What Is a Mass Intention?

A Mass intention is a specific petition for which the Mass is offered. Mass intentions can be requested on behalf of another living person—for example, the healing of someone who is sick or to commemorate a wedding anniversary. However, Mass intentions are most commonly offered in remembrance of a person who has died.

Offering Mass Intentions for Deceased Loved Ones

It may seem counterintuitive to offer a Mass intention for a person who has died, as their time on earth is finished. However, the practice of offering Mass intentions for the deceased relates to the Catholic belief in purgatory. 

As Catholics, we believe souls who die in a state of sin go through a purification process before entering heaven. We offer Masses for our deceased loved ones to aid them in their journeys to heaven. We pray with hope that the graces imparted by the Mass usher them further towards eternity with God.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “From the beginning, the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God” (CCC 1032).

The graces that come with having a Mass said for a special intention are immeasurable. The Mass unites the Church on earth to the Church in heaven. The intentions of the Mass are lifted by the Body of Christ in its entirety. 

These graces are especially important for the dead, as they can no longer pray for themselves. Pope Francis said that offering the celebration of the Eucharist for the dead “is the best spiritual help that we can give to their souls, particularly to the most abandoned ones.” 

~ From St Vincent de Paul Missions - The Mission Post