The passing of Martin McGuinness represents difficult territory for the Catholic Church in Ireland. Mr McGuinness was a family man, blessed with four children and several grandchildren, and was devoted to his wife Bernie, though his family never enjoyed a public profile as is the case with some politicians.
He was also a regular Mass-goer and communicant. He was the Deputy Chief Minister of the Northern Ireland devolved government. As such, his funeral will be something of a public event. It is also going to be, one assumes, a Catholic event, a Requiem Mass in a large church, given that so many people will want to attend. In keeping with Irish custom, it will probably take place by the end of this week.
