The Real Purpose of Funerals

Funerals are meant to help us cope with the loss of a loved one, but that is only one of many deeper purposes they serve. In this video, Fr. Mike shares the wisdom of the Church in making funerals a time to recall God’s mercy, and pray for the faithful departed.

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[ac]

My father just passed away today. Im so scared to live without him. He was my hero and my best friend.

[DLTsandwich]

I buried my fiancé yesterday and I can’t imagine my life without him when we were both ready for the next chapter of our lives 💔

[just_another_person_]

I needed this video... I lost my only sibling and brother. He was 29 years old when he suddenly passed. He would have been 32 this past Sunday. So he has been on my mind, more than usual. But the video helped me remember to always keep praying for him. Thank you Fr. Mike! I can't explain how this touched me.

[rockoutchristian]

What a wonderful and encouraging video! My son was stillborn a couple weeks ago, and his funeral and mass were filled with so much hope because they weren't about a "goodbye." Even though it was heartbreaking, we couldn't help but celebrate his little life and thank Jesus for His sacrifice, because His sacrifice is why we will see our son again.

[DDR]

I lost my son 1 yr ago, 12 days before his 41st birthday. He turned to drugs after losing his young beautiful wife to a long cancer battle. He told me he didn’t want to live without her. He went into seclusion and numb his life to drugs. I am so devastated and can’t move on. I found your site and listened to your explanation of what death means, why do we visit the grave. Please pray for my son and his wife and family..🙏🏼 thank you father

[leximackovine]

Fr. Mike if I don't get the chance to meet you on earth, we are going to be besties in heaven!! Thanks for the awesome vids. I learn so much!

[alyannamaeilagan]

My dad just died around a month ago. I do not recall all the things I did in the funeral, but all those mentioned happened to my family during his funeral. Thank you, Fr. Mike. Please pray for my dad Aldo Rey (+).

[adamhovey]

I have a Muslim niece that died as an infant and I still pray for the repose of her soul

[jgabuten]

when somebody comes into mind a relative, a friend, a relative of a friend who passed away. I offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for them and also the poor holy souls in purgatory because i know that someday they will pray for me too.

[WarriorKnitter]

I went to a funeral today for Janine, a church friend. We never met outside of seeing each other at Mass almost every week and chatting as Charlie, her husband pushed her chair to their special van. They would sit in on the aisle in the shorter front pew on the Gospel side, Janine in her chair and Charlie next to her in the pew. I sat a few rows back on the same side. She died Monday and today was her funeral.

Since we have been allowed to go to Mass, we have to be directed to a pew and place in that pew for social distancing. I was directed to where Charlie would have sat next to Janine in her chair.

And later in the day, I hopped on the computer and this video popped up, as they do after you watch a video. The Holy Spirit is amazing. What a consolation. Bless you Father Mike.

[mabzter]

Father Mike, thank you. Just thank you.

[neritesorero]

Thank you, Lord for our good priest to share this video on why we hold funerals for our departed dearly beloved.

[ruthnoelmarie...]

Funerals in relationships are important as well.

Please pray for my four brothers and my sis our faithful departed plus my Pop.

MF
TH
MP
RE
&
AM
NP

Thanks a bunch 💐. Much appreciated. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[philipshanuprem]

Hi Father,
Thank you so much for this video, I lost my mom on 3rd September. I miss her more and more the days pass on, I felt my life was really empty without her.. Today I really felt how to regain my faith towards Christ!! This video is really a testimony for me to be strong in life... thank you very much..Amen

[laXrockera]

May God bless you, Father Mike! 😄 Always a joy to hear you speak. I hope I remember this video when I'm on my deathbed. We all need that reminder for any type of celebration.

[theresacreasia-twist]

Thank you for this video Fr. Mike 🙏🏼 When my son Andrew got his Angel Wings 5 years ago, I didn’t think twice about him going to heaven to rest in the loving arms of our Savior. I pray and talk to him everyday . I guess you are probably right . I don’t know if he went to heaven, but I will continue to pray for him and talk to him everyday .

[-.Ren_Ren.-]

At my only blood Aunty's funeral. Her name was Tracy, she was the best and as genuinely cool. We shared the same quirky mind and grit in tough times. She taught me some important stuff in the infrequent times I have met her in my young life, but the fact that those things have made an impact on me are unquestionable. I love you aunty, and I thank God for forming you, loving you and putting you into our lives, and reminding us of our own deaths. Thank you.

[brucehough]

Learned something. Thanks Father Schmitz.

[YouMissedLoosers]

No one gets out of life alive, so we might as well watch, learn and prepare :) thank you father!

[scottyakoubian]

This may be one of your best videos ever. Well done, Father.