In the article last week on “Liturgy in our Diocese”, I shared the major changes that were approved and implemented on the Celebration of Christian Funerals in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa. This week, our focus will be on the various symbols used in a funeral liturgy.
SYMBOLS used in every funeral liturgy when the body is present includes the Easter Candle, Holy Water, Pall, Incense, Fresh Flowers, Crucifix and the Book of the Gospel or a Bible.
1. The Easter Candle reminds us of Christ’s lasting presence among us, of His victory over sin and death, and sharing with us in that victory by virtue of our initiation. It also recalls the Easter Vigil when the church awaits the Lord’s resurrection. During the funeral liturgy and also during the vigil (viewing) when celebrated in the church, the Easter Candle is placed in advance near the position the body will occupy at the conclusion of the procession.
2. Holy Water is a reminder to us of the saving waters of Baptism. When used at the reception of body at the church, it reminds us of the deceased’s baptism and initiation into the community of faith.
3. The Pall is a white large cloth that covers the casket. It is placed over the body when it is received at the church and is a reminder of the baptismal garment of the deceased and a sign of the Christian dignity of the person. The use of the pall also signifies that all are equal in the eyes of God.
4. Incense is used during the funeral rites as a sign of honor to the body of the deceased, which through Baptism became the temple of the Holy Spirit. It is also used as a sign of the community’s prayers for the deceased rising to the throne of God and as a sign of farewell. If used, the ritual indicates that the casket should be incensed ONLY ONCE during the funeral liturgy and here in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, it takes place at the song of farewell.
5. When Fresh Flowers are used in a funeral liturgy, it can enhance the setting of the funeral rites. If flowers are used, care should be taken to not place so many displays that they become a distraction from the liturgy. It must be noted though that floral arrangements are not brought in during the procession of the body into the church.
6. Crucifix (cross) may be placed on the casket as a reminder that the deceased is marked by the cross in baptism and through the suffering of Jesus on the cross, is brought to the victory of His resurrection.
7. The Book of Gospel or a Bible may be placed on the casket as a sign that Christians live by the word of God and that fidelity to that word leads to eternal life.
When a crucifix, the Book of Gospels, or a Bible is used, it is normally placed on the pall, approximately over the heart of the deceased. These may be placed on the casket by family members or friends of the family, or by the principle celebrant or attending deacon. It is removed immediately prior to leaving the church.
Next week, the Liturgy section will continue to share another aspect of the Celebration of Christian Funerals in the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa.
Thank you and May God Bless Us All.