The Healing Journey

July 8 2024

When Carey drove into the church parking lot on Wednesday morning, it was filled with cars, far more cars than were usually there for daily Mass. At first, he thought there might be a blood drive, but when he walked in, he realized all those people were there for Mass, and they all knew one another. They were there for a memorial Mass for a parishioner who had died the year before, a man in his early 60s who, for the most part, was unheralded by the world but who spent his life quietly helping his neighbors, his family members, and his friends without fanfare.

And everyone had a personal story to tell about his charity, and being there on the anniversary of his death was a special celebration for them.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “The offering of Mass and other prayers or sacrifices for the intentions of the faithful departed are good and holy acts. This practice is not new. From the beginning, the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic Sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God.”

Father William Saunders, former dean of the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College and pastor of Queen of Apostles Parish in Virginia, says: “We find not only the origins of this practice dating to the early Church, but we also clearly recognize its importance. When we face the death of someone, even a person who is not Catholic, to have a Mass offered for the repose of his soul and to offer our prayers are more beneficial and comforting than any other sympathy card or bouquet of flowers. Most importantly, we should always remember our own dearly departed loved ones in the Holy Mass and through our own prayers and sacrifices help in their gaining eternal rest.”

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There’s no greater gift than having a memorial Mass said for someone who has died.