Maria Simma, an Austrian mystic (1915–2004), devoted her life to helping the Holy Souls in Purgatory through prayer and sacrifice. Her extraordinary experiences, shared in The Amazing Secret of the Souls in Purgatory (a book-length interview with Sister Emmanuel Maillard), offer powerful insights into the Catholic understanding of Purgatory. Through Maria’s words and revelations, we are reminded of the eternal significance of prayer and God’s boundless mercy.
Who Was Maria Simma?
Maria Simma was born in Sonntag, Austria, into a devout Catholic family. From her youth, she displayed a deep love for God and a special concern for the suffering of others. In 1940, at the age of 25, she experienced her first visitation from a soul in Purgatory. From then on, the souls frequently visited her, seeking her prayers and sacrifices to help them in their purification.
Maria described the visits as peaceful but urgent. "They often come during the night," she recounted, "gently waking me and asking for help. Some ask for specific prayers, while others request Holy Masses. Their greatest desire is to be freed to join God in Heaven."
The Purpose of Purgatory
According to Maria, Purgatory is a place of hope, not despair. She explained:"Purgatory is not a place of punishment, but a place of great mercy. The souls there are full of love for God, but they understand that they are not yet pure enough to stand before Him. They suffer, but their suffering is joyful because they know they are on the way to Heaven."
Maria likened it to a patient awaiting recovery in a hospital, enduring discomfort while anticipating a full return to health. This purification process reflects God’s justice and love, ensuring that every soul is made perfect before entering His presence.
The Power of Prayer and Masses
Maria emphasized the immense relief that prayers and Masses bring to the souls in Purgatory. "The most powerful help we can give to the souls is the Holy Mass," she said. "Even a single Mass can release a soul, if it is offered with great love and devotion. The Rosary, too, is a tremendous help—it is like a golden chain that pulls them toward Heaven." She also encouraged offering personal sacrifices, such as fasting or small acts of charity, for the departed. "Even the smallest sacrifice, done with love, can greatly shorten their time of suffering."
Maria described the Virgin Mary as the greatest advocate for souls in Purgatory. "Our Lady is the Queen of Purgatory," she said. "She visits the souls frequently, bringing them comfort and hope. When people pray the Rosary for the dead, Mary herself takes their petitions to God."
The Sins That Lead to Purgatory
The souls revealed to Maria that sins of omission—failing to do good—are among the most common reasons for ending up in Purgatory.
"Many people do not think about the good they fail to do," Maria explained. "Neglecting prayer, ignoring the needs of others, or withholding forgiveness—these are serious omissions that weigh on the soul."
She also warned against attachments to material possessions and gossip, which create spiritual burdens.
The Value of Suffering
According to Maria, suffering on Earth can serve as a powerful means of purification, reducing or even eliminating time in Purgatory. "When we accept suffering with patience and unite it with Christ’s Passion, it becomes a great gift to God," she explained. "The souls often tell me that they regret not having embraced their crosses more willingly during their lives."
How to Avoid Purgatory
The souls offered advice on how to prepare for Heaven and avoid Purgatory altogether. "Live a life of humility, love, and prayer," Maria advised. "Go to Confession regularly, receive Holy Communion often, and strive to fulfill God’s will in everything. Those who live this way will have little to fear."
Messages of Hope and Love
Maria repeatedly emphasized that Purgatory is a place of God’s mercy, not despair. "The souls are full of gratitude for the prayers of the living," she said. "They often tell me, ‘Thank you for your help! Without your prayers, we would have suffered much longer.’"
She also reminded the faithful that praying for the dead benefits the living as well: "When we pray for the souls, they pray for us in return. They become our intercessors before God."
Practical Lessons from Maria Simma
Maria’s experiences inspire us to take concrete steps to help the souls in Purgatory and prepare our own souls for eternity:
Offer Masses and Prayers for the Dead: Request Masses for deceased loved ones and pray the Rosary daily for the souls in Purgatory.
Perform Acts of Mercy: Small sacrifices, acts of kindness, and offering personal sufferings for the dead have great spiritual value.
Strive for Holiness: Regular Confession, the Eucharist, and a life of charity can reduce or eliminate the need for purification after death.
A Call to Action
Maria Simma’s life is a testament to the power of prayer and the enduring bonds between the living and the dead. Her words remind us that we are all part of the communion of saints, united in Christ’s love.
As Maria said, "The greatest joy we can give to the souls in Purgatory is to help them reach Heaven. And when they are there, they will not forget us—they will be our friends forever."
By embracing Maria’s message, we not only aid the suffering souls but also prepare ourselves for the eternal joy of Heaven. Let us take up the call to pray, sacrifice, and live in the hope of God’s boundless mercy.