Having a mass said in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela?
Aug 15th, 2006, 10:20 AM
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Having a mass said in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela?
I know this is a strange request, but I am in Santiago at the moment and would like to have a mass said for my MIL. She is a devout Catholic and not very well at the moment. She loves that I light a candle for her every time I visit a church in Europe.
Last year I was in Assisi and brought her back a “mass card” (would not mean anything for a non-Catholic) and she was delighted. I’d like to do the same here – it would mean so much to her.
Does anyone know the procedure? I am hoping NED, Maribel and our Spanish friends are reading.
Best regards .. Ger
Last year I was in Assisi and brought her back a “mass card” (would not mean anything for a non-Catholic) and she was delighted. I’d like to do the same here – it would mean so much to her.
Does anyone know the procedure? I am hoping NED, Maribel and our Spanish friends are reading.
Best regards .. Ger
Aug 15th, 2006, 10:34 AM
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I'm not a Spain expert, but I think procedures are more or less the same in all Catholic churches (and I am Catholic).
I would think that you simply have to find the "parish office" of the Cathedral (which will probably not be the same as the archdiocesan office), go during their office hours and arrange it as you would anywhere else.
I would think that you simply have to find the "parish office" of the Cathedral (which will probably not be the same as the archdiocesan office), go during their office hours and arrange it as you would anywhere else.
Aug 15th, 2006, 10:51 AM
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Cologne Dom has Sunday Morning Mass at 7, 8, 9, 10 (High with choir), 12 noon (with sermon). Also as I remember it they have stewards (dressed in red) who man the doors and only let people in for service. You may be allowed to stand at the back and stand, but you won't be allowed to move about. In this respect they are more like English cathedrals. The earliest time for sightseeing is around 1 pm.
If I were you, I would go to one of the early Masses (before 10 am), stay for the service (around 30 min) and look around very briefly afterwards.
If I were you, I would go to one of the early Masses (before 10 am), stay for the service (around 30 min) and look around very briefly afterwards.
Aug 15th, 2006, 10:55 AM
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Hi Ger, if it is the same procedure in Spain as it is in Italy..I went to the office at a cathedral in Veneto and made the arrangements. Best wishes to you, and I hope your MIL's health will improve.
Aug 15th, 2006, 11:31 AM
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Hi Ger,
I would do as Eloise and LoveItaly suggest-inquire at the office-and ask the desk at the Parador, which office, as there are several. Hope you're having a wonderful trip. I will also will keep your MIL in my thoughts.
Regards,
Maribel
I would do as Eloise and LoveItaly suggest-inquire at the office-and ask the desk at the Parador, which office, as there are several. Hope you're having a wonderful trip. I will also will keep your MIL in my thoughts.
Regards,
Maribel
Aug 15th, 2006, 11:58 AM
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Thanks all, I appreciate your responses.
Maribel, its been a wonderful trip and thank you for your assistance in planning it. I am completely in love with Galicia! My heart is still palpitating from my drive around Ribeira Sacra yesterday. It was defiantly the highlight of the trip and also the longest death-defying roller-coaster I have ever endured!
Regards Ger
Maribel, its been a wonderful trip and thank you for your assistance in planning it. I am completely in love with Galicia! My heart is still palpitating from my drive around Ribeira Sacra yesterday. It was defiantly the highlight of the trip and also the longest death-defying roller-coaster I have ever endured!
Regards Ger
Aug 15th, 2006, 12:39 PM
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Ger, why don't you try going to the pilgrim's office? If they can't help you they might direct you to the right place.
All churches have an administration office where you cand schedule this kind of mass dedications. Be prepared, you will be expected to make a donation.
Make sure you get to see the Botafumeiro. It is usally swung during the pilgrim's mass at noon. It is breathtaking. If you make it sit on the altar side (not in the main apse) so that it swings over you.
All churches have an administration office where you cand schedule this kind of mass dedications. Be prepared, you will be expected to make a donation.
Make sure you get to see the Botafumeiro. It is usally swung during the pilgrim's mass at noon. It is breathtaking. If you make it sit on the altar side (not in the main apse) so that it swings over you.
Aug 16th, 2006, 01:32 AM
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How's your Spanish, Ger?
Marigross' idea has merit. The Oficina de Peregrinacion is just across Rua Fonseca (north of the Basilica). Someone there might be able to help you.
Alternatively, there used to be a shop specializing in Religious Articles just inside the Main (West) entrance to the Basilica, on your left as you enter. It is probably associated with the Administration, so that might be your best bet.
There's another one on Rua Fonseca but in the Cathedral side. Lots of Luck!
Although it's not a routine tourism thing, you might even ask at the Xunta de Galizia Offices just South of the Basilica / Cathedral / Obradoiro.
As for the Botafumeiro: if you didn't see it yesterday (la Virgen de la Paloma) you probably have to wait until the weekend. I have seen it at the Saturday evening Mass and at Sunday's High Mass. It swings on a North South axis - my first time I was in an aisle seat, North side of the Altar. It was terrifying!
Marigross' idea has merit. The Oficina de Peregrinacion is just across Rua Fonseca (north of the Basilica). Someone there might be able to help you.
Alternatively, there used to be a shop specializing in Religious Articles just inside the Main (West) entrance to the Basilica, on your left as you enter. It is probably associated with the Administration, so that might be your best bet.
There's another one on Rua Fonseca but in the Cathedral side. Lots of Luck!
Although it's not a routine tourism thing, you might even ask at the Xunta de Galizia Offices just South of the Basilica / Cathedral / Obradoiro.
As for the Botafumeiro: if you didn't see it yesterday (la Virgen de la Paloma) you probably have to wait until the weekend. I have seen it at the Saturday evening Mass and at Sunday's High Mass. It swings on a North South axis - my first time I was in an aisle seat, North side of the Altar. It was terrifying!
Aug 16th, 2006, 02:05 AM
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Ger,
I think everybody has already said it, but your best bet is to go to the "sacristia" and ask there. They will have a book and you can ask for the day you are interested in (the only place I have been forced to take the day they wanted was in Padova).
I seem to remember that the "sacristia" was on the right hand of the cathedral, when you are looking to the main altar.
Here you have their phone number and their website, just in case :
Sacristía: 981 583 548
http://www.archicompostela.org/
You usually leave a donation of maybe 6, 9 euros. It really depends on the church, and they will tell you how much.
Another thing, even being catholic, I had never heard of a "mass card". When you ask for a mass, they will tell you the time and the day, and you write it down on your agenda. You might be able to buy a postcard or something similar at the shop in the cathedral (they also have good chocolate there).
How are the fires, btw?
Rgds, Cova
I think everybody has already said it, but your best bet is to go to the "sacristia" and ask there. They will have a book and you can ask for the day you are interested in (the only place I have been forced to take the day they wanted was in Padova).
I seem to remember that the "sacristia" was on the right hand of the cathedral, when you are looking to the main altar.
Here you have their phone number and their website, just in case :
Sacristía: 981 583 548
http://www.archicompostela.org/
You usually leave a donation of maybe 6, 9 euros. It really depends on the church, and they will tell you how much.
Another thing, even being catholic, I had never heard of a "mass card". When you ask for a mass, they will tell you the time and the day, and you write it down on your agenda. You might be able to buy a postcard or something similar at the shop in the cathedral (they also have good chocolate there).
How are the fires, btw?
Rgds, Cova
Aug 16th, 2006, 10:02 AM
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Mass Card:
Just take one from home, with printed words inside: 'Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions....' and enter the details. Any card on sale there is likely to be in Spanish (or Galician) only.
Just take one from home, with printed words inside: 'Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions....' and enter the details. Any card on sale there is likely to be in Spanish (or Galician) only.
Aug 17th, 2006, 01:05 PM
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Thank you all so much for your help, but I am afraid it didn’t happen.
I think Cova is right – it’s the expression they don’t understand, and Ned, I’m afraid I can’t speak Spanish, other than the usual polite expressions.
Firstly, most Galician’s I met had limited English, and, mea culpa, I don’t speak Spanish, so there is a communication issue. Secondly, there is the terminology issue: In Ireland we ask for a “Mass to be said” or for a “Mass card”; or at least we did when I was a nipper and my Mammy sent me to the Prespertry (sp?) in the 70s.
I started with the Concierge at the parador and he politely pretended to understand what I was asking for. He consulted the newspaper and wrote out all the mass times for the day in the Cathedral.
I then went to the tourist office and asked them the same question. They gave me the times of the masses in the Cathedral.
Next, I went to the cathedral and asked the guides. They directed me to the sacristy and I thought I was in the right place! A priest was dressing for confession, and I greeted him and ask him if he spoke English and he smiled and pointed me to the nun at the desk who he said DID. I greeted her, and ask asked her if she spoke English, and she said a little, and when I explained what I wanted she looked at me bemused. A kind gentleman, a Camino traveler, with a gentle face like a monk, tried to translate. The more I talked, the more confused he was. Finally, the sweet nun gave me a printed list of the masses in the Cathedral.
I now have three lists of masses in the Cathedral!
Maybe a mass card or having a mass said is a particularly Irish/Italian thing? In Assisi, there was a desk manned by a Franciscan where they provided a form to fill out identifying the name of the person and it was up to you how much you would donate, similar to what I remember (I was only a child) from Ireland.
Anyway, as a substitution for the mass, I lit candles in the Cathedral to statues of the Virgin and said a prayer, lined up for a visit to the remains of St. James, knelt down and said a prayer, lined up at the portico (how glorious!) and touched my head to St. James head an my fingers in the groves and said a prayer. I think my MIL will be just as pleased that I spent more time in the church praying, than admiring the architecture.
If any of you are planning a trip to Santiago de Compostela and are able to figure out how to have a mass said, please let me know.
Once again, thanks for your help. It didn’t work out, but I am grateful for kind assistance.
Best regards … Ger
I think Cova is right – it’s the expression they don’t understand, and Ned, I’m afraid I can’t speak Spanish, other than the usual polite expressions.
Firstly, most Galician’s I met had limited English, and, mea culpa, I don’t speak Spanish, so there is a communication issue. Secondly, there is the terminology issue: In Ireland we ask for a “Mass to be said” or for a “Mass card”; or at least we did when I was a nipper and my Mammy sent me to the Prespertry (sp?) in the 70s.
I started with the Concierge at the parador and he politely pretended to understand what I was asking for. He consulted the newspaper and wrote out all the mass times for the day in the Cathedral.
I then went to the tourist office and asked them the same question. They gave me the times of the masses in the Cathedral.
Next, I went to the cathedral and asked the guides. They directed me to the sacristy and I thought I was in the right place! A priest was dressing for confession, and I greeted him and ask him if he spoke English and he smiled and pointed me to the nun at the desk who he said DID. I greeted her, and ask asked her if she spoke English, and she said a little, and when I explained what I wanted she looked at me bemused. A kind gentleman, a Camino traveler, with a gentle face like a monk, tried to translate. The more I talked, the more confused he was. Finally, the sweet nun gave me a printed list of the masses in the Cathedral.
I now have three lists of masses in the Cathedral!
Maybe a mass card or having a mass said is a particularly Irish/Italian thing? In Assisi, there was a desk manned by a Franciscan where they provided a form to fill out identifying the name of the person and it was up to you how much you would donate, similar to what I remember (I was only a child) from Ireland.
Anyway, as a substitution for the mass, I lit candles in the Cathedral to statues of the Virgin and said a prayer, lined up for a visit to the remains of St. James, knelt down and said a prayer, lined up at the portico (how glorious!) and touched my head to St. James head an my fingers in the groves and said a prayer. I think my MIL will be just as pleased that I spent more time in the church praying, than admiring the architecture.
If any of you are planning a trip to Santiago de Compostela and are able to figure out how to have a mass said, please let me know.
Once again, thanks for your help. It didn’t work out, but I am grateful for kind assistance.
Best regards … Ger
Aug 17th, 2006, 01:34 PM
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Mass intentions in Spanish is 'intensiones de misa', so say 'Quisiera una masa ofrecida para las intenciones particulares' 'I would like a mass offered for particular intentions' and you can agree on the times and intentions.
Aug 17th, 2006, 01:51 PM
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OK, Ger, if you are still around ... what I usually say is "Quiero encargar una misa para mi abuela Consuelo, para el dia xxx, si es posible".
"I´d like to order a mass for my grandmother Consuelo, for the day xxx, if it is possible".
Then they will grab their diary, and check if your preferred day is free. Of course, if you don´t mind the day, you just tell them that you want to "order" a mass for whomever ... Afterwards, they will tell you how much is the mass, and you pay. It is usually done at the "sacristia".
I am extremely surprised with your problems at the tourism office. One of my friends works at the town hall tourism office, and prior to that she was the manager of the Turgalicia tourism office (both of them in the Rua do Villar). I have met the girls working there ... and english was only one of the many languages they spoke, including Japanese and Czech (and I mean well spoken). Maybe you met some of the trainees ...
Take care, and candles are always good.
Rgds, Cova
"I´d like to order a mass for my grandmother Consuelo, for the day xxx, if it is possible".
Then they will grab their diary, and check if your preferred day is free. Of course, if you don´t mind the day, you just tell them that you want to "order" a mass for whomever ... Afterwards, they will tell you how much is the mass, and you pay. It is usually done at the "sacristia".
I am extremely surprised with your problems at the tourism office. One of my friends works at the town hall tourism office, and prior to that she was the manager of the Turgalicia tourism office (both of them in the Rua do Villar). I have met the girls working there ... and english was only one of the many languages they spoke, including Japanese and Czech (and I mean well spoken). Maybe you met some of the trainees ...
Take care, and candles are always good.
Rgds, Cova
Aug 17th, 2006, 02:33 PM
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Hello Ger, I am sorry that you were not able to have the mass said for your MIL, but your prayers and the lightening of the candle was good.
Maybe the church works different in Spain? BTW, when the Mass was said on the first anniversary of my dear husbands death the Catherdral didn't have Mass Cards either but the Msgr. made sure I had several copies of the Catherdral's program for that Mass which listed my husband's name. He made sure I had enough for all four children and myself. Best regards Ger.
Maybe the church works different in Spain? BTW, when the Mass was said on the first anniversary of my dear husbands death the Catherdral didn't have Mass Cards either but the Msgr. made sure I had several copies of the Catherdral's program for that Mass which listed my husband's name. He made sure I had enough for all four children and myself. Best regards Ger.
Aug 17th, 2006, 02:52 PM
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OReilly,
Just a side note...I was touched that you light a candle for your MIL every time you visit a church in Europe. My sister Maryfran and I light a candle for our deceased younger sister every time we visit a church in Europe. I always feel almost as though she is there with us when we do that.
Just a side note...I was touched that you light a candle for your MIL every time you visit a church in Europe. My sister Maryfran and I light a candle for our deceased younger sister every time we visit a church in Europe. I always feel almost as though she is there with us when we do that.
Aug 17th, 2006, 05:12 PM
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I had a mass said for an aunt here in Spain and it was very simple, you just go to the "sacristia" and ask for it. They took note and you pay, that's all. But no, we don't have mass cards. At least..provided by the church.
Aug 18th, 2006, 01:34 AM
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Thanks guys, I\ll know for next time.
Cova, didn\t mean to suggest that thegirls at the tourist office did not speak English, just that they could not understand what I wanted because of my terminology.
I have no doubt that I will be back in the area VERY soon.
regars Ger
Cova, didn\t mean to suggest that thegirls at the tourist office did not speak English, just that they could not understand what I wanted because of my terminology.
I have no doubt that I will be back in the area VERY soon.
regars Ger
