For a long time, it has been a common practice for Christian families to "have a mass said" either for their beloved dead or for those among their relatives and friends who are in a difficult situation. Many folks also do this when they have received a favor from God and wish to thank him for his goodness to them.

 

Having a mass celebrated for the deceased is to offer fervent assistance to them as we hold them in our hearts. We pray that, purified, they may be conformed completely to Christ. They are counting on the faith and the charity of their sisters and brothers who offer prayers, who extend themselves to be in solidarity with them on their journey toward perfect union with God.

 

To pray for the living who are undergoing trials is an act of love, uniting us to them in their affliction. We intercede with the Lord that he may comfort them in their distress and heal their spirit.

 

When we offer a mass of thanksgiving, we show gratitude to our God who never ceases showering us with his goodness. A mass of thanksgiving bonds us to Jesus who offered his life to his Father for our freedom and salvation—this is what the Eucharist essentially means.

 

The money that we present is but a symbol of the gift of self that we present. Offering a small amount of money and taking the time to pray for them reveals how much we look forward to the eternal happiness of the dead person; we affirm that they are always alive in our hearts.

 

We thank you for uniting your prayer to that of all the pilgrims who come to Mount Royal to encounter Saint Joseph, the Holy Family, and Blessed Brother André.