‘We are the church’: Reactions to Diocese’s church wake ban in South Leitrim parishes

A letter sent to funeral directors in the parishes within the Ardagh-Clonmacnois diocese by Bishop Paul Connell has sparked a lot of discussion among church-goers not only locally but across Ireland.

The letter sent to funeral directors stated that the practice of holding wakes within churches must stop. There are some Leitrim parishes within this diocese including Annaduff, Aughavas, Carrick-on-Shannon (Kiltoghert), Cloone, Drumshanbo, Fenagh, Gortletteragh, Kiltubrid and Mohill.

“The use of a church however for such a purpose is inappropriate given the sacred nature of the building and in particular the presence of the blessed sacrament. A church is designed for public worship and quiet prayer and reflection,” Bishop Connell said in the letter dated February 9.

“I am directing that in parishes where the practice of reposing in churches has not begun, that these parishes do not introduce the practice,” he stated.

This has been met with disappointment from some church-goers, as was aired on Liveline with John Cooke on Tuesday, February 24.

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Having the discussion live on air, John Cooke spoke to some who were for and against the decision made by the Bishop.

Many people advocating for the practice to stay cited that it was suitable for families due to the accessibility and parking facilities of a church rather than in their own home.

“I think it’s a big loss, it brought people together. We are the church,” said one caller on Liveline named Martina, adding that parishioners should have been consulted on the matter. “It’s comfortable and makes it a bit easier for families to meet people who are coming to pay their respects and to offer support,” she added.

Funeral director David McGowan, operating in Sligo and Ballina called in to say he agreed with the Bishop’s decision, saying that the use of a church for a wake is a "commercial identity.” “The church is being used as a business premise,” he argued, adding that the church is a place of worship where you carry out rituals like weddings and funerals.

Speaking to the Leitrim Observer, Drumshanbo based funeral director Hubert McCormack, whose area falls under the diocese, feels otherwise and said that people have voiced their disappointment on the decision to him.

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“I have spoken to a lot of people in the locality and the feeling is that the church is for the people and is being maintained, looked after and heated by the parishioners,” Mr McCormack said. He noted that it seems “disingenuous” to tell the family of a deceased person, who may have spent their life attending Mass regularly, that their loved one cannot repose in the church.

“This decision has been made without any explanation or consultation with the local people.”

As a funeral director, Mr McCormack has been involved with a number of reposals in churches, which he says were carried out with “respect, reverence and dignity” for both the family and the church.

“If there was an incident that brought the Bishop to this decision, it should have been dealt with locally,” he added.

“The church is a safe and reverent space to repose our loved ones particularly in the case of large funerals. There is ample parking and a place for people to shelter from the weather,” he concluded, adding that he hopes the Bishop would have a change of heart on this issue.

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Speaking to the Leitrim Observer in a previous article, Bishop Connell said he would be willing to meet with locals and hear their concerns; however, until then, all parishes within the diocese have been directed since February 9 to stop allowing wakes in churches.