Question for Rosary Experts

[dee_burk]

i have heard of Catholics saying a Rosary in place of a traditional funeral.

1. i assume this would be a public rosary within the church community and family members?
2. what set of mysteries would be used for this setting? Sorrowful because a loved one has died? or Glorious in hope of their salvation and upcoming resurrection with Christ?

 

[Marian_Devotee]

dee,

I can’t say that I’ve ever heard of that happening, but in answer to your questions: At my grandmother’s funeral, we prayed one decade of the Glorious Mysteries along with the Memorarae. To the best of my memory, it was the Coronation of our Blessed Mother as Queen of Heaven and Earth (5th mystery).

Of course, it is at the discretion of the family members and the priest as to which mystery is prayed, and so forth.

 

[Chatter163]

A Catholic funeral includes several parts, one of which is the vigil (“wake” or “viewing”), typically at a funeral home, but it can also be at the church, prior to the funeral Mass. This may involve the Liturgy of the Word, especially when held at a funeral home and often led by a deacon or seminarian, though it could be led by a layman, if needed. Sometimes, especially when celebrated at a funeral home, the Liturgy of the Word is preceded by the recitation of the rosary, or the “rosary service” is celebrated without the Liturgy of the Word, since that will be celebrated as part of the funeral Mass at the church, anyway. The funeral Mass is at the church, sometimes a day or two later, followed by burial at the cemetery. Together these rites constitute a Catholic funeral.

The rosary service dos not “take the place” of the funeral; it simpy can be one part of the funeral home portion. It can also be recited at the church, prior to the arrival of the body for the funeral Mass. A priest may lead, a deacon, a seminarian, or even a layman, such as a family member. Being a private devotion, one can say whichever set of mysteries one wishes. I have heard them all done at various funerals. It is up to the family. At my funeral it will be the sorrowful mysteries.

 

[pablope]

i have heard of Catholics saying a Rosary in place of a traditional funeral.

I think you have misconceptions here. The rosary does not replace the traditional funeral services…but is part of the prayers at the wake, prior to the funeral mass.

1. i assume this would be a public rosary within the church community and family members?

 

[RoseMary131]

i have heard of Catholics saying a Rosary in place of a traditional funeral.

1. i assume this would be a public rosary within the church community and family members?
2. what set of mysteries would be used for this setting? Sorrowful because a loved one has died? or Glorious in hope of their salvation and upcoming resurrection with Christ?

As others mention there are often two parts for the family and friends to join together after the death of a Catholic.

“A Rosary” or “A Rosary Service” is often the evening before the funeral Mass. Sometimes it is at the funeral home and sometimes it is at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial is the Funeral Mass.

 

[dee_burk]

Thanks everyone for your responses.
i guess, my confusion is probably from an unusual circumstance, a Catholic co-worker’s mum died and didnt want a “funeral” so the co-worker was trying to decide whether to honor her mum’s wishes for no funeral (at which time she was going to just have a Rosary???) or to have the funeral anyway. i therefore made the assumption that was something that was done occasionally.

On number 2, i heard one poster say they would have the sorrowful mysteries, one say glorious, so it would be the intent of either the family or the pre-planning of the member who died?

 

[Chatter163]

On number 2, i heard one poster say they would have the sorrowful mysteries, one say glorious, so it would be the intent of either the family or the pre-planning of the member who died?

Correct.

 

[Another_Mary]

A young person died in our parish. The rosary was to be held at the church one evening and the funeral the following morning.

Realizing that so many non-Catholic people from the community were there for the rosary (the church was packed), the pastor decided to hold a Liturgy of the Word instead. I think this made a lot of sense.

 

[Chatter163]

A young person died in our parish. The rosary was to be held at the church one evening and the funeral the following morning.

Realizing that so many non-Catholic people from the community were there for the rosary (the church was packed), the pastor decided to hold a Liturgy of the Word instead. I think this made a lot of sense.

I disagree. I don’t think it sets a good precedent to change how we might otherwise conduct our funeral or any other rite, because someone present might object. IMHO, that has contributed to Catholics losing their heritage, unique Catholic culture and sense of devotion to Our Lady. Moreover, such a moment might be the only time that a non-Catholic might actually see and experience something like a rosary. It might be the teachable moment, i.e. despite what he may have heard about vain repetitions, the sense of prayer, reverence and humility that pervade a public recitation of the rosary, might move him to consider the Catholic Church at a later time. :tiphat: