The purpose of celebrating 33 masses is to represent the number of years that Jesus spent on Earth. It is believed that offering masses for someone who has passed away can help alleviate some of their suffering in purgatory and aid in their journey to heaven. The masses can also bring peace to the living, who may be struggling to accept the death of a loved one.
While the tradition of offering masses has been around for centuries, it is not uncommon for Catholic families to continue the practice to this day. Some families may offer the masses once a year, while others may opt to offer them multiple times throughout the year.
For those who are unfamiliar with the practice of offering masses, it is typically done through a parish priest or a Catholic organization. The individual or family requesting the masses will typically make a donation to the organization, which will in turn schedule the masses with a priest.
It is important to note that while offering masses can bring comfort to those who are grieving, it is not a guarantee that their loved ones will make it to heaven. This is because only God knows the state of a person’s soul at the time of their death.
While the tradition of offering masses has deep roots in Catholicism, it is important to remember that it is just one way of expressing love and concern for the deceased. There are many other ways to honor and remember those who have passed away, such as lighting a candle or making a donation to a charitable organization in their name.
Celebrating the 33 masses for the family tree is a beautiful tradition that has brought comfort to many throughout the centuries. Whether done once a year or multiple times throughout the year, it is a way of showing respect and love for those who have gone before us.
Therefore, it is important that we continue to honor these traditions and teach future generations about their importance. By doing so, we can continue to bring comfort to those who are mourning and keep the memory of our ancestors alive in our hearts and minds.