Bishop Paul Connell Bans Open-Casket Wakes in Churches

Bishop Paul Connell of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois in Ireland has issued official and unambiguous guidelines prohibiting the organization of open-casket wakes in Catholic churches within his jurisdiction. The practice, which involves displaying the deceased in an open casket in the church before the funeral Mass, has, according to the bishop, developed in recent months in some parishes, with particular intensity 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 keeping vigil with the deceased, originating from Celtic culture, has a centuries-old history in Ireland. Wakes traditionally took place in the deceased's home, and later also in funeral homes, where family and friends could bid farewell to the deceased. The transfer of this practice to the church is a relatively new phenomenon in some regions. Bishop Connell, in his issued statement, however, emphasized that he is not banning the so-called removal, i.e., the solemn transfer of the coffin from the funeral home to the church, which remains a standard element of funeral rites. His guidelines pertain exclusively to wakes with the body displayed in an open casket. The clergyman issued the communication 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 within the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, which covers parts of the counties of Longford, Leitrim, Westmeath, Offaly, Cavan, and Roscommon. The bishop's decision fits into the broader context of liturgical and pastoral regulations concerning funeral rites in the Catholic Church. Although the Code of Canon Law does not contain detailed provisions on wakes in churches, the competence in matters of liturgy and order in churches belongs to the diocesan bishop. Bishop Connell used this authority to issue local regulations. Reactions to the decision are mixed. Some families and funeral directors may perceive it as a restriction of the existing practice and tradition. On the other hand, the decision aims to restore clear standards and prevent situations where the church would serve a function similar to a funeral home or a pre-funeral home. Thus, the primary function of the church as a place for liturgy, rather than prolonged body exposure, is emphasized.