Now this is something that I’ve been meaning to look into myself and I’ll get my mother to ask her brother (a Priest), who is 80 something now, but still active in various parishes when needed. Maybe 6 months ago, she had asked a Priest to have a Mass said on the anniversary of her fathers death. (He died in 1968) and the Priest confidently told her that you don’t need to have Mass said for people gone long ago. She was surprised as its something she’s always done but assumed this was a development in the Churches understanding. Anyway, I’ll ask her today to ask my uncle next time they talk. He is always up on everything new!
Yes, absolutely you can request a Mass for the repose of the soul of your late father!
First, I’d like to congratulate you on becoming a Catholic.
That is correct.
In our Diocese, I’ve heard several priest praying for community leaders; I’m pretty sure not all of them are Catholic. God’s grace is up to Him, not us.
You may have a Mass said for anyone living or dead, Catholic or non-Catholic.
The year, 1969, says a lot about the situation. Unfortunately, many priests were simply changing teachings to suit themselves.
Well…yes, mostly. The exception being the obvious one: we do not celebrate Mass for the soul of a canonized saint.
Well that makes perfect sense, although I’ve never ever thought about it!!!
I have never heard of someone having a Mass said for anyone who has been canonized, though, as those members of the faithful are identified as already being among the Church Triumphant. Other than that, yes.
I would like to give that uncle/priest the benefit of the doubt. It may be that he’s simply comforting a close relative and not trying to teach something not in the doctrine. Be generous with the clergy as they face the battle against evil on the front lines every day. Pray for them!
