Funeral Question

[tmroberts]

Not sure if this is the proper forum, so my apologies in advance if it is not. Recently, a Catholic friend of mine passed away, however his wife is a Jehovah’s Witness and had her minister conduct the entirety of the funeral, even after several of us suggested a priest at least be present. Several other friends and I were upset that a priest was not invovled. His sister was able to arrange a priest to give him annointing of the sick shortly before his passing. After the burial, his sister (from out of town) asked if I could look into getting a priest to bless the grave. Is this something which can be done after the burial? Or is there something else my local priest can do? Any info would be appreciated.

 

[twopekinguys]

Since the sister of the deceased has asked you to intervene, I would definitly talk to a priest and explain the situation.

It is a shame, that even in death, the man’s religion could not be respected.

 

[puzzleannie]

his Catholic friends and relatives may also inform his parish priest, who may not even know of his death, and can arrange for a Mass. but yes legally the next of kin have the authority to make funeral arrangements.

 

[John_Lilburne]

… After the burial, his sister (from out of town) asked if I could look into getting a priest to bless the grave. Is this something which can be done after the burial? …

In the USA there is a ceremony for blessing an individual grave. It is in Book of Blessings (published by Liturgical Press, Minnesota, 1989, ISBN 0-8146-1875-8, page 649). The prayer is in Chapter 57, n. 1751:
“O God,
by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest,
bless this gravestone
with which we mark the resting place of N.
May he/she have everlasting life
and rejoice in you with your saints for ever.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.”

The Introduction has:
“1734 This order is a solemn commemoration of the departed whose bodies lie in a cemetery. It may be used on All Souls Day, Memorial Day, on the anniversary of the death or burial of a particular deceased person, or when a gravestone or cemetery monument is erected. The service may also be adapted for use by individuals when they visit the grave of a relative or friend.”

My understanding is that this ceremony is only approved for use in the USA, as part of their approved English edition. It is not part of the Latin original liturgical book, which can be used in any country.