The way people honour the deceased varies from culture to culture. Since about 87% of Polish people are Catholic, this religion plays an important role in their funeral rites.

 

The wake

Traditionally, the Catholic wake takes place at the home of the deceased and lasts three days. The deceased is laid out in the coffin, with hands crossed over the chest and a crucifix or rosary between the fingers.

It is at this time that relatives and friends come to pay their last respects to the deceased and offer their sympathies to the family watching over their dearly departed.

Today, the wake is more often than not held in a funeral hall, on the same premises as the funeral parlour where the funeral will be held. These places of meditation allow families to come together and say good-bye to their loved one in complete serenity.

 

The memorial mass

The memorial mass, also known as a requiem, is traditionally held in a church. Upon arrival of the coffin in the Holy Place, the priest sprinkles it with holy water. Sometimes a Bible or a crucifix is placed there. This is where the deceased will be blessed and purified for his or her ascension. It is also at this time that family and friends will say a final good-bye.

The ceremony will often begin with the rite of light. Two candles are lit and placed on either side of the coffin, their glow symbolizing hope. This is followed by family salutations, prayers and readings of sacred texts.

The Final Farewell will then be held, where the priest will entrust the deceased to God and the body will be incensed—a last and final mark of respect towards what has been during all these years the dwelling place of the Spirit.

 

The burial

After the ceremony, the family and friends gather at the cemetery or mausoleum where the deceased will be buried. The priest says prayers and blessings and when the coffin is placed in its grave, everyone present blesses it as well, sometimes throwing a flower on it as a last tribute.

 

Burial or cremation?

For a long time, cremation was outlawed by the Catholic religion. However, it has been accepted by the Vatican since 1973. Nevertheless, burial remains the most popular option in the Polish community.

If cremation is chosen, the urn is placed in the grave as the coffin would have been, because according to the Catholic faith, the ashes must rest in a holy place.

 

For a final resting place in one's native land

It is not uncommon for Canadians born in Poland to want to be buried with their family. The repatriation process requires professionalism and expertise. And that's where you can count on our services.

It will be our pleasure to provide you with such support so that this return to the earth in their homeland takes place without any worries.