This may be one of the most charitable and civilized yet critical commentaries to date on Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's funeral. Father Roger Landry, the executive editor of the diocesan newspaper of Fall River, Mass., which was Kennedy's home diocese and where his funeral was celebrated, writes an editorial that defends the fact that Kennedy was afforded a Catholic funeral — but says it could have been done differently. Here's the kicker:
The overall tone of the funeral liturgy — from the three eulogies, to the prayers of the faithful, to the homily, to the celebrity musicians, to the guest list, and to the nationally-televised gushing color commentaries — seemed to communicate that it was more a public, political apotheosis of Senator Kennedy than a humble, insistent prayer of the Church his mother for the forgiveness of his sins and the repose of his soul. This was probably not helpful to the Senator eschatologically, obviously scandalous to devout pro-lifers spiritually, and likely injurious to the Church both doctrinally and practically.
Read the whole thing here. It's worth the time. Then discuss.
h/t New Advent
