07/08/2025
What Catholics Should Not Do at a Wake or Funeral
Here are some things that Catholics should not do at a wake or funeral:
1. Avoid Superstitions, Pagan Rituals, and Non-Catholic Practices
Pamahiin (superstitions) such as not sweeping the floor, covering mirrors, or placing money in the casket have no place in Catholic funerals.
Avoid calling the spirit of the deceased, spiritism, or pagan rituals mixed with Catholic prayers.
Do not believe in "pagpag" (not going home directly after a wake to avoid bad luck).
Placing a chick inside the coffin of someone who was murdered to “expose the killer” is a pagan practice that contradicts the Catholic faith.
Cutting a rosary to “end a series of deaths” is superstition that dishonors the sacred purpose of the Rosary.
Having small children carried across the coffin to “break a curse” is completely irrational and unnecessary. This does nothing for the child or the deceased.
Not wearing red because "it is bad luck"—how foolish! If a person loved red in life, why suddenly prohibit it in death?
Not saying "thank you" when someone offers condolences because it is believed to "invite death" is just ridiculous and uncharitable. Gratitude is always Catholic.
Washing hands with water infused with graveyard weeds to “drive away evil” is another pagan ritual that has no place in a Catholic funeral.
These rituals honor the devil more than God—do not participate in them.
Do not attend Non-Catholic Services. You may attend the burial of a non-Catholic friend or relative, but avoid their religious services as they contradict the Catholic faith.
2. No Excessive Mourning or Despair
We grieve with hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Wailing without faith or blaming God for the death contradicts Catholic teaching.
Wearing all-white or avoiding colors due to "bad luck" is unnecessary.
3. No Drinking, Gambling, or Loud Celebrations, Videoke, Immodest and revealing clothing
A Catholic wake is a time for prayer, not for drunkenness, gambling (sakla), or rowdy behavior.
Eating together is fine, but turning it into a party is inappropriate.
4. Do Not Assume the Deceased is Immediately in Heaven
Never say, "He/she is already in heaven." Only the Church can declare someone a saint.
Instead, pray for their soul and offer Masses because purgatory exists, and souls need our prayers (2 Maccabees 12:46).
5. No Eulogies in Place of the Homily During a Funeral Mass
The Church discourages eulogies during the funeral Mass because the focus should be on Christ, the resurrection, and prayers for the deceased (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, No. 382).
Personal sharing can be done at the wake, but the funeral Mass is not a tribute event—it is for praying for the departed soul.
6. No Cremation (Pre-Vatican II Teaching)
Before Vatican II, the Catholic Church strictly forbade cremation because it was associated with Freemasonry, paganism, and a denial of the resurrection of the body.
The Masons and enemies of the Church promote cremation as a way to desecrate the human body, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).
The devil and fallen angels envy humans because we have both body and soul, while they are pure spirits without a body. Cremation is one way they mock the dignity of the human body, which will rise again at the Last Judgment.
The Church teaches that the body must be buried intact, following the example of Our Lord Jesus Christ and all the saints.
Cremation was only permitted in extreme cases (e.g., plague, war) and required special permission from a bishop under strict conditions.
If permitted, do not throw ashes in wind, water, etc. It desecrates the body created by God.
7. No Rushed or Neglected Funeral Rites
Catholics should receive proper funeral rites, including:
A priest offering a Requiem Mass
Blessing of the body
Burial in consecrated ground
Note: Do not receive Communion in the hand, and do not receive Communion if you are in a state of mortal sin If most attendees receive Communion unworthily and in the hand, what a terrible sacrilege!
What Should Catholics Do?
✔ Pray the Rosary and offer Masses for the deceased.
✔ Offer indulgences and sacrifices for their soul in purgatory. Offer your Holy Communion to poor soul.
✔ Trust in God’s mercy and focus on eternal life rather than worldly traditions.
A Catholic wake and funeral should be a moment of prayer, reflection, and hope in Christ. Let us set an example of faith, not superstition or worldly customs.
