Last Rites vs Funeral Mass

[catscradle]

Saw there were a number of people upset that John Gotti wasn't granted a funeral mass by the Catholic church - quite a few are wondering about forgiveness and lack thereof in the Church - especially in light on the sex scandal in the American Catholic Church today.

To set the record straight, Gotti, if he didn't refuse it, was indeed granted last rites (if he was unable to due to illness, coma, what have you, he got it automatically). All people, Hitler included if he was Catholic and a priest was available, get last rites. If no priest is available and someone is dying, a lay Catholic can perform it in an emergency. Basically, they get the absolution of the Church if they truly are sorry for their sins and then the rest is up to God to decide.

No one is entited to a Funeral Mass. Anyone can be refused that on any grounds. It's actually not important to the soul of a person, so if the priest deems that the person was less than up to snuff in moral standing - they can be denied that previlage. This does not condemn that person to Hell or any where else. Note that death row imates get a priest if they want one and last rites - they usually don't get a funeral Mass. Why should Gotti?

If you ask me, granting Gotti a funeral Mass would just show that you can buy your way to heaven if you have enough money. I'm personally glad the man didn't get one.