The Power of a Healing Mass
Published July 16, 2020
Since the beginning, Catholics have always believed in the healing power of the mass. Even when Jesus first started his ministry, people flock to him to hear his words. Those who do so often experience healing, both physically and spiritually.
Even if we don’t have Jesus in our midst anymore, we can still hear his words through the mass. This is why every mass is a healing mass. Through the sacrament of the eucharist, God provides relief from all our worldly ailments. In essence, it’s one of His greatest gifts to the church.
Why Do We Need a Healing Mass?
Wait a minute, you said all masses offer healing. Then why do we need a special healing mass?
To answer that, you must know that there are several types of masses to cater to the varying needs of the faithful. The healing mass is a votive mass. Meaning, it is offered for a specific purpose. This also means that most of the attendees are united by a common desire – healing. It’s the same reason why we have a different mass for a wedding, a baptism, or even a funeral.
What to Expect at a Healing Mass
Before the mass starts or even while the mass is going on, the presiding priest will hear confessions. Too often, we underestimate the therapeutic benefits of a confession. But being able to tell someone your sins help you unload the guilt you’ve been keeping bottled up inside you. This is why making a confession is your first step towards healing.
A healing mass does not have its own liturgy. But homilies and hymns will be centered around healing. The priest will also incorporate mass intentions for healing.
Towards the end of the mass (usually after the communion), you will be directed to line up at the church’s aisle or in front of the altar. There you will be prayed over by priests and deacons who are standing at the altar. The priest may also lightly lay his hand on your forehead. But you can always stay in the pews if you want to or if your condition prevents you from walking up the aisle.
It’s not uncommon to have people collapsing during the healing ceremony. This is what we call being “Slain in the Spirit”. Meaning, the Holy Spirit working on these people. As shown in the bible, the Holy Spirit has a way of working through people. More than just healing, it transforms us and empowers us to witness God in all our ways.
After the mass, a prayer team usually gathers at the back of the church. You can sit with them and they will ask for your name and prayer intentions. All prayer requests are held in the strictest confidence so you need not worry. You can also request an intercessory prayer for someone else.
What Kind of Healing Can I Expect?
Before anything else, we must not forget that it’s God who is doing the healing. The priests and prayer teams are mere instruments. They can intercede for you but the healing power of the mass comes from God himself.
Thus no matter how many healing masses you attend, if your faith is weak, it will all be for naught. As Jesus’ told that woman who touched his cloak, her faith has healed her. In the same vein, our strong faith in God can get us through whatever ails us.
But “healing” can mean different things for each of us. The mass does not just provide relief from physical ailments. It also heals us mentally, emotionally, and most of all spiritually.
Even if you did not get your desired results, being able to accept God’s will is healing in itself. It means we are transformed. This is the power of a healing mass. It’s the reason why most people leave the mass renewed and carry with them a sense of inner peace.
While healing can happen almost immediately after the mass, in most cases it happens over time. So just keep praying for your healing. Even if you have been healed or God has answered your prayers, never cease praying. Don’t forget to thank Him for restoring your health and all the favors and graces he bestowed upon you.
sus Christ.
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Lay Cistercians of South Florida, is a community of lay people who seeks to have a deeper connection with God by living a life inspired by the monks and nuns through Lay Monasticism. Learn more about what is a Lay Cistercian on our website. Anyone who aspires to do the same as us, and is a confirmed Catholic is welcome to join us! We meet every second Saturday of the month at Emmanuel Catholic Church in Delray Beach, Florida.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer for the Lay Cistercians blog and a devoted Catholic. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources.
