Friday, 20 April 2007

Bishop O'Brien's Funeral - Images

Some of the beautiful photographs taken by Marcin at today's funeral. All (c) Marcin Mazur.








8 comments:

Anonymous said...

RIP. Was he buried in the Cathedral? It would be good to be able to pray by his grave.

Anonymous said...

It is very interesting that priests' funerals are celebrated in white.

In Rome, the funeral of late Pope John Paul II and also cardinals' funerals are celebrated in red.

Can you comment on this diversity as "common people"'s funerals are celebrated in violet?

Mark Langham said...

I realise there is a diversity of practice, and views, about liturgical colour for funerals. There is no intention to down-play any aspect of our theology of death and salvation (indeed, we very strongly resist the increasing requests for a 'celebration of the life of...').

The Order of Christian Funerals makes it clear that there is a choice of liturgical colour for all (not just priests), which should be based on pastoral practice: "The liturgical colour chosen for funerals should express Christian hope in the light of the Paschal mystery, but without being offensive to human grief."

I believe that the Holy Father's Requiem is celebrated in red as he is the successor of St Peter - and hence the martyr's colour.

Anonymous said...

Does the pruning of comments on this topic denote a certain sensitivity? White for priests is certainly not a universal custom, even in Westminster Cathedral I am sure I have attended funerals where the officiant and those seated in the sanctuary were in purple, though the attending priests wore the diocesan hopsack. Birmingham used to have a diocesan purple stole for funerals.

biretta wearer said...

I must remember to put it into the next edition of my will - "black vestments to be worn at my funeral Mass"....
(Not that 'they' will take much notice - but there will be a clause that redirects my worldly goods should they not be worn!)

Mark Langham said...

It's a clearly a highly sensitive issue, which is best left to the opinions (and instructions) of those concerned. Subject now closed!

Andrew said...

May he rest in peace.

I note that that Paschal candle is burned down much since Easter. How do you make it last till the next year>

Is a new candle used, unblessed?

Anonymous said...

May he rest in peace.

I found out only today - the Catholic Herald carried a short obituary. Bishop O'Brien confirmed me in 2003, so I am even more obliged to keep him in my prayers.