Are eulogies proper at Catholic funerals?
The short answer
No eulogy is to be given at a funeral Mass. The homily may include brief words of thanks for the person's life, and a relative or friend may be allowed a few short remarks at the end — but the deceased may never be described as being in heaven. Fuller tributes belong at a separate prayer service.
The rule
The Order of Christian Funerals says there is never to be a eulogy at a funeral Mass (OCF 27).
What is allowed
The celebrant may speak briefly in his homily with gratitude for the person's life, or permit a relative or friend to say a few words during the concluding rite (GIRM 89). Any remarks must be short, and the deceased must never be spoken of as being in heaven; only the Church has authority to canonize.
Why
The funeral Mass is not a celebration of the person's life. Its purpose is to worship God for Christ's victory over death, to console the mourners through prayer, and to pray for the soul of the deceased.
Where tributes fit
Family and friends who want to speak about the person's character and achievements can do so at a prayer service at home or at the funeral home, or at the graveside after the rite of committal.
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