Understanding Our Faith

Vigil for the Deceased

As mentioned last week in this series of small articles, the first step proposed in the celebration of the funeral rites is a Vigil of prayer for the deceased including naturally readings from the Scriptures.

This is a simple celebration which prepares those in grief – and the rest of the community – for the celebration of the Funeral Liturgy which is to follow; usually it takes place the next day.  The emphasis of the Vigil is on the grief and loss which those close to the deceased are experiencing and also serves to call to mind the salient features of the deceased’s life and influence.  The symbols which we have come to use as part of the actual funeral liturgy can be used in the Vigil: the sprinkling with Holy Water, the placing of the Pall and the placing of other symbols on or near the coffin.  The Eulogy – or Words of Remembrance – can also take place at the Vigil.

The Vigil is so called because the family and friends of the deceased, along with the community, keep watch in prayer around the body of the deceased, entrusting the person to God and giving comfort to those who are grieving.

The Vigil includes prayer, readings, a short homily and prayer of intercession concluding with the Lord’s prayer.  There is then a concluding prayer and a blessing.

The Vigil does not need to be conducted by a priest or deacon but can be led by a suitable member of the community.

The Vigil has a fluidity to it and can be adapted to various circumstances.  The Rosary is often included as part of the Vigil.  Because of circumstances such as time constraints and costs, the Vigil is not often celebrated and the elements which are part of it are included in the Funeral Mass or Liturgy.

There is wisdom to the three-part structure of the Funeral Rites in that they give greater opportunity to bring grief to the surface and begin to assuage it.  They are also very salutary in a culture like ours which tends to hide from death because of its fear of death.  We have a Christian vision of death to offer to the people of our times and culture.

There are some lovely words which form part of the Vigil and which in a way epitomize it.  Words which are worth always keeping in mind: “My brothers and sisters, we believe that all the ties of friendship and affection which knit us as one throughout our lives do not unravel with death” (Rite of Funerals no. 71).

By Fr Frank O’Loughlin