Madam, – It was interesting to see that two recent celebrity-related funerals (Bob Geldof snr and Gerry Ryan) were afforded “bespoke” services by the Catholic Church. There were eulogies lasting 40 minutes, with specially chosen music and popular songs permitted.
I recently buried my mother and was told in no uncertain terms that the eulogy I had spent all night preparing, finding the right words to honour her, would not be allowed at the funeral Mass, but a few minutes thanking various people would be acceptable.
I was also told that a favourite song that my mother had chosen for her funeral could not be sung by the soprano I had engaged for the purpose.
It confirmed the two-tier systems the church operates. Although I believe in God, I bypass Rome to get to Him. It was not surprising that my first foray back to church in a very long time showed me nothing has changed.
If you want a funeral that goes to the terminus of your dreams, then make sure you are rich, powerful, a celebrity or closely related to one.
Meanwhile the “little people” will be told exactly where to get off. – Yours, etc,