The meaning of the patron saint's mass in Catholicism
(Baonghean.vn) - For Catholics, the patronal Mass is one of the most memorable holidays. This is also an occasion for friends and associations to meet and share joy with each other.
A patron saint (also called a patron saint or patron saint; Latin: patronus) is a saint who is believed to protect, guide, and intercede for a person, place, nation, or even an event. This title is commonly used in the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
The tradition of choosing a patron saint is common in many cities and countries in Europe. Usually, the chosen patron saint is someone who was born or was active in the local area. In Latin America, when Spanish and Portuguese explorers first set foot on a land, they often named that land after the saint whose feast day was celebrated that day.
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The choice of a patron saint for a country or city can be recognized by the government (for countries with a Catholic tradition) or only by the Catholic Church in that country. Patron saints of professions are chosen from saints whose professions or miracles are related to that profession.
Choosing the day to celebrate the patron saint is not random but depends on the spirituality and general spirit of each organization. On this day, a special mass dedicated to the group is celebrated, followed by a ceremony to admit new members, participate in charity work in the parish and finally a meeting imbued with brotherhood.
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| Cu Tan Church, Thanh Da Parish. |
The celebration of the liturgy is reserved only for Patron Saints who have been officially approved by the Holy See, or whose selection has been in existence for a long time. Moreover, the selection of a Patron Saint, understood in a broad sense, is a matter of piety, and does not carry liturgical privileges as in the ordinary case.
The patron saint of a diocese, a region, a nation, a large territory, a place, or a province is celebrated as a feast (festum). However, for important pastoral reasons, it may be celebrated as a solemnity.
Monks have their own liturgical calendar and also celebrate the feast of the patron saint of the region in which they live.
Religious orders may celebrate with solemnity two of the feasts of their Patron Saint, Title Saint, or Founder Saint.
