The Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise has clarified diocesan guidelines, stating that wakes with an open coffin will no longer be allowed in churches.
This follows a letter from Bishop Paul Connell to funeral directors in south Leitrim, informing them that the reposing of remains in churches would not be permitted in any Catholic parish in the diocese starting 9 February, reports RTE.
In a statement released by the Catholic Communications Office, Bishop Connell explained that, in recent months, a practice had emerged in some parishes of using churches for the reposing of the deceased.
He noted that this practice had traditionally taken place in the home or, more recently, in a funeral home, where family and friends could gather to offer support and condolences, reports RTE.
While he acknowledged that every community wishes to support grieving families, Bishop Connell pointed out that some parishes had sought guidance on the matter and questioned whether a church was the most appropriate place for the reposing of remains.
In response, he stated that he wanted to offer clarity on the issue in the best interests of the bereaved families, reports RTE.
Bishop Connell emphasized the importance of the three central stations in Christian burial: the home, the church, and the place of committal.
He explained that between each of these stations, there is a procession symbolizing the journey to eternal rest, underscoring that none of these locations should be purely functional but hold deep significance in faith and comfort, reports RTE.
He noted that, in recent times, the station at the home often took place in a funeral home before moving to the church and then to the place of committal.
However, he added that using a church in a way that resembles a funeral home disrupts this practice and is inconsistent with the traditional approach, reports RTE.
Bishop Connell clarified that the role of a church should always remain centered on faith and worship.
He stressed that the church is a symbol of God’s presence and a sacred space where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved, which should be respected by all those using the church outside of liturgical celebrations, reports RTE.
Bishop Connell instructed that in parishes where the practice of allowing remains to repose in the church has not yet been introduced, it should not be implemented.
For parishes where the practice has been established, he directed that it must end by 9 February, urging parish communities to consider alternative locations for hosting this part of the funeral rites, reports RTE.
He stated that using parish halls or other parish facilities for this purpose would be acceptable.
Additionally, Bishop Connell emphasized that the reception of remains into the church should follow the appropriate liturgy, after which the community may offer their condolences, reports RTE.
He reminded those attending the reception that the presence of the Blessed Sacrament should be acknowledged and that the church is a sacred place of worship, which is why the coffin should remain closed when placed in front of the altar.
Bishop Connell underscored the importance of funeral rituals, calling them a key element of both faith and culture.
“I am asking that these guidelines be followed to ensure dignity and respect for both the deceased and the place of worship,” he concluded, reports RTE.
The guidelines also made clear that there has been no change to the traditional Catholic funeral service.
The tradition continues with the removal of remains to the church the evening before the Funeral Mass, during which prayers are offered, and the family is given the opportunity to receive sympathy, reports RTE.
The guidelines state that the coffin remains closed during this service, as it does during the Funeral Mass, and there is no issue with the remains being placed overnight in the church (with the coffin closed), reports RTE.
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