St. Catherine of Genoa: patron saint of purgatory & hope
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Every day, we hear stories of kids and adults healed of cancers or other physical healings from saints during their canonization process. Yet do we wonder how Jesus heals the millions of souls in Purgatory? While none of us have seen purgatory, many of us could find ourselves there someday, God-willing. Therein lies the spiritual healing power of the Holy Eucharist. With employing Gregorian Masses for the deceased, many of us can tap into the power of the Holy Eucharist, which heals those of us left behind, also.
For whom do we wish we could have honored better in their lifetime? Who hurt us? Who helped us the most spiritually? Why not have a Mass or Masses offered for them? If God is outside of time; it is never too late to pray for our dead. The Council of Trent tells us,
“The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Perpetual Sacrifice, is the greatest of all suffrages for the Holy Souls.”
What are Gregorian Masses?
Traditionally, Gregorian Masses are a series of regular Holy Masses offered on consecutive days post-mortem or as soon as possible after a person’s death. An approximate months' worth or 30 Masses are offered for 1-individual soul.
This custom for offering Gregorian Masses recognizes that few souls are ready for heaven. At our death, many of us possess attachments to sin. This renders our hearts as less than perfect, barring heavenly entrance. Through the infinite intercessory power of Jesus Christ’s passion and death, made present in Holy Mass, a soul can be continually perfected in grace which enables them to enter into the union with God the Father, who is Love Itself.
History of Gregorian Masses
Gregorian Masses are eponymously named after St Gregory the Great, who was pope from 590 to 604 A.D. St. Gregory the Great contributed to the spread of this pious practice of having 30 Holy Masses celebrated for the deliverance of the souls from purgatory. In his Dialogues (pp 250-252), he writes about offering 30-consecutive Holy Masses for the repose of the soul of Brother Justus, a monk who had died in the Roman convent of St. Andrew. After the 30th Mass, St Justus appeared to one of his fellow monks in thanksgiving, to announce his delivery from the purgatorial flames.
Final Will and Testament of Faith
When we are writing our will, stipulate the desire with stipends to celebrate 30 Gregorian Masses. This demonstrates our testimony of faith to the unbloodied sacrifice on Calvary. Moreover, here is a final checklist for a holy death to attach to the official will and notarized medical power of attorney. To become serious in their faith, our firm dedication can be the nudge our family needs to overcome apathy. Beware of presumption however, since these do not constitute a "get out of jail free" card. This practice must be done in good faith, knowing that God is the ultimate decision-maker. In the event that no purgation is needed--which leans either way--certainly, God uses these graces towards healing those we have hurt.
Sources
The general council of Trent, 1545-63 A.D. | papalencyclicals.net
The dialogues of Saint Gregory the Great Books I-!V | SaintsBooks.net
Science cannot explain suffering. As Lay Passionist and nurse, she challenges modern health care assumptions; contraception, abortion, euthanasia, herd immunity and more. Behind every health dilemma, God asks us to abide in Him. Author of 7 books & >20 peer-reviewed nursing journal articles; she also writes as "The Catholic Nurse" on Substack, see "Archives." She is a veteran of the Army Nurse Corps. Her primary charism is mercy through which she explores redemptive suffering, spiritual healing and the joy of bringing of souls to God.
