1 /5 Marie: I was appalled—along with many others—by the behavior of the priest at a funeral a couple weeks ago. In an act of stunning insensitivity, he interrupted the deceased’s grieving sister mid-eulogy after just five minutes, telling her to “wrap it up.” This moment was meant for her to honor her brother one last time, yet he stripped her—and all of us—of that opportunity.
The Catholic Church wonders why people are leaving the faith. Funerals should be a moment of solace, a chance to bring people back to their beliefs. Instead, this priest’s arrogance and lack of basic compassion had the opposite effect—I left feeling utterly repelled.
Father, if you read this, I hope you reflect deeply on your actions. This funeral was not about you. And yet, it was clear that you reveled in the sound of your own voice, basking in the attention as if you were the one being honored. It was nauseating to watch. A true man of faith serves his congregation; you served only your own ego.
Your behavior was not just unkind—it was un-Christian. Rather than offering comfort, you used this solemn occasion to lecture mourners on what you believe to be “un-Christian” values. That was neither the time nor the place. If this church hopes to grow—or even retain—its congregation, it should seriously reconsider who it entrusts to lead it.
Father, you should seek confession—for the sheer vanity and callousness you so possess.
