A Message from Father Nathan
My dearest people closest to my heart!
God bless you and your generous heart.
Understanding Why We Offer Masses for Our Intentions
Why? And for what? Are reasons to celebrate a Mass intention
I do appreciate that lots of people offer a Holy Mass for so many intentions. It’s clear that you take prayer and the Mass very seriously. God bless you.
I thought we need a bit of catechism on “Why? And for what? Understanding the reasons to celebrate a Mass intention?
Mass is first and foremost an act of worship.
It is the source of the summit and the highest form of prayer in Catholicism, honoring God the Father through the sacrifice of Christ. We Catholics believe that in the Mass, we unite ourselves spiritually to Jesus’ offering on the Cross, which is made present on the altar in an unbloody manner.
Graces flow abundantly through the celebration of the Eucharist
—for the person offering, for those prayed for, and for the whole Church.
Reasons to offer a Mass (intentions):
Masses can be offered for many intentions. Common ones include
1. For the dead, probably the most common reason. Catholics believe in purgatory—a state of purification before entering Heaven. Offering Mass helps the souls of the faithful departed.
2. For the living. Thanksgiving – To thank God for blessings, birthdays, anniversaries, and recovery from illness.) Healing – For physical and spiritual healing. Guidance and Strength – difficult times, decisions, or temptations. Conversion – for loved ones who have strayed from faith. Special Intentions –Personal requests known only to the person offering it.
3. For the Church and the World. Peace, justice, vocations to the priesthood/religious life, sanctification of the clergy, etc. Spiritual Value of the Mass. Infinite Value (because it’s Christ’s sacrifice.) Impart Grace to those prayed for and to the one offering the Mass. It can be applied to both the living and the dead, unlike most prayers, which benefit primarily the living.
Bring Your Intentions to the Altar
Hence, Holy Masses could be offered for anything. We know as Catholics our life should revolve around the altar. Whatever affects and pertains to our life can be and should be brought to the altar to remember and pray for.
With lots of love and blessings.
Ever wanting to be faithful to your service,
— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan
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Past Messages from Father Nathan
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 10, 2023
Saint John Chrysostom was a convert, a holy deacon, an influential priest, an exceptionally consequential Archbishop, and a prolific writer…
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 03, 2023
“Our Lady of Good Health” is Our Lady of Vailanganni, popularly known in southern India. We will remember her miracles on September 9th with a special mass and celebration.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | August 27, 2023
Aug. 28 is the memorial of St. Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church. He’s one of the most influential Church Fathers and theologians in history.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | August 13, 2023
Holy Days of Obligation | The Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains holy days of obligation this way:
Family needs or important social services can legitimately excuse the obligation of Sunday rest (specified in the Fourth Commandment). The faithful should see that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life, and health {CCC 2185}.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | August 06, 2023
St. Clare’s feast day is August 11th. Known as the patron saint of television because when she was able to see and hear mass on the wall of her room.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | July 30 2023
August 4th we celebrate the feast of St. John Vianney who is the patron saint of priests – a French priest, a renowned confessor with supernatural powers. Baptiste-Marie Vianney, also called Cure d’Ars, (born May 8, 1786, Dardillly, France—died August 4, 1859, Ars, canonized May 31, 1925, feast day August 4 (formerly August 9), a French priest who was renowned as a confessor and for his supernatural powers.