“Is there really a purgatory after death? I've suffered so much in this life. Isn't that enough?

Yes, the Catholic Church teaches purgatory exists. But the Church doesn't see purgatory as a punishment per se. although it does involve suffering. Rather, the Church teaches that purgatory is a state of purification and heal¬ing.

When is the purification and healing enough? When they have helped each of us become fully and completely the won¬derful human being God always meant us to be.

It may be that your pains have done their job, that heaven immediately awaits you. But suppose you didn't have enough time for life and God's grace to complete you personally? That's what purgatory is for.

What is the pain of it?

Some say it is Jesus himself present to us. Think of Saint Peter catching the eye of Jesus on his way to die, after Peter had denied him. Peter wept bitterly, Luke's Gospel says (see 22:62). That is like the purification of purgatory. Our love for Jesus pains and purifies us.

We Catholics pray for the souls in purgatory. We have Masses said for them and bring the Mass cards to wakes and funerals. How consoling to be able to touch our deceased loved ones with the aid and comfort of the prayers and sufferings of Jesus and our own prayers and sufferings in union with his.