My parish priest told me that only one Mass was needed for a dead person to be released from Purgatory and so I have not had Masses said for my deceased father. After finding alternative views on the internet, I wonder whether this advice was correct.
I am afraid that I do not agree with the advice that your priest gave, though I am sure that he meant well. Although the Mass has an infinite value, our capacity to receive God’s grace is limited. Therefore it is proper for us to offer Masses regularly for a deceased relative or friend.
In the early third century, Tertullian spoke of the practice of “making oblations for the dead as birthday honours.” (De Corona 3) He was referring to offering Mass on the occasion of a person’s anniversary. He similarly referred to a widow “offering” on the anniversary of her husband’s falling asleep. (De Monogomia 10) He even mentioned that although the practice was not in the scriptures, it had the authority of tradition and custom, so we may assume that it was being done some time before. In book 9 of the Confessions, St Augustine gives a moving account of the psalms and prayers, and the Mass that was offered for his mother who requested that she be remembered at the altar, which she had served without missing a single day.
A particular person for whom we offer Mass, may already be in heaven and our prayers may no longer needed for them. In such a case, those prayers would not be wasted, but would benefit other holy souls who have nobody to pray for them. At secular funerals, and even at many Christian funerals, there is no concern to pray for the repose of the deceased person but simply to remember a few anecdotes about them and “celebrate their life.”
So do have Masses said for your dear Father. If your own priest prefers not to accept Mass intentions, you could send them to Aid to the Church in Need which would pass on your offering to a priest suffering poverty or persecution.
Catholic Dilemma 250 published in the Catholic Herald
Suggestions for Catholic Dilemmas are always welcome in the combox.
4 comments:
St. Gregory the Great is reputed to have said 30 Masses for the soul of one of his monks after that monk's death. At the end of the 30th Mass he saw the man's soul ascend to Heaven. From this came the practice of the Gregorian Mass: a Mass celebrated on 30 consecutive days for the one intention. I had the privilege of doing so for my late father after his death in September. I still try to make a conscious remembrance of him at Mass. These are among the untold privileges of the Priesthood. Unfortunately some clergy are disinclined to take on stipends for Masses for the dead let alone take on the obligation of 30 consecutive Masses. We should preach and teach more on the benefits of the Mass - the inexhaustible river of Grace.
What about the 30 Gregorian Masses?
I cannot find the information which I was seeking, but this might add something to your blog.
http://www.traditioninaction.org/religious/d014rp30Gregorian_Somerville.html
I do know this practice is highly regarded in my church. Say it might just be pious self deception, (A favourite comment by Canon Francis J Ripley) if you will, but who will deny the efficacy of 30 Holy Masses?
At the ACN website I linked to, there is a dropdown box where you can choose General, Gregorian, Novena or Triduum.
It is true that many priests in parishes would not be able to take on a Gregorian Mass. In my parish, for example, we have about 200 Mass requests before the year starts, for anniversaries of relatives, so I have to honour those.
But many poorer priests around the world (and some priests in parishes where the custom of Mass offerings has been eradicated by a predecessor) might be very glad of such an offering.
Saint Stories at
http://traditionalcatholicism.org
has a Saint Gregory the Great section you might find interesting.
Et Verbum Caro Factum Est is the title of my site.
It is dedicated to our Mother for the edification of souls.
*
Post a Comment