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Bishop imposes eulogy ban for funeral Masses

THE Bishop of Meath has banned eulogies from funeral Masses and urged priests not to 'canonise' the dead.

Bishop Michael Smith has also outlawed secular songs, poems and texts which are "devoid of a Christian content" in a directive issued to priests of the diocese.

In the written missive Dr Smith also addressed the appearance of 'funeral planners' and ordered clergy to "only engage with the family in relation to the funeral rite".

The bishop reminded priests of the need to uphold the integrity of the funeral Mass as "a dumbing down of their integrity does no service to the faith".

"If family members or others wish to speak about the deceased this can be done at the graveside or when the family and friends gather after the burial," the bishop stressed.

"A post-Communion reflection of a prayerful nature can be given after Communion but this should be agreed before-hand with the celebrant and should not be used as a cloak for a eulogy."

The cleric delivering the homily "should dwell on God's compassionate love and on the paschal mystery of the Lord proclaimed in the Scripture readings", Dr Smith said.

"As is clear from the directives on the funeral rite, the deceased should not be canonised in the homily.

"If a visiting priest is officiating at the funeral Mass he should be informed of these regulations and asked to abide by them" and undertakers should also be made aware of the rules, the bishop said.

He also addressed the matter of books of condolence and said it was essential to have "clear arrangements" in place, with some priests having expressed the view that they should not be allowed in the church.

"Clear arrangements, allowing people the opportunity to offer sympathy to the family of the deceased, should be put in place in each parish," Dr Smith said.

"In some places is seen that the 'funeral planner' has made an appearance. Priests should only engage with the family in relation to the funeral rite."