I posed this question yesterday (the 14th) and have no idea where it was placed so I am repeating it here for substantive discussion.*** I know of an individual, baptized and reared Roman Catholic, who attained fame in the entertainment world but unfortunately, due to many circumstances despaired and became a victim of suicide.** It was some years ago and the Catholic Church denied a Catholic burial to this individual.** In the intervening years the Church has taken a different approach to suicide in that there is now doubt as to the state of mind of these victims and some may have changed their minds at the last moment but, unfortunately, too late.* The circumstances of this death are highly questionable.** The victim overdosed on Seconal and apparently laid down on a bed to die but later got up and was found on the bathroom floor in such a position as to suggest an attempt to get up.** a Holy Card was in one hand.** My question:* Is there anything that can now be done to lift the stigma of suicide by the Church and grant a graveside service and blessing or Mass for this person’s soul?*** Could this be done by approaching the Archdiocese of Los Angeles or just through a parish priest?*** The remaining family has some Catholic members but many converted to Mormonism due to their anger at the Church’ refussal for a Catholic burial.* Please anwer this with a certain authority and knowledge on the subject.
The following is taken from the Code of Canon Law (as issued in 1983). I hope it proves helpful to you.
Chapter II: THOSE TO WHOM CHURCH FUNERALS ARE TO BE ALLOWED OR DENIED
Canon 1183 §1 As far as funeral rites are concerned, catechumens are to be reckoned among Christ’s faithful.
§2 Children whose parents had intended to have them baptized but who died before baptism, may be allowed Church funeral rites by the local Ordinary.
§3 Provided their own minister is not available, baptized persons belonging to a non-Catholic Church or ecclesial community may, in accordance with the prudent judgment of the local Ordinary, be allowed Church funeral rites, unless it is established that they did not wish this.
Canon 1184 §1 Church funeral rites are to be denied to the following, unless they gave some signs of repentance before death:
1° notorious apostates, heretics and schismatics;
2° those who for anti-Christian motives chose that their bodies be cremated;
3° other manifest sinners to whom a Church funeral could not be granted without public scandal to the faithful.
§2 If any doubt occurs, the local Ordinary is to be consulted and his judgment followed. Canon 1185 Any form of funeral Mass is also to be denied to a person who has been excluded from a Church funeral.
Code:
In addition, it's a fact that those persons who commit suicide under the influence of mental illness are most defintitely accorded the right to a Catholic funeral Mass and burial.
To overcome the previous ruling regarding this person's death, assuming he was mentally ill and not a "manifest (public) sinner," the ordinary application is to the Ordinary wherein the original decree of deprivation was passed. To save yourself time and headaches, it might be helpful to seek advocacy in this petition from a parish priest and/or ask the Ardiocese to put you in touch with a Canon Lawyer who can assist you in this matter.
Hope this helps.
