Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

Maxine from Collinsville posed a question regarding the afterlife and the fate of her cousin, who lived with severe disabilities. She inquired whether her cousin would go directly to heaven or require purification in purgatory, and if she could be considered a saint.

Father Christopher Trummer addressed these questions by explaining that every person in heaven is regarded as a "saint," derived from the Latin word "sanctus," meaning "holy." The Church celebrates all saints on All Saints Day, though only canonized saints are recognized with certainty to be in heaven due to their miraculous intercession.

Father Trummer clarified that the Church does not explicitly teach that canonized saints went directly to heaven without any need for purification. It is possible they required some form of purification before entering heaven. He noted that time experienced by souls after death might differ from earthly perceptions, potentially making purgatorial purification instantaneous.

Regarding Maxine's cousin, Father Trummer expressed hope for her salvation given her life as a baptized Christian with severe disabilities. While not canonized, individuals like Maxine's cousin can still be invoked for intercession through private prayer due to personal connections and perceived holiness.

The theological debate about whether souls in purgatory can pray for those on Earth remains unresolved. However, there is a tradition suggesting they can indeed pray for us.

Father Trummer also explained "white martyrdom," referring to Christians who witness their faith through holiness rather than being killed for it. This concept applies to those who live lives dedicated to growing in union with Christ.

In conclusion, while not everyone is called to physical martyrdom, all Christians are called to be witnesses through their actions and words. Father Trummer suggested that Maxine's cousin exemplified this through her patient suffering and simple life.

Father Christopher Trummer serves as parochial vicar at St. Boniface Parish in Edwardsville and holds various roles within the Catholic community.