There are strong links that bind us to others who are part of the vast community of the living and the dead, writes Fr Lawrence Cunnignham.
Dervilla writes: Dear Father, I’m writing to you in despair. My daughter died suddenly and unprepared about a year ago. She hadn’t been to confessions for years although in the period before her sudden death she visited churches and lit candles most days. The priest assured me that she had [...]
Fr Morgan Costelloe finds a source of hope as he reflects on bereavement and grief.
For most parents, the sudden and unexpected loss of a child through miscarriage is an emotional as well as a spiritual crisis. M. Fran Rybarik describes the unique sense of loss parents experience and suggests ways in which family and friends can support them in their grief.
During a wake it may happen that family members would like to have a structured time of prayer beside the deceased. Sometimes, however, they find it difficult because they can’t find the words or because no-one feels comfortable taking the lead. In these circumstances, the rosary – even a single [...]
Ritual responses to death have changed often in the Church’s history. Liam Tracey OSM, Professor of Liturgy in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, examines especially the history of All Souls Day and some problems of perception raised by the liturgy of that day.
Fr Lawrence Cunningham writes on the strong links that bind us to others who are part of the vast community of the living and the dead.
These extracts from A Celebration of Life provide a helpful introduction to the different elements of the funeral liturgy.
Fr James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R. describes the wonderful comfort and hope that he and his family experienced in the prayers and liturgies of the church following the death of his mother.
There will be a judgment, but it will be merciful, says John Garvey, an Orthodox parish priest in New York and a columnist for Commonweal.
James A. Wallace C.Ss.R. recalls his mother’s death and how the prayers and rituals of the Church were a source of great comfort to himself and all his family.
Fr Bernard McGuckian SJ pays tribute to his late mother, Pauline, who died last February 2009.
Jim writes: Can departed relatives pray to God on our behalf? And if they are already in heaven should we keep praying for them? Fr Bernard McGuckian SJ replies.
Carers for the dying have a sublime and sensitive vocation. They need to be aware of their own motivation. They should not deny the reality of the coming death so patients and carers can share memories and deal with past hurts. Philip Fogarty SJ explains.
Fr Bryan Nolan tells of his work in the Hospice Friendly Hospitals Programme. It describes how to provide best care for people in the last days of their life.
