What follows after a final commendation in a Roman Catholic funeral service?

In a Roman Catholic funeral service, the final commendation is an important ritual where the priest commends the deceased to God, often accompanied by prayers and blessings. Following this poignant moment of farewell, the customary practice is to proceed to the burial or cremation. This is a crucial step in the Catholic tradition, as it reflects the belief in the resurrection and the hope of eternal life.

The burial or cremation takes place after the final commendation, affirming the respect for the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit while also symbolizing the transition of the individual from earthly life into the next phase of existence. This practice aligns with the Church’s teachings about honoring and preparing the deceased for eternal rest.

Other options such as a wake, memorial service, or reception represent different ceremonies or gatherings, but they do not immediately follow the final commendation. A wake typically occurs before the funeral service, while a memorial service could be held later, and a reception is often an informal gathering following the funeral or memorial service rather than an integral part of the liturgical sequence.