I have known a fairly large number of priests over the years. Yesterday, I attended the funeral Mass of a woman. Her son presided at the Mass. This was the first time I have ever attended a funeral Mass at which the celebrant was an immediate family member of the deceased. I don't know how the priest, who is my friend, was able to preside at the Mass for his mother. In the various rites for a funeral, there are many instances where the celebrant mentions the deceased by name. Rather than use his mother's name, the priest simply used "Mom".
While driving back home from the funeral, I wonder whether priests think about what they might say during a funeral homily for a close family member - even if that homily won't likely be delivered for many years.
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