Singapore is a diverse city that today consists of four primary races: Chinese, Eurasians, Malays, and Indians, each of which has its own set of religion, practices, and beliefs.
Among these religions, Catholicism is probably one of the most dominant, with its funeral customs and practices setting it apart from any other else. But, what actually happens at a Catholic funeral?
Catholic Funeral Service in Singapore
Catholicism is a religion that believes in the afterlife, where it is taught that a person will depart from their physical life and their soul will either go to:
• Heaven
• Hell; or
• Purgatory
Where they’re going will depend on their actions in their physical life. A priest is the one called to perform Catholic funeral rites prior to and on the event of a Catholic’s death.
There are primarily three parts to a Catholic funeral service.
What Happens in a Catholic Funeral Service
Prayer Vigil
Between death and the funeral service, Catholics typically hold a prayer vigil, which is similar to a wake. These occasions are attended by family members and friends and often take place either in a funeral home, church, or the deceased’s home.
Catholic Funeral Mass
The funeral mass is the highlight to every Catholic memorial service. It is presided by a priest who leads the Eucharistic Prayer and the Holy Communion.
If, for some reason, a mass can’t be celebrated, a Catholic funeral liturgy takes place, which doesn’t include the Holy Communion.
Catholic Rite of Committal
After the mass, the rite of committal will then take place where the deceased will be laid to rest. The priest will bless the site before leading the funeral crowd in prayer.
In a Catholic funeral, it’s a tradition to have a memorial service 9 days, 30 days, and a year after the death.
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