Could someone explain to me the tradition of the novenario when someone dies? (2025)

KateNicole said:

I've spent a lot of time in Mexico and attended velorios and the like, but I was wondering if someone could offer me a more detailed explanation of the novenario when someone dies. Please keep in mind that I'm not Roman Catholic . . .
I was also curious if it is observed even if the deceased was not religious, although not atheist. Si la familia es.If the family is.
Thank you

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Es una tradicion que despues del sepelio empiece el Tradicional "Novenario", durante nueve dias se resa el rosario, tambien mucha gente envia flores.
It is a tradition after the funeral to start “The Novenario” during nine days people say the rosary, also many people send flowers.

Indeed, it is a tradition , but from what I know about Catholicism it is of great importance because the people who attend the "novenario" pray for the soul of the deceased, so that he/she is forgiven for all his/her sins by God and accepted into heaven. Once it is completed the faithful believe that they have help in some way for this person to rest in peace. It kind of gives closure to family members as well.

I hope this helps'

KIBS

KateNicole said:

I've spent a lot of time in Mexico and attended velorios and the like, but I was wondering if someone could offer me a more detailed explanation of the novenario when someone dies. Please keep in mind that I'm not Roman Catholic . . .
I was also curious if it is observed even if the deceased was not religious, although not atheist.
Thank you

Click to expand...

Hi Kate,
My late father-in-law was an atheist who memorably refused to see a priest on his deathbed (Tú y tus curas me la .....). However, his widow and daughters did carry out a novena.
I'm afraid I can't offer you a detailed account of what happens as it does seem to vary from place to place, but the basic idea is that a novena is 9 days of prayer, sometimes non-stop. In some cases the rosary is repeated over and over, and in others, one of the mourners will lead the others in various kinds of prayers. I think the guided repetition is quite therapeutic for some grievers.

I hope this helps.
Lola

There are also the Gregorian masses, which many people claim that even the most evil person (deceased) cannot resist and will subsequently gain entrance thru the pearly gates.

These masses should be held for a complete month, one mass for each day of the month, and as far as I know, the salvation of the deceased has to be the only intention of the mass. In other words, the priest should pray only for that person's soul.