Custom and practice

The dispute in the diocese of Galway as to whether a coffin should or should not be left open in Liscannor church is receiving an amount of national publicity.

Bishop Martin Drennan argues that a village church should not be used as a funeral parlour.

Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley urges the bishop to change his mind on the matter.
In The Irish Examiner today Dan Buckley argues that Bishop Drennan’s letter is extraordinary and that a change of heart on his part would be an act of Christian compassion. He points out that when a pope dies his coffin is left open in St Peter’s for a number of days.

Is there a theology behind the bishop’s stance or has it something to do with funeral parlours?

The bishop points out that his standard is expressed in the question, ‘will this decision further the Kingdom of God?’ He says that it is that criterion which guides him in the choices he is called to make.

How do we ever know in such matters how best to ‘further the Kingdom of God’?

It does seem there is need for some sort of universal norm or practice when it comes to liturgical practice across the church. Then what about local custom?

It is ‘prohibited’ to give a eulogy at a funeral Mass. And yet when it comes to the funeral Mass of an important person, eulogies are pro forma.