The masses offered by Saint Nicholas of Tolentino raised countless souls from purgatory to heaven, souls who were crying out for help.

The Vision of Friar Pellegrino of Osimo

While residing at the friary in Pesaro, Nicholas of Tolentino had a mystical experience that would define his legacy as the "Protector of the Souls in Purgatory." One night, while resting after a long prayer vigil, Nicholas heard an anguished voice calling his name. When he asked who was speaking, the figure revealed himself as Friar Pellegrino of Osimo, a former companion of the order and a friend of Nicholas who had already passed away. 

Pellegrino described the intense suffering he was enduring in Purgatory and begged Nicholas to celebrate a Requiem Mass for him so that he might be released from his penance.

The Dilemma Between Obedience and the Vision of Suffering Souls

Moved by deep compassion, Nicholas initially hesitated. He explained to the deceased friar that he did not have the authority to alter the scheduled Masses, as he was responsible for the conventual Mass that week.In response, Pellegrino took Nicholas in spirit to the top of a mountain. There, the saint saw a vast multitude of souls across a plain in a state of purification, all suffering and waiting for the aid of prayers from the living. Distressed by this heart-wrenching sight, Nicholas sought out his superior, recounted the event, and obtained extraordinary permission to celebrate Masses of suffrage for the souls for seven consecutive days.

The Triumph and Liberation of Souls

After a week of rigorous fasting, unceasing prayer, and the daily celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice, Friar Pellegrino appeared again to Nicholas. 

This time, he was no longer suffering but was radiant with glory, enveloped in celestial light. He thanked Nicholas, stating that not only he but the entire multitude of souls Nicholas had seen on the plain had been liberated and were entering Paradise. 

This event solidified St. Nicholas of Tolentino’s devotion as the patron saint of the souls in Purgatory. This is why, in many of his iconographic representations, he appears holding a star or surrounded by souls ascending to heaven. It was also through this action of the saint that the Septenary of Masses for the faithful departed of St. Nicholas of Tolentino originated.

Prayer of St. Nicholas of Tolentino for the Souls in Purgatory

"O glorious Thaumaturge and Protector of the souls in Purgatory, St. Nicholas of Tolentino. With all the affection of my soul, I beg you to interpose your powerful intercession in favor of these blessed souls, especially the soul of... (mention the name of the soul), obtaining from Divine Clemency the remission of all their sins and punishments, so that, leaving that dark prison of pain, they may enjoy the beatific vision of God in heaven. And for me, your devoted servant, obtain for me, O great saint, the deepest compassion and the most ardent charity for those beloved souls."

Amen.

St. Nicholas of Tolentino, pray for us.

St. Nicholas of Tolentino, pray for the Holy and Blessed Souls in Purgatory.

_{References: Canal dos Santos Anjos, Revista Arautos do Evangelho, TV Nossa Senhora de Fátima, Expedição 19}