Mass Intentions
I am Fr. Emmanuel Kasibante, a Catholic Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Eshowe, South Africa. Currently I am here in Rome doing studies in Sacred Liturgy.
What are Mass Intentions?
These are special intentions or requests that the faithful ask their priests to offer them during the celebration of the Holy Mass. This custom, well understood in former generations past, is perhaps not so widely understood today. Any individual may ask a priest to offer a Mass for several reasons: for example, (i) In thanksgiving for the graces received (ii) For the sick person (iii) For the intentions of another person (such as on a birthday) (iv) For the repose of the soul of someone who has died. (v) For the souls in Purgatory One must never forget the infinite graces that flow from the Sacrifice of the Mass which benefit one’s soul. In the celebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice, the Church prays that God, the Father of mercies, will grant His children the fullness of the Holy Spirit so that they may become one body and one spirit in Christ. For many years priests have also depended on the offerings of the Mass Intentions for their survival and the continuation of pastoral work.
You are free to ask a Mass intention offered for you.