Is the Papal Funeral March an Occult Practice?

Responding to Criticisms against the Papal Funeral Procession

Concerning the Papal Procession, ignorant people condemn what they do not deeply understand! *_Who are we to judge spirituality in Christianity by ordinary letters?!_* Letter kills, but the Spirit of God gives Life.

*_The video you saw was just a procession that all religions perform at One point or the other. If it were an esoteric secret, no one will video it!_*

I tell you the meaning of this Papal Funeral Procession:

The long triangular cone-head represents *“anonymity of the Papacy”* the cross turned upside-down on the ceremonial gown is the way PETER was crucified. The Bishops bear light in their staff.

One Pope has passed, One amongst hundreds of Cardinals will be chosen to replace Pope Francis and fill Apostle PETER’s position. Those who are marching are Bishops all over the world!

*_This is the early Church tradition, Not Roman Catholic Occultism_* whose existence some pundits believe, anyway!

I speak because this is my area of specialisation in Theology (Religious Major). I will never be a Mr. Know-it-All.

With Humility, I say, without Catholicism, we would just be shallow worshippers! It is a link between the early Church and Christianity of this age.

It is good for all those who will educate others in things of God to seek Seminarian knowledge. At One level, you will be taught about what others believe. Then, we will stop misjudging others on being scriptural or not! The Bible Canons tell you what is scriptural ìn Christianity.

*The Disciples of Christ continued in the practices of Jesus, right?* They were the Church in Jesus’ lifetime. So, He fulfilled His Promise to build His Church!

*The Church, in a Christian context, refers to the community of believers in Jesus Christ, both living and those who have passed away. It’s not a physical building but a body of people united by faith, and it also encompasses local gatherings of believers.*

The concept of the Church is rooted in the promises to Israel and inaugurated by the Holy Spirit. *_Jesus Christ himself promised to build his Church._* Remember Matthew 16:18?

I will make an attempt to break it down:

*The Body of Christ:*
The Church is often described as the body of Christ, meaning all those who accept Christ’s salvation and follow his teachings.

*Community of Believers:*
It’s a community built by God, comprised of people who have been called to him through faith.

*Not Just a Building:*
While physical church buildings can be places of worship and fellowship, *_the true Church is the people, not the building._*

*Local and Universal:*
The Church can refer to local gatherings of believers, as well as the broader, universal community of all believers throughout history. *_The Catholicity: One Church, One Faith!_*

*God’s New Covenant People:*
The Church is the new covenant people of God, a continuation of the promises made to Israel.

*Spiritual Manifestation:*
The Church is seen as a physical manifestation of Christ, reflecting his love and teachings in the world.

*_Catholicism_* embodies early Christianity through its historical claims of apostolic succession, its sacramental practices, and its emphasis on the universal nature of the Church. The Catholic Church asserts that it is a direct continuation of the church established by Jesus Christ and his apostles, with the Pope as the successor of St. Peter. This emphasis on continuity, coupled with the sacramental system and the notion of a universal (catholic) church, connects Catholicism to the foundational principles of early Christianity.

Let me attempt a more detailed look:

*_Apostolic Succession:_*
The Catholic Church believes that its bishops are the direct successors of the apostles, and the Pope is the successor of St. Peter, who Jesus designated as the first head of the Church. This claim of unbroken apostolic lineage is a key way the Catholic Church connects to the origins of Christianity.

*_Sacraments:_*
The Catholic Church’s sacramental system, including sacraments like Baptism, Eucharist, and Reconciliation, are understood as instituted by Jesus Christ.

These practices, seen as channels of grace, are a tangible link to the teachings and actions of Jesus and the early church.

*_Universal Church (Catholic):_*
The term “catholic” (meaning “universal”) is central to the Church’s identity. It reflects the belief that the church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, encompassing all believers throughout the world. This concept of a universal church is seen as a continuation of the early church’s mission to spread the Gospel to all nations.

*_Emphasis on Scripture and Tradition:_*
While the Catholic Church relies on the Bible as a source of divine truth, it also emphasises the importance of sacred tradition, which it believes has been passed down through the apostles and is essential for understanding and interpreting scripture.

This balance of scripture and tradition is another way the Catholic Church connects to the early church’s practices.

*_Liturgical Practices:_*
The Catholic Church’s liturgical practices, such as the Mass (Eucharist/ Holy Communion) and the celebration of saints’ days, are seen as ways of participating in the ongoing life and work of the early church. Processions depict “orderliness” and has no link to occultism.

These practices are rooted in the teachings and traditions of the early Christians.

Jesus is the Church’s Lord, redeemer and Saviour!

The King of Love is ONE to all Worshippers, Muslims, Christians and all… I was also shocked when, during my theses, I discovered what other faiths say about Jesus Christ… Religious people go into controversies because of ignorance, but Christ’s followers only LOVE…

You will be shocked when you get to meet our maker! We know ìn part when we don’t tolerate knowledge. The Muslim is my Brother. How much more my fellow Christian?!

*Conclusion.*

In Christianity, a procession is a ceremonial movement that depicts “orderliness”, often involving carrying sacred objects like a cross or relics, that serves as a visual representation of the faith and its practices. It’s not an occult practice but a liturgical and devotional act. Processions can commemorate important events, like Good Friday, burial, entry or completion of any Holy Service, or be part of pilgrimages to holy sites. They connect believers to the teachings and history of Christianity.

*It is well.*

Rt. Rev. Michael A. Femi-Adebanjo, PhD.