Why all these masses for Louis XVI? He is not a Saint, even though the Pope described him as a martyr.
For Catholics, mass is the highest form of prayer. Masses are offered to pray for a particular intention. In the case of the faithful departed (i.e. those who die as members of the Church), masses are offered as a prayer that their souls might be forgiven all their sins and that they might be brought to the fullness of everlasting life.
A typical opening prayer at a mass for Louis XVI will be something like this:
Almighty God and Father,
it is our certain faith that your Son, who died on the cross, was raised from the dead, the first fruits of all who have fallen asleep.
Grant that through this mystery your servant Louis, who has gone to his rest in Christ, may share in the joy of his resurrection.
The masses for Louis XVI this weekend (or at any time) are prayers to Almighty God that God will forgive all of Louis' sins and grant Louis a place in heaven.
Masses are never said for a canonized saint, although they can be said in honour of a canonized saint, i.e. as a thanksgiving to Almighty God for that person's life and witness.
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