Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois confirms ban on open coffin wakes in churches

Bishop Paul Connell of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois in Ireland has issued official guidelines that prohibit the organization of open coffin wakes in Catholic churches within his jurisdiction. The practice, which involves displaying the deceased in an open coffin in the church before the funeral mass, according to the bishop, has developed in recent months in some parishes, particularly in County Leitrim. Consequently, he has sent a letter to funeral directors, clergy, and parishioners, informing them that from February 9, such wakes will no longer be permitted in any church belonging to a Catholic parish in the diocese. The tradition of wakes for the deceased, originating from Celtic culture, has a centuries-old history in Ireland. Wakes traditionally took place in the home of the deceased, and later also in funeral homes, where family and friends could bid farewell to the deceased. The transfer of this practice to churches is a relatively new phenomenon in some regions. Bishop Connell emphasized in his statement, however, that he is not banning the so-called removal, i.e., the ceremonial transfer of the coffin from the funeral home to the church, which is a standard element of funeral rites. His guidelines pertain solely to wakes with the body displayed in an open coffin. The clergyman issued the communiqué to clarify his earlier guidelines regarding the use of churches for displaying remains, after media reports emerged about an alleged total ban. „Wakes, with an open coffin, are not allowed in churches in this diocese.” — Bishop Paul Connell The new rules apply in the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, which covers parts of Counties Longford, Leitrim, Westmeath, Offaly, Cavan, and Roscommon.