God's Mercy to a Devotee of Our Lady Who Nearly Lost His Soul

Bernardino de Mendoza, a man of Spanish nobility, was a devoted follower of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. To demonstrate his faith, he offered a house near Valladolid to Saint Teresa of Ávila for the founding of a Carmelite convent.

Initially, Saint Teresa hesitated to accept the house, as she did not want to establish a convent outside the city. However, she eventually accepted the donation, recognizing Bernardino's goodwill and the potential positive example it could provide for the community. She also hoped that the Virgin Mary would help him lead a very virtuous life.

About two months later, Bernardino fell seriously ill. He lost his ability to speak and could not confess, although he showed signs of repentance. He eventually passed away. At the time of his death, Saint Teresa was far away but had a vision of Our Lord.

Jesus revealed that Bernardino's salvation had been in great danger, but out of compassion for his devotion to Our Lady and his donation of the house for the convent. He showed mercy. However, Bernardino would only be released from purgatory on the day the first Mass was celebrated in the new convent.

Upon receiving this revelation, Saint Teresa made every effort to hasten the establishment of the convent as quickly as possible. Finally, the day of the first Mass at the convent arrived.

During the moment of Communion, Saint Teresa had a glorious vision: she saw Bernardino de Mendoza, no longer in suffering, but radiant with joy and gratitude. She saw him being released from purgatory and ascending to heaven.

_{References: (Livro) Tenhamos Compaixão das Pobres Almas do Purgatório - Monsenhor Ascânio Brandão, Canal dos Santos Anjos}