Mass Stipends for 16 Priests in Argentina

Since ancient times, the Catholic faithful have supported their priests and showed their appreciation for their ministry by means of Mass stipends. In essence, this involves asking the priest to celebrate Holy Mass for a particular intention and, in return, supporting him with a financial or equivalent contribution. This is not a matter of “paying” for the Holy Mass – which is impossible – but of expressing love and gratitude for such a priceless gift. At the same time, however, the financial aid given in the form of such Mass offerings is an indispensable support for their life and ministry, especially in many poorer countries where priests receive virtually no other form of financial remuneration. And the Holy Mass, in turn, is the most precious spiritual gift imaginable that we can make to others, including our own loved ones – and especially for the souls of our dear, departed ones.

Every year, we are able to help thousands of priests in many different countries around the world by passing on your Mass stipends to them. Among them are the 16 priests of the Diocese of Mar del Plata in Argentina, who are working in some of the poorest parishes and are only too happy to celebrate Holy Mass for your intentions. At the same time, your gifts are a precious help to them as they work among the poor in a country that, for many years now, has been suffering a severe economic crisis and rampant inflation.

Father Gonzalo Domench is one of these priests who regularly receive your Mass offerings. We would like to pass on to you the words of thanks he has written to you all: “The parish that God has entrusted to me as its priest is a community on the outskirts of the town of Necochea. It is deeply marked by the world of suffering, not only on account of the poverty and inequality, but also because the duties of our ministry include the town hospital and the cemetery. As their priest, I endeavor to encourage, guide, and accompany the people in every way. Your Mass stipends make it possible to cover the cost of our Social Security and pensions contributions, which would be quite impossible without your help. And so I hasten to thank you for thinking about us and giving us the chance to pray for your intentions. It does us a great deal of good to know that we are not alone. Please be assured that there is a priest here who, though far away, holds you in his heart, prays for you, and intercedes for you.”

Will you join us in continuing to support Father Gonzalo and his fellow priests?

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