With it presently being the observance All Souls and the month of the Holy Souls, what better time to showcase some altars dedicated to the Holy Souls of Purgatory? Just the other day we had explained here that the purpose of memento mori is not macabre; rather it is to bring to the fore a remembrance of our own mortality in view of living a good and holy life, seeking out one's eternal salvation, while also offering our prayers for the faithful departed who have gone before us.
Altars dedicated to the Holy Souls were frequently used for this very purpose, both out of devotion to the Holy Souls in Purgatory and also as a specific altar upon which Masses for the Dead could be offered for them. Regrettably, most modern churches seldom have such altars -- though that would be easily remedied of course -- but fortunately we do have some very good historical examples upon which to lean for inspiration.
Today, I thought we would take a look at three altars dedicated to the Holy Souls.
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Our first altar is dated to the year 1789 and its construction was sponsored by a located Confraternity dedicated to the Holy Souls of Purgatory.
The altar itself is made of various polychrome marbles, inclusive of black marbles -- which of course tie in nicely to the theme and intent of this particular altar. Included within the altar are various cherubs and to either side we can see statues of St. Martha and St. Francis of Paola. However it is the central statue of St. Mary Magdalen (St. Martha's sister) which is of particular interest, showing as it does an image of the Magdalen and beneath her, flames of purgatorial fire in which can be seen the Holy Souls of Purgatory.
The symbolism here of showing both St. Mary and St. Martha in this same altar could be purely devotional and patronal, but it may also intend to emphasize the importance of praying for the Holy Souls, and not merely busying ourselves with the needs and activities of this present world.
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If you look closely, you will note that within the central painted piece we can once again find the Holy Souls of Purgatory for whom the Blessed Virgin intercedes. To either side, we see four figures, two in loin cloths and two skeletons either being crowned by cherubs, or perhaps having their worldly crowns removed. In a similar vein, as we look down toward the altar itself, we see skeletons holding a papal tiara and episcopal mitre respectively. These each speak to the theme of the vanity of the world and temporal power.
Most striking of all, however, is the face of the altar proper, which shows us various skulls and a painted piece showing us the image of a reclining skeleton wrapped within a shroud of black, a scythe laid between his feet.
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Our final altar for your consideration today is located in Brescia and is made from beautiful black marble. This particular altar is dated to the second half of the 1600's
This particular altarpiece features a beautiful and interesting painting depicting Our Lady and St. Joseph interceding with Christ on behalf of the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Here we see the souls in purgatory as well as a priest offering up a Mass for their intention. In this regard, the painting both serves as a reminder to pray and offer Masses for the Holy Souls and it also tells us clearly the intended function of this particular altar.
If you look at the various details of the altar and its reredos, one will find numerous memento mori included throughout.
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| Detail of one of the two sculptural reliefs showing the Holy Souls within the flames of Purgatory. |
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