Mistagogia symboli liturgii pogrzebowej
Mistagogy of symbols in funeral liturgy

Summary/Abstract: Funeral liturgy is rich in symbols: a vigil before a funeral, processions, sprinkling of the dead body, censing of the dead body, throwing soil on the coffin. The symbols are completed by signs and material elements which are used during the funeral. Each and every of them, and all of them as a whole, are of a huge semiotic value, which has been strengthened throughout the years of the long-lived Christian attitude towards death. This semiotic potential of symbols used in funeral liturgy is, however, not fully analyzed and experienced by its participants. Christian funerals need a deepened spirituality, support and education given to the faithful so that the faithful can experience funeral liturgy to the full. This should be understood as an interaction of Christ and a community, as an experience that needs and strengthens faith. It is on the foundations of faith that the symbols and the responsibility that comes from them can be deciphered. The symbols can enable us to find the road to sainthood. The true “liturgic mistagogy” should be developed, with an active part of the whole community, through ceremony in order to avoid the dangers of paying too much attention to the ceremonial-ritual aspect of liturgy. Also its resurrecting, spiritual and formative aspects should be taken into account. And it is a funeral homily that plays a special role here.

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