gregorianka.belynichi@gmail.comNovena for the Dead – 9 Holy Masses
Nine Holy Masses celebrated on nine consecutive days for a deceased person or for the departed members of a family. Most often requested in the first days after death and on anniversaries.
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What is a novena of Masses for the dead?
The word “novena” comes from the Latin novem – nine. A novena of Masses is nine Eucharists celebrated day after day for the same intention. Its model is traditionally seen in the nine days that the Apostles spent in prayer with Mary between the Ascension and Pentecost.
In a novena for the dead we commend to God one or several deceased people – for example parents, grandparents or all the departed members of a family. This is an important difference from Gregorian Masses, which the Church allows to be offered for one deceased person only.
When is a novena for the dead requested?
- in the first days after the death of a loved one – as prayerful accompaniment during mourning,
- on the anniversary of death,
- in November, when the Church especially remembers the dead,
- when it is not possible to request the full series of Gregorian Masses (30 Masses), but we wish to offer more than one Mass.
Novena, Gregorian Masses or a single Mass?
| Single Mass | Novena | Gregorian Masses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Masses | 1 | 9, day after day | 30, day after day |
| For whom | one or several people | one or several people | one deceased person only |
| For the living | yes | yes – novena for the living | no |
You can read more about the thirty Masses on the Gregorian Masses page.
How to request a novena in Białynicze
Simply fill in the form on this page or send us an e-mail. Give the name of the deceased person (or persons) and the day on which the novena should begin, if a particular date matters to you. In reply we will send a proposed date and the times of the Masses, and once they have been celebrated – a confirmation. The details are on the How to request a Mass page, and information about the offering on the Mass offering page.
The Masses are celebrated by priests of the Archdiocese of Minsk–Mohilev, first of all in the Parish of Our Lady of Białynicze. Every intention requested supports the rebuilding of the shrine.
Questions and answers
Can a novena be requested for several people?
Will I receive a confirmation?
The Shrine of Our Lady of Białynicze
For centuries Białynicze on the Druts river was one of the most important Marian shrines of the old Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, known as the “Częstochowa of Belarus”. The Carmelite church with the miraculous image of Our Lady, crowned in 1761, was destroyed in Soviet times.
Today the parish is rebuilding the shrine, and every Mass requested here supports this work.
History of the shrine →Request a Holy Mass
Leave your contact details and intention – we will reply by e-mail with a proposed date.
Thank you! We have received your request and will reply shortly to the e-mail address you gave.