Heidelberg cpg 144 Elsässische Legenda Aurea 338v

Begin of the text describing St. Patrick's purgatory in the Alsacian manuscript Legenda Aurea, cpg 144 of the University Library Heidelberg, folio 338v.

Purgatory is a concept in Roman Catholicism and some other Christian denominations that refers to a state or place where souls undergo purification after death, in preparation for entering heaven. According to this belief, those who die in a state of grace but with unconfessed or unfulfilled sins must undergo a period of purification in purgatory, during which they are cleansed of their impurities and made ready for the beatific vision of God. The concept of purgatory is based on passages in the Bible and on early Christian teachings and traditions. It is seen as a way of balancing God's mercy with the demands of justice, as those who die with venial (less serious) sins are able to receive divine mercy and enter heaven, while also making satisfaction for their sins and avoiding the punishment they would otherwise face. The concept of purgatory has been a subject of debate and controversy within Christianity, with some denominations rejecting it outright.