[TSgt]

Hey purgatory mass (Gregorian Mass) is big business! My uncle had his estate pay the church to pray him out of purgatory.

The practice of Gregorian Masses goes back to a tradition hailing from Pope St. Gregory the Great (540-604). According to legend, a deceased monk appeared and requested 30 Masses to be celebrated for the release of his soul from purgatory. On completion of the stipulated days he appeared once more radiant in heavenly glory. From this legend the practice of celebrating 30 consecutive Masses for one and the same person with the intention of procuring release from purgatory became an established custom which has been regulated in various ways over the centuries.

[Paved Paradise]

For whatever it’s worth, when my mother-in-law died, we received several beautiful cards indicating that a mass had been “paid for” to be said for her after death. I have to agree with what you say here. It really reminds me of the whole indulgences fiasco.

[starlifter]

Then your uncle and the estate were wastrels.