The Healing Journey

April 9, 2025

As Don sat at the back of the church, saying his prayers and waiting for Mass to begin, he sensed a line of people walking past him toward the front pews. He looked up and saw them coming from several sides, until they completely filled two pews with more than 15 people — old people, middle-aged people and an especially large contingent of young people. And it was clear that most of them didn’t regularly come to church. They were there for a memorial Mass.

There were so many of them they outnumbered the daily regulars. Don realized the importance of having Masses said for deceased family members and friends. Not only did it do them good, but most of the people who came rarely set foot inside of church. So it served a double purpose. Plus, they would be there for the most important event in history, which is repeated all over the world every day, when a priest says the words that turn simple bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.

Looking at the crowd, he thought that it must be someone very special for so many people to attend. When the priest announced the intention for the Mass, he realized that it was a grandmother and grandfather, and this was their family, who had gathered together to pray for them. There were so many grandchildren. It was apparent that most of them had no idea what was going on and were following the example of two women sitting in front when it came to kneeling, standing and sitting.

And it occurred to Don that even though they were ignorant of what they should be doing, Jesus didn’t mind. He was just overjoyed to see them celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass for two people they loved.

***

Never underestimate the importance of having a Memorial Mass said for your loved ones and friends … and inviting as many people as possible.

© J Pisani