The funeral are a series of liturgical rites that are celebrated in the Catholic Church with the purpose of honoring the life of the deceased, saying goodbye to the Christian community and accompanying their family and friends in the pain of loss. This celebration expresses hope in resurrection and announces the transit of the soul towards eternal life.
From the Christian faith, the funeral affirm certainty in the resurrection, granted through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. They constitute a testimony of faith by trusting that, just as Christ resurrected, his followers will also do for eternal rest.
These rites are celebrated within the framework of the Pascual mystery – death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus – and give meaning to the death of who was united to Christ from his baptism and is called to resurrect with him.
The character of the funeral can vary between the solemn and the simple, depending on the customs and sensitivity of each community.
They always include prayers for the purification of the soul of the deceased, and its objective is also to offer comfort to the mourners through hope in eternal life.
Monsignor José Ignacio Munilla, through the YouTube channel I trust youhe explains that the funeral “are a liturgy that accompanies the faithful deceased in their transit of the world towards the celestial homeland, entrusting it to the love of God.” In this sense, the Church offers a moment of unity in faith and prayer.
According to ACI PRESSafter body death, the soul faces a particular judgment that determines its eternal destiny. However, there is the possibility of purification in purgatory, a transitory state in which souls prepare to enjoy God’s presence in heaven. Church prayers are directed especially to these souls.
Meaning of liturgical signs in funeral
During funeral, liturgical signs also have a deep meaning:
- Blessed water Remember the baptism of the deceased, when it was incorporated into life in Christ.
- The incense It symbolizes the blessing and dignity of who has been the son of God and member of the Church.
Finally, any celebration of exequias culminates with a farewell prayer and the transfer of the body to the cemetery, where it will be buried. There, according to the doctrine, the body will “sleep” until the final judgment.
How are funeral to the Catholic Church celebrated?
As the Vatican portal, the Church, as the mother of the devotee, accompanies him at the end of his walk to deliver it “in the hands of the father.”
According to the Catholic liturgy, the funeral is celebrated during the funeral of a believer or devout person, as an act that symbolizes goodbye with love and pray for his soul, so that he is with God.
These sentences can be done in three specific places: the house of the deceased, the temple and the cemetery. In addition, the rite can understand four fundamental parts:
1. Welcome
It is the opening act of the funeral celebration. Family and friends accompany the mourners and offer them words of comfort. It is remembered that, although the person has died, there is hope in Jesus Christ.
2. The reading of the Word of God
During this part, biblical passages are proclaimed with the purpose of providing comfort to the mourners and reaffirming the Christian faith that death is not the end, but the passage towards eternal life with God.
3. The Mass or Eucharist
A special mass is celebrated in which Jesus’ sacrifice is offered. It is requested for the forgiveness of the deceased and to live with him in heaven. It is the central moment of the exequial rite.
4. The last goodbye
Prior to the transfer of the body to the cemetery, family, friends and companions say goodbye to the deceased. This moment recalls the Christian hope that, one day, everyone will meet in heaven with Jesus.
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