Independent. ie: Bishop of Meath Dr Michael Smith has issued the new directive to priests in his diocese, which includes most of counties Meath and Westmeath, plus parts of Offaly, Longford, Louth, Dublin and Cavan.
The bishop warned against “dumbing down” at Catholic funeral services, and emphasised that priests must uphold the “integrity of the Mass”. Appreciations or eulogies should not take place in the church, he says. However, they may take place after the Rite of Committal in the cemetery or at a later stage.
The guidelines also state that secular songs, poems and texts, devoid of a Christian content are out of place in the funeral liturgy. More here.
