Black Vestments for funeral Mass

  • Thread starter Thread starter JimG
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There is a tension in the funeral rites between grief and loss versus joy and hope in the resurrection. While I personally think the old Requiem Mass focused too much solely on death and grief, I think we often times focus too much only on the joy of the resurrection, without acknowledging death and praying for the dead.

I think there should be a balance between these two things. I’m all for a resurgence of black vestments. I’ve also seen white vestments with black details and orpheries. I think these are particularly good for funerals as well.
 
As I noted in a reply a few days ago, I have arranged for a traditional Latin Requiem Mass for my funeral (which, Deo volente, won’t take place for many years), and a priest will have to travel in from out of town (I’ve made those arrangements in my will also). If bringing black vestments were an issue, the continuing Anglican church in town has a set, and the priest there (who has since died himself, tragically, not an old man at all) told me he could make those available if need be.

That Mass will really have to be in the funeral home chapel — I need to call my pre-need guy and make sure all the ducks are in a row — as I seriously doubt any local parish church would allow a TLM Requiem Mass. Can’t elaborate, let’s just say I know my town, and know what their response would be (there is more than one parish in town). I’ll save them the trouble of refusing.
 
I honestly have no idea what he is on about; death and grief are apparent throughout the post VII funeral rites and, while while is an option, violet is considered the norm. At the same time, we are an Easter people (to use JPII’s expression) and so believe that death is not the end, that Christ’s love conquers even death itself. This balance is reflected in the readings for funerals in the lectionary as well as in the Order of Christian Funerals. It’s pointless to try and ignore the grief because it’s abundantly obvious and any funeral but more so in some than others. The liturgical framework provides a vehicle for addressing this while also reminding those gathered of the hope that comes from Christ. I think this is one of the times when hearing the words of the mass in the vernacular is more advantageous since they’re intended to give voice in a way to the feelings of those gathered.

I get that the 1980’s were a time when liturgical taste (and sense) wandered off but that was a while ago now!
 
I don’t think the Requiem focuses so much on grief as it does on judgement and need for mercy. In today’s day and age where everyone is solemnly canonized at the Rosary and reception, it may sound harsh to hear about judgement during a funeral Mass. It is a reminder both to pray for the departed and to amend our own lives as we prepare for our own judgement.
 
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