Gregorian Masses

Gregorian Masses have been around since the first centuries of the Church; more than thirteen hundred years.  The value of these Masses is that once completed, the person for whom they were intended to benefit would be released from Purgatory.  The name "Gregorian" refers to Pope St. Gregory the Great who reigned from the year 590 to 604.  He related in his Dialogues that when he had finished a series of thirty Masses for a departed monk, he received a visitation from this monk who told him he had been released from Purgatory and entered heaven.  In Europe this practice became popular and was approved by the Church as a "...pious and reasonable belief of the faithful." (Sacred Roman Congregation on Indulgences)

There are a number of simple requirements to gain this benefit for a departed loved one.

• It is required that thirty consecutive Masses be said; i.e., one per day for thirty days;
• They must be said on thirty consecutive days WITHOUT interruption;
• They can only be offered for one deceased person; not for several and not for all the faithful departed;
• It is not required that these Masses be said by the same priest, but, they must be said for thirty consecutive days, whether by one, two or more priests, all for the same intention.

Due to the commitment it takes, it can be very difficult to find a priest or priests who can offer Gregorian Masses.  As a source becomes available for saying Gregorian Masses, contact information for them will be posted here.

Catholic Missions Office -- 721 N. LaSalle -- Chicago, IL 60610 -- Phone: 312-382-3328

In the case of the Catholic Missions Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the missionaries with whom they work appreciate the opportunity to say these Masses because the stipends for the Masses help with the priests' upkeep and their work.  The last time I checked with this office, the stipend requested was five dollars per Mass - personally, if you can afford it, I'd make it a minimum of ten dollars, considering the valuable service provided for your loved ones by the saying of Gregorian Masses.  It is my understanding that the Missions Office doesn't overtly advertise the fact that they can arrange to have Gregorian Masses said, but, I don't think they'd turn anyone away.

Divine Word Missionaries -- P.O. Box 6099 -- 1835 Waukegan Road -- Techny, IL  60082 -- Phone: 847-272-7600 or Toll Free 800-275-0626, ask for Terri

(The 800 number is for both Illinois and nationwide.)

Gregorian Masses are said by Divine Word priests in the mission fields of the world.   For this service, the Divine Word Missionaries are asking a stipend of $500 dollars for the thirty Masses.  Given this stipend amount is a lot of money, but, considering the tremendous benefit for the poor soul for whom it is offered, it is truly little indeed.  The Divine Word Missionaries have told me that this donation is not etched in stone.  If this stipend amount is too difficult, they encourage you to call and speak with them.  Stipends for Masses in most places now is at least $15 per Mass so $500 is not an excessive request.