It doesn’t directly correspond to the liturgical calendar like other Masses do.
It encourages devotion to the saints and mysteries of the Church.
What is a “votive” Mass and why is it so important?
A votive Mass is a type of Mass to honor Our Lord, Our Lady, a saint, or a mystery of the Faith at other times besides their assigned feast days. A priest can celebrate a votive Mass on any weekday during Ordinary Time where there is an optional memorial or no other feast.
There are certain days of the week that are traditionally devoted to a specific mystery or saint. For instance, Our Lady is honored on Saturdays, St. Joseph on Wednesdays, and the Trinity on Mondays. The Church uses votive Masses to honor her greatest saints and mysteries and encourage the faithful’s devotion to them.
Some parishes also have particular devotions and special patrons and want to celebrate them outside of the regular feast days. With votive Masses, this is possible.
The liturgy is rich with meaning and contains the greatest Mystery of all: Jesus Christ becoming present in the Eucharist. It is important to understand the different ways the Mass can be celebrated and to take advantage of the numerous devotions and traditions the Church has to offer.
The Holy Mass is truly heaven on earth, when God Himself, the King of Heaven, makes Himself present among us. But even if we understand this, most of us still struggle to pay attention during Mass. For background into the power of the Mass and practical tips to stay focused, read If Your Mind Wanders at Mass. This book is a great resource for anyone looking to be more attentive to the mysteries unfolding before them during the sacred liturgy. Get your copy today at The Catholic Company!
