Archbishop limits wreaths, personal symbols in new funeral guidelines

Published: 2004-11-18

DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) -- A new "one wreath per coffin" rule is included in new guidelines on funeral liturgies published by Irish Archbishop Dermot Clifford of Cashel. "Other wreaths are more appropriately located on the church porch or other suitable storage area near the entrance to the church," the archbishop said. The guidelines, issued in mid-November, ban Mass cards on coffins and ban personal symbols -- such as football shirts or sports equipment -- from being included in offertory processions. They say that any flags placed on coffins in church should be folded so as not to obscure Christian symbols. Eulogies to the deceased should be brief and made before or after the funeral Mass is celebrated, and the contents of such speeches should be discussed with the Mass celebrant beforehand, the guidelines say.

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