Madam, - Anyone familiar with Catholic funeral rites must acknowledge the inconsistencies shown by church authorities when implementing guidelines meant to ensure that "everyone is treated the same".
But there is one practice where inequality is endemic: What makes some faithful more deserving than others of having a concelebrated funeral Mass, sometimes with a dozen priests on the altar?
Of course there is no reason why a priest or bishop should not attend the funeral of a friend. But would it not be more appropriate if he took his place in the pews with the other friends of the deceased? Jesus preached humility. Many of his followers, including bishops and priests, seem more interested in pomp and show. - Yours, etc,
STAN MAC EOIN,
Cinn Mhara,
Co na Gaillimhe.