Sir, – In relation to “Majority believe every family should be able to deliver a eulogy” (February 26th), a wise funeral director in London once told me that the answer to every bereaved family’s request when planning a funeral is always “yes”.
A family keen to deliver their own eulogy should be encouraged and guided.
The problem arises when well-meaning parents nominate a youngster to deliver a eulogy or reading, often because they are accomplished at school or college.
Attending a funeral is at the outer limits of what youngsters can cope with. Add the stress of an emotional address and the results can be harrowing for all concerned.
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It is often best for the priest to deliver two separate talks: A personal eulogy and a separate hope-filled Christian homily.
Six hundred words – six minutes – is a perfect eulogy length, and it makes the funeral more personal if this is delivered near the start, not the end. – Yours, etc,
Rev MARK BLAKELY,
Kilcolman Rectory,
Milltown,
Co Kerry.
