Fr. Mark Bozada
Mass Intentions… It has always been the practice of the Roman Catholic Church to pray for the dead. This tradition actually can be traced back to the Book of Maccabees in the Old Testament. Having suffered a great defeat in a battle of war, the Jewish soldiers gathered mementos from the dead, and prayed for their souls.
After the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, early Christians buried their loved ones and prayed for their on going purification. Sometimes we presume that ALL people go right to Heaven. The saints tell us otherwise. Most go to Purgatory for ongoing purification. Having Holy Masses said for the dead is a wonderful holy tradition of the Church. It shortens their time spent in Purgatory. Renew that wonderful tradition of our Faith. Have masses said for your beloved ones.
“Some souls would suffer in Purgatory
until the Day of Judgment if they were
not relieved by the prayers of the Church.”
St. Robert Bellarmine, Doctor of the Church