It’s often source of comfort and consolation to those who are mourning the loss of a loved one to know that all caskets and urns are constructed in the prayerful environment of New Melleray Abbey and personally blessed by one of the monks. Each casket and urn comes with an attached blessing card signed by the monk that blessed it.
The Casket Blessing
Merciful Father, by your Son’s suffering, death, and rising from the dead, we are freed from death and promised a share in your divine life. By the hands of monks each day raised in praise of your goodness, this casket was fashioned for your child who died in faith. We ask you now to bless this casket. Receive the soul of our departed brother or sister who is laid in this humble bed as in a cradle, safe in your care until the day of resurrection, when we will all be reunited in the vision of your glory who are Father, Son, and Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
The Urn Blessing
Lord, we rejoice in the victory of your son over death: by rising from the tomb to new life, he gives us new hope and promise. Bless this urn and bless the souls of our departed loved ones whose ashes it will contain. Surround them with your love and protection until they are safely restored to you in eternal life where death will be no more. We make this prayer in the name of
Jesus Christ your Son.
