Gordon, Roman Catholics believe that the sentences of souls to purgatory can be shortened by Masses arranged to be offered on their behalf as well as good works (corporal and spiritual works of mercy) done on their behalf. I do not think there is another way of explaining it. So, if your father dies, recognizing that he was not perfect and that his soul might be languishing in purgatory waiting for release, you might arrange for Masses to be offered for his release from purgatory and you might feed the poor, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, care for the sick, give shelter to the homeless, etc, etc, etc, on his behalf in order to shorten his stay in purgatory. John Miranda Raposo
On Sunday, March 5, 2017 6:45 PM, Gordon Soares <gs...@centurylink.net> wrote: I wonder if anyone knows the significance of being buried in the habit of St. Francis in the 1600-1800 burials. It is often said that the person was carried to the grave in the habit of St Francis lead by the priest and the Friars of St. Francis. The person often had a will and indicated that they would like 30 masses for their soul and maybe 20 masses for their ‘intention”. Can someone tell me what ws meant by “intention”? I know I have written this before but its a detail that continues to “bug me” and someone out there can help me put it to rest. :) Gordon -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Azores Genealogy" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to azores+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/azores. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Azores Genealogy" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to azores+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/azores.