Today I watched a live-stream funeral service for my uncle at Our Lady of Kapiti Catholic church.
I was impressed, not by the religious side of things of course, but by the proficiency of the technology and frankly that there was a very good balance between 'churchiness' and family and friends gathering.
Fr. Michael McCabe presented the eulogy on behalf of the family and did it extremely well. Normally I'm against priests, celebrants or other agents doing this especially if they have no awareness of the deceased's life. In this case McCabe was respectful and, as my uncle had been a very regular church goer, knew him. The eulogy made from family members memories was a good celebration of his life and was followed by a photo collage accompanied by mt uncle's favourite music.
My cousin's husband presented a separate eulogy and did it very well.
To me, this is what religion and churches are all about. Places of sanctuary and gathering amongst friends and family and, in the case of funeral services, remembering the loved one and swapping stories.
I would have liked to be there but after the eye-procedure yesterday have blurred vision today and couldn't get to Paraparaumu at short notice.
Glad it went well.
ReplyDeleteRBB
ReplyDeleteFr Mc Cabe must have come out of retirement to do your Uncle's funeral. See
ReplyDeletehttps://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_welcom/hundreds-farewell-kapiti-parish-priest/
Sounds like your uncle was a practising Catholic. How was he related to you?
Are you prepared to tell me his name on line?
ReplyDelete"Bring out the comfy chair".
DeleteSo that's Mr B O T C Chair?
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