We unavoidably witness funerals, attend them, or regrettably participate in them as we go through life. These circumstances frequently result in great perplexity, sorrow, and on occasion even a general sense of loss.
Our four-part series, which analyzes the burial rituals, traditions, and customs of Singapore's four main religious groups, has the answers you need. We shall discuss catholic funeral services, liturgy, and protocol in this second article of the series. Continue reading to learn more!
RELIGIOUS FUNERAL
At first glance, a Catholic funeral can be mistaken for a Christian one. Catholics and Christians both have the same beliefs about the afterlife. They believe that a person's soul travels to Purgatory, Hell, or Paradise once they pass away. The third place is particular to Catholicism and significant to the rituals associated with a Catholic funeral.
The belief in purgatory is the reason behind the custom of holding Mass before a funeral, where time is set apart to pray to God for mercy and the forgiveness of the deceased's sins.
CATHOLIC FUNERAL TRADITIONS
What, therefore, is a Catholic funeral in its most basic sense? So let's look at a couple of the traditions.
The void deck, a funeral home, or a Catholic church are all possible locations for Catholic funerals. These funerals are officiated by a Catholic priest. A traditional Catholic funeral usually includes a funeral Mass, a funeral vigil service (sometimes called a wake or rosary prayer) at Direct Funeral Services, and a cemetery commitment. Even though a Catholic funeral usually includes a burial, cremation has become more and more common in Singapore.
A priest, who typically belongs to the same church as the deceased had been attending during their lives, conducts the funeral rites. Eulogies, prayers, and scripture readings are all part of the vigil ritual, which frequently has background music. At the funeral, the priest officiates at Mass, Holy Communion, and a sermon.
During the Catholic funeral liturgy, holy water is sprinkled on the casket, and the priest and family both recite blessings and scripture. After the consumption of the bread and wine, holy water and incense are used to bless the coffin once more.
Catholic funeral etiquette and dress codes
Do we as mourners present at a wake have to adhere to these traditions? What obligations do I have if I don't follow the Catholic faith? When attending a Catholic wake, are there any special concerns we should keep in mind? Whatever religion we follow, it is always nice and good for us to familiarize ourselves with the traditions as guests.
Family members may don a formal wardrobe. Visitors may, however, dress casually as long as it is modest and in darker colours; black or neutral colors are a good choice. Attendees may need to move from their seated to standing to kneeling postures. If you're a visitor, you might not need to kneel, but it's courteous if you stand when others do. You are invited to receive the priest's blessings during the procession even if you don't profess Catholicism, but you shouldn't take Communion.
Two additional popular ways to express concern and grief are by sending sympathy stands and giving money in lieu of flowers (whether floral or LED). If you intend to send the bereaved family an LED sympathy stand, be sure to engage with a licensed LED wreath supplier because Singapore's government has recently tightened the rules governing the display of such stands.
Funerals increasingly include wishing trees and memory books where guests can submit amusing anecdotes about the departed and offer their sincere condolences.