Eulogies at Catholic funerals — short answer
- The Order of Christian Funerals states that a eulogy is never to be given during the Funeral Mass; brief words about the deceased may be permissible at the concluding rites or at other gatherings (vigil, before Mass, graveside) at the celebrant’s discretion.
Where and when eulogies are permitted
- Not during the Funeral Mass itself — a formal eulogy is not allowed during the Mass; the homily is for the priest or deacon to relate Scripture and the paschal mystery to the death being mourned.
- Permitted outside Mass or at the concluding rite — family or friends may normally speak at the vigil, at a separate wake service, at the graveside, or briefly during the concluding rites if the celebrant permits; parish guidelines and pastoral charity usually guide these decisions.
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Content and tone restrictions
- No definitive statements that the deceased is in heaven — speakers must avoid declaring the deceased to be in heaven since only God knows and only the Church canonizes saints.
- Keep remarks brief, respectful, and focused on consolation — remarks should comfort the bereaved and reflect Christian hope rather than turning the rite into a civic, political, or scandalous forum.
- No liturgical substitutions — a eulogy must not replace liturgical elements, homily, or prayers; anything planned must respect the liturgy’s structure and the celebrant’s pastoral judgment.
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Practical steps for families
- Ask the priest or funeral planner early what is allowed in that parish and where a eulogy can be offered (vigil, before Mass, after Mass, graveside). Pastors often help craft brief remarks or suggest an appropriate time and speaker.
- Prepare brief, measured remarks that emphasize Christian hope, memories that instruct or console, and avoid theological assertions about the deceased’s final destiny.
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