No greater word of comfort can we give to a grieving family than to proclaim our hope in the resurrection of the dead. The pain, suffering and loss of a loved one can become a blessed moment when the Spirit works wonders in the hearts of those who believe.
The comforting of those who mourn – all these are clear expressions of our concern for those experiencing the pain of the loss of a loved one.
As Catholics, we believe that what happened to Jesus in His resurrection from the dead will also one day happen to us. This hope in life after death has brought joy and comfort to millions of believers as they mourn the death and experience the loss of a loved one.
The Vigil for the Deceased (Viewing or Wake) is one way that relatives and friends condoled or expressed their sympathy for the sentiments of those who are grieving. A prayer service such as reciting the Rosary and other prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary have been part of the Vigil.
Eulogies were given at some appropriate time during the wake. While the trend was of every speaker was a natural desire to say good things about the person who has died, in the context of prayer, the working of God’s grace in the life of the deceased for which we want to give thanks and praise was given emphasis.
A mass was offered for the forgiveness of sins and the salvation of the soul of the departed on the funeral day. The liturgy speaks of the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection, which gives the deepest meaning to the life of the deceased. A member of the family expressed his thanks to those attending and eulogize publicly what the deceased meant to those who loved him.
