THE HOLY MASS:
THE MOST VALUABLE PRAYER TO HELP THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
The Holy Mass is considered the most valuable suffrage (or spiritual offering) one can offer for the dead for several profound reasons rooted in doctrine, tradition, and the nature of the Mass itself:
1. It is the Sacrifice of Christ Himself
The Mass is not merely a prayer or remembrance—it is the memorial of the one eternal sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary. During consecration, the priest acts in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), offering the same sacrifice to the Father. Since Christ’s sacrifice is of infinite value, it surpasses all other prayers or good works.
2. It applies the merits of Christ to the Souls in Purgatory
Our Catholic Faith teaches that souls in purgatory are being purified before entering heaven. The Mass can be offered specifically for a deceased person, and through it, the graces and merits of Christ’s Passion are applied to that soul, potentially shortening their time of purification.
3. It unites Heaven and Earth
During the Holy Mass, the Church on earth (the faithful), the Church in heaven (the saints), and the Church in purgatory (the suffering souls) are mystically united. This communion of saints makes the Holy Mass a powerful moment of intercession and grace.
4. It is instituted by Christ
Unlike other forms of prayer or devotion, the Holy Mass was instituted directly by Jesus during the Last Supper with the command: “Do this in memory of me.” Its divine origin gives it a unique efficacy.
5. It includes the entire Church’s prayer
When a Mass is offered for the dead, it is not just the priest praying—it is the entire Church, including the faithful present, the saints, and the angels, joining in intercession. This communal aspect amplifies its spiritual power.
6. It Is the foretaste of eternal life
The Eucharist is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. Offering it for the dead is a way of inviting them into that eternal communion, helping them on their journey toward full union with God.
The saints have underscored the value of the Holy Mass in helping the souls in Purgatory:
St. John Chrysostom emphasized the importance of offering the Eucharist for the dead:
- “Not in vain was it ordained that in the dread mysteries remembrance should be made of the departed. They knew that there is great gain for them, great benefit.”
This quote reflects his belief that the Mass brings real spiritual benefit to souls in purgatory.[1]
The origin of Gregorian Masses—30 consecutive Masses for a deceased soul—comes from a story he recounted:
After a monk named Justus died, St. Gregory the Great ordered 30 Masses to be said for him. After the last Mass, Justus appeared to a fellow monk and said he had been delivered from purgatory.[2]
This story became the foundation for the tradition of Gregorian Masses, still practiced today.
St. Padre Pio had mystical experiences involving souls in purgatory. He once said:
- “More souls of the dead from Purgatory than of the living climb this mountain to attend my Masses and seek my prayers.”[4]
He also recounted a soul who appeared to him asking for a Mass to be freed from purgatory, which he offered the next day.[5]
In the Summa Theologiae, St. Thomas Aquinas explains that:
- “The prayer of the Church, the Sacrament of the altar, and almsgiving profit the departed.”
He teaches that the Eucharist is especially powerful because it is the sacrament of ecclesial unity and charity.[6]
Hence, let us all help our deceased family members and friends and all the souls in Purgatory by offering Holy Masses on their behalf. “Remember also our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection, and all who have died in your mercy: welcome them into the light of your face.” Roman Missal, Eucharistic Prayer II.
Fr. Rolly Arjonillo
Notes
[1] In 1 Cor. Hom. 41 in https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf207.ii.xxvii.html
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_Masses
[3] St. Alphonsus de Ligouri, The Holy Mass, Centenary Edition, edited by Rev. Eugen Grimm, 2nd Ed. i
[4] https://catholicexchange.com/padre-pio-purgatory-praying-souls-cemetery/
[5] https://aleteia.org/2017/11/07/when-padre-pio-was-visited-by-a-soul-from-purgatory/
[6] https://www.newadvent.org/summa/5071.htm
Stay updated: subscribe by email for free TO OUR NEW WEBSITE catholicsstrivingforholiness.org (PUT YOUR EMAIL IN THE SUBSCRIBE WIDGET).
If you need some resources regarding a particular topic, feel free to use the search WIDGET which has access to thousands of posts, categories and tags on Catholic spirituality.
Cordially inviting you as well to follow www.fb.com/Catholicsstrivingforholiness. and share our posts to help more people in their Christian faith and life.
Thanks and God bless you and your loved ones! Fr. Rolly Arjonillo.
