WCR Letters to the Editor

Trudeau funeral conveyed warmth

When looking at the televised public liturgy we judge it by more than if it conformed to certain rubrics.

Most regulations allow of dispensation and surely the funeral of a former prime minister who worked so ardently for the unity of Canada justified the draping of his coffin with the national flag as its pall.

I found Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte was able to respect the solemnity of a state funeral and yet convey the warmth and humanity of a celebrant who is close to his people.

There was respect and restraint for the believer who was being buried in the eulogies delivered by his friend and his son. And surely filial piety and friendship are virtues we need to recognize and praise.

The musicians and singers deepened the sense of the sacred and yet avoided the theatrical which can so easily intrude on such an occasion.

Joining in that funeral liturgy thanks to the immediacy of television was for me a very moving and prayerful experience.

I am grateful to all those at Notre Dame who rose to such an occasion and made that beautiful church built in 1826 a national cathedral where we Canadian Catholics could share the power and the hope of our resurrection liturgy with all our fellow citizens.

Edward F. Kennedy, cssr
Vancouver

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