Do the new Guidelines mean that all eulogies are forbidden at Catholic funerals?
No. A eulogy is only forbidden at the funeral Mass, in accord with n. 141 in the ORDER OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS, which states: A brief homily based on the readings should always be given at the funeral liturgy, but never any kind of eulogy. However, no. 170 of the OCF does permit “words of remembrance” at the end of Mass: A member or a friend of the family may speak in remembrance of the deceased before the final commendation begins.” Both eulogies and words of remembrance may be offered at a vigil service on the eve of the funeral, or at the cemetery. These are also the appropriate places/times for playing favorite secular tunes or showing slides or PowerPoint displays of photos of the deceased. Are there any exceptions? There may be particular circumstances that would require more than one speaker, for example, a state funeral. In such a case a certain protocol of allowing a member of the government, or perhaps others is to be expected. But normally other speakers should be directed to
