Local bishop's letter directs that churches should not host wakesThe Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, Paul Connell, has this week clarified his opposition to churches in the diocese hosting wakes in which a deceased person is reposed in an open coffin. On February 7, he published a letter, headed 'Guidelines for the use of Churches for Reposing of Remains', in which he directed that the reposing of the deceased in churches should be discontinued as of February 9. The use of parish halls or other parish facilities is perfectly in order," Bishop Connell wrote. There is no difficulty whatsoever with the remains reposing overnight (with a closed coffin) in the church," the statement said. He also said there had been consultation from Bishop Connell with parishes in the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois in relation to this matter.

Source: Irish Independent February 26, 2026 05:32 UTC