Tag Archives: Catholic

Last Rites: A Catholic Send-Off

A look at the religion's final prayer procession for the dying

Catholicism has never been number-shy in its teachings. Confess a sin? Ten Hail Marys. Looking to convert? Get ready for a slew of Sunday or Bible school classes, then 1. Baptism, 2. Confirmation, and 3. First Communion. If your list … Continue reading

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Italian Funeral Traditions

A look into Italian cultural beliefs about death and funeral traditions

As a culture, Italians are often inclined towards heavily theatrical rituals when it comes to major life events. Death and funerals, however, are exceptions: these focus more on the seriousness and the finality of death. Informed by the teachings of Catholicism, the … Continue reading

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Taking a Look at the Traditional Irish Wake

How the beginnings of one tradition led to another

Many might be surprised to learn that evidence exists linking the traditional Irish wake, rooted in Catholic practices, to an ancient Jewish tradition, in which mourners left the burial chamber of a recently departed loved one open for three days … Continue reading

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“All for Now,” by Joseph Di Prisco

A Novel About Life After Death, More or Less

    Brother Stephen dies suddenly. That’s when matters get more complicated. During a meeting of school administrators, Brother Stephen, the main character of Joseph di Prisco’s novel, All for Now, monk at a Catholic Seminary and a teacher in the … Continue reading

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