Where Do I Find A Franciscan Monk To Conduct A Funeral

[kelfoan]

My uncle has recently passed away and I am dealing with his affairs. One of his requests is that he has a cremation conducted by a Franciscan monk. He has requested no hymns as he wants a non religious service. Does anyone know how I go about obtaining the services of a Franciscan Monk. I know nothing about the Franciscan Monks. I am based in Staffordshire. Thanks in advance

[scorpiojo]

You could ask the question here

http://www.friar.org/q-a1

[emmie]

do you have local church where you could ask.

[Jackdaw33]

They are not monks they are friars. A bit odd that he wanted a non-religious funeral conducted by a person in holy orders. If you google them you may well find the nearest local friary.

[jno]

http://www.franciscans.org.uk/where-we-are/contact-details

[EDDIE51]

He wants a 'non religious' service yet wants a Franciscan Monk to conduct it ?
A Franciscan Monk has had to vow to devote his entire life to prayer and the 'service of God'.
I can't see how he can be expected to conduct a non religious service!

[emmie]

neither can i.

[EDDIE51]

^^ A Humanist would be the ideal choice for a non religious service , definitely not a monk!

[Jackdaw33]

Also, there are Anglican and Roman Catholic Franciscans.

[kelfoan]

My uncle had a great love for animals and I think has requested a franciscan monk as it is someway linked to St Francis, the patron saint of animals. Bless him. Dont really understand this but I am just trying to carry out his wishes!

[237SJ]

The OP is looking for a Franciscan monk and not judgement about why he wants that. Maybe people could just answer the question?

[EDDIE51]

^^ Indeed there are but both have had to take the vow of chastity,poverty and service to God !

[naomi24]

Speak to the funeral company. They're usually very helpful with special requests.

[EDDIE51]

here is the list of Monasteries in Staffordshire
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_monastic_houses_in_Staffordshire
Franciscan Monks are also known as 'Greyfriars' but the only monasteries I can see in Staffordshire were dissolved in 1528!
I have found the web site for the UK Franciscans ( yes they do have a web site) there is a contact number at the bottom of the page, perhaps they can help
http://www.friar.org/

[kelfoan]

Thanks for responses. He's probably looking down on me now and having a good laugh at me trying to sort this out!

[jno]

I can't see any reason why a Franciscan would refuse to talk about the love of animals. They may think otherwise, but you won't know till you try. There are contact numbers on some of the links posted in this thread; give them a call.

[ducksie]

Is your uncle based in Staffordshire? I do hope you will be able to fulfil his wishes, it's a small ask, he must have thought a lot of you to ask you to do this for him, may he rest in peace.