- Feb 5, 2002
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Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and sacramental theology at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum university.
Q: What is the Church’s position about draping a coffin with a flag for the funeral of a returned serviceman? — P.G-W., Melbourne, Australia
A: The use of national or military flags on coffins at funerals of deceased service personnel is usually permitted, but only for certain parts of the funeral rites. It may occasionally be allowed for other persons who held important civic offices or were otherwise noteworthy public figures who warranted a state or public funeral. The practice does not usually pose problems to the conduct of the funeral Mass since flags or insignia are usually removed during the Mass and, where customary, a pall is placed on the coffin. In some places, this removal takes place at the entrance to the church. Any civic or military rituals usually follow the religious rites. Military funeral honors can be combined with religious rites. Some U.S. dioceses have specific norms for military funerals. One diocese points out, «Typically, religious ceremonies are conducted first, followed by the military honors, such as Taps, the flag presentation, and any optional rites like the three-volley salute or a flyover, before the casket is laid to rest.»
Continued below.
Questions about liturgy: Flags Over a Coffin | ZENIT - English
Q: What is the Church’s position about draping a coffin with a flag for the funeral of a returned serviceman? — P.G-W., Melbourne, Australia
A: The use of national or military flags on coffins at funerals of deceased service personnel is usually permitted, but only for certain parts of the funeral rites. It may occasionally be allowed for other persons who held important civic offices or were otherwise noteworthy public figures who warranted a state or public funeral. The practice does not usually pose problems to the conduct of the funeral Mass since flags or insignia are usually removed during the Mass and, where customary, a pall is placed on the coffin. In some places, this removal takes place at the entrance to the church. Any civic or military rituals usually follow the religious rites. Military funeral honors can be combined with religious rites. Some U.S. dioceses have specific norms for military funerals. One diocese points out, «Typically, religious ceremonies are conducted first, followed by the military honors, such as Taps, the flag presentation, and any optional rites like the three-volley salute or a flyover, before the casket is laid to rest.»
Continued below.
Questions about liturgy: Flags Over a Coffin | ZENIT - English
