readers a blessed Feast of All Souls. 

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This post was informed by Schouppe's Purgatory, TAN Books, 1986, page 221. You may buy it here. 

Below is a reliquary with the relics of 5 Franciscan Blesseds; Blessed John is the second, and it references him as "John of Alvernia" which he is also called. Photograph courtesy of The Russian Store.