Offering Gregorian Masses for the deceased dates back to Pope Gregory the Great (540-604). According to the legend, when Gregory was a monk, a fellow monk died and appeared to one of the monks saying that he was suffering excruciating agony in purgatory and asked for 30 Masses to be celebrated for the release of his soul. The monk agreed but lost track of the number of Masses he said for this intention. Around a month later the deceased monk once again appeared, but this time radiant in heavenly glory and thanked him for the Masses which had released him from his suffering. Quickly the monks got together and figured out that the 30th Mass had just been completed the very moment he appeared.
Few people are ready for heaven immediately after death, and the Mass has infinite intercessory power for these souls. Thus, a request for such a series of Masses is a spiritual act of mercy obtaining a plenary indulgence on behalf of the deceased.
The Masses need not be said by the same priest at the same altar. If a priest who has accepted the obligation of the series finds that he must break the series for a reasonable cause (e.g., the celebration of a funeral or a wedding etc.) the priest must complete the 30 Masses as soon as possible, but need not begin the series anew. For this reason, Gregorian Masses are usually celebrated where priests have fewer strictly pastoral commitments such as in monasteries, seminaries, priestly houses of studies and retirement homes, and most especially in the Missions.
To order a Mass card call or visit:
Society for the Propagation of the Faith
c/o San Diego Office for the Missions
3888 Paducah Drive, San Diego, CA 92117
Tel. (858) 490-8250
Membership
Membership in the Propagation of the Faith
As a baptized Catholic you have the privilege and responsibility to participate in the worldwide mission of the Church by offering your prayers, sacrifices and financial support throughout the year especially during Advent and Lent. If you wish to become a Member your intentions will be prayed for in over 15,000 masses a year.
Perpetual Membership
As a Member you promise to pray daily to the patrons of the missions for the missionary work of the Church by saying the following:
1 Our Father,
1 Hail Mary,
St. Francis Xavier – Pray for us,
St. Therese of Lisieux – Pray for us,
Our Lady Queen of the Missions – Pray for us.
Perpetual Membership — $100.00
Below is a sample of the certificate provided when you order a Perpetual Membership. It has a white hard cover with the signed and dated certificate placed in the inside right side and a picture of your choice placed in the inside left side. This will include registration in the membership database.
