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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To want to celebrate my mum's life my own way

6 replies

Tweetipie · 20/01/2012 02:18

My mum died a week ago. My older sister is a very committed Catholic having converted when she married 45years ago. She is 10 years older than me. Myself, my brother and younger sister range from vaguely C of E to agnostic as far as religious beliefs go. My mum was not baptised and did not go to church but knew my sister's parish priest Father P. According to my sister, mum had expressed a wish that he would say a few words at the crematorium when she died rather than a stranger doing the service. My sister had always been very bossy and self righteous. She went ahead and organised a church service with this priest without speaking to any of the rest of the family. All three of us detest this priest who is very egotistical and controlling. We decided we wanted to have a humanist celebration of mum's life at the crematorium, after the church service, inviting the priest to say prayers at the committal. we thought this was a good compromise. My religious sister gets her church service and the rest of us get a secular celebration of mum's life to say goodbye. The trouble is the priest has been kicking off big time. He is so hurt! He refuses to take any part in the crematorium service with a humanist etc etc. I even had the funeral director ringing me to tell me off for upsetting the priest! It was only when I reminded him that I was the one who was bereaved and my feelings were more important than some supposedly professional priest who, after all, was being paid to do a job that he wound his neck in and went back into funeral director mode. I have since found out that this priest who was at my sisters house every night when her kids were young used to invite himself on holiday with them and stay in the children's room! WTF! My sister can't see that this guy is weird. She has been abusive and angry because we want the humanist celebration and it's leaving a very nasty atmosphere. I feel bullied but I'm not putting up with it. What is it about people who say they are Christians but then demonstrate the least care and consideration for others? Is it really so bad to want a compromise so that we all say goodbye to mum in a way meaningful to each of us? My siblings and I have no objection to the Church bit as it provides comfort for my sister so why won't she tolerate what we want without becoming abusive and disrespectful? Any religious people out there can you explain?

OP posts:
Toomanycuppas · 20/01/2012 02:53

I'm not religious and I've no explanation for your sister's or the priest's behaviour (and the funeral director). Just wanted to say sorry for your loss and that you are having to deal with this at such a time.

My mum has chosen to donate her body to science and it's only me and my two brothers who know and are all in agreement. I can imagine there will be tutting and gossip/outrage from others when the time comes.

izzyswinterwarmer · 20/01/2012 03:40

'Saying a few words' at a funeral means attending as a mourner and delivering a eulogy to the deceased. Many parish priests are willing to do these particular honours for their parishoners gratis.

If the priest that your sister claims your dm wanted to 'say a few words' isn't willing to stick to the script, I suggest you write him out of the plot and continue with your plans for the humanist service which has been decided by the majority of your dm's dc as a fitting tribute to the way she lived her life.

Frankly, it sound as if the pair of them need reminding that this is not about them; it's about showing due respect for the passing of your dm in accordance with her wishes and those of yourself and your other siblings and they need to spend some time in the confessional get over themselves.

With regard to your observation of the the priest's 'weirdness', egomania is a trait that is not uncommon to the Catholic priesthood and, sadly, nor is inappropriate behaviour with dc but that's another thread or not, as the case maybe.

Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss; if there is an after life I have no doubt that your mum is wearing a cheerleader's costume, doing handstands, and waving pom-poms at you approves of the stand you've taken.

LovesBeingWearingSkinnyJeans · 20/01/2012 04:15

Tweetipie I'm so sorry about your mum. Funerals seem to bring out tge worst in some people just like weddings do strangely.

You are right to stick to tge original plans and are able to say a full church service is not what your mother stated she wanted.

I am Shock at the priest reacting in this way and at the funeral director.

Curtainmyself · 20/01/2012 04:21

Yeah Priests...got to love them eh. Is it any wonder the Catholic Church is in such a mess these days.

bugsylugs · 20/01/2012 04:49

Tweetipie so sorry for your loss. I think your compromise sounds great. Am really Shock by the funeral director very in appropriate. Also saddened by the priest he should be supportive and comforting even if just to your sister, but not rude and offensive. Some ESP Catholics do have funny ideas my sip was horrified that I was able to be Godparent to a Catholic child as I am C of E her priest had no problem with it with a few conditions. The priest should be promoting family harmony not discord. Good luck and stick to your guns

Tweetipie · 20/01/2012 14:31

Thanks for your comments. It's good to know I'm not going nuts. It's hard when it feels like so many people are against you. The Humanist Celebrant has been fantastic and supportive. She was away for a couple of days so I had no one to talk to about all this so thanks for your help.

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