Roman Catholics in Ottawa are no longer permitted to deliver eulogies during funeral Masses, the local archbishop has decreed.
The Feb. 2 decree from Archbishop Terrence Prendergast reminds the faithful that Catholics gather at funerals “not to praise the deceased, but to pray for them.”
Contrary to popular belief, eulogies “are not part of the Catholic funeral rites, particularly in the context of a funeral liturgy within Mass,” the decree stated. Many Catholics, it pointed out, do not know this.
Not the first time this issue has come up. Eulogies are supposed to be delivered at the wake. The focus of a Mass of the Resurrection is Christ, not the deceased. Funerals are becoming drawn out wakes with a little religion thrown in.
Would that Anglican clergy were instructed on this matter. Eulogies have no place in the Burial Service, rightfully so.