This sensitive subject is one that sadly we will all face at some point in our lives and the passing of a loved one, especially if we are in a new country has added layers of complexities to overcome. Being prepared or knowing how we will handle the situation if it arises, including knowing an English Priest is not a negative thing but in fact a positive thing as it takes away a lot of the stress when the time comes to organise a funeral in Gran Alacant or Santa Pola.
How funerals work in Spain
It is often said that everything happens so fast in Spain and certainly for anyone coming from the UK or other countries with similar procedures to the UK we tend to expect a week or two for the organising of a funeral. The general tradition in Spain however is that things tend to move a lot faster – usually with funerals taking place within 24 hours of the passing. We will come back to this a little further on but first let´s talk about the roles and responsibilities.
First things that will happen
The exact procedures depend on the circumstances regarding the passing of our loved one and where they have died (for example, in hospital, at home and if it was a natural or expected death or not). But in general broad speaking the death needs to be certificated by a Doctor just like in any country. From this point on you will find that the Tanatorio that you choose will assist in the rest of the process.
Contacting the Tanatorio and/or Insurance Company
When the time comes to organise a funeral in Gran Alacant or anywhere else in the Costa Blanca, if you have insurance then you must make contact with them to inform them of the situation. Once you contact the Tanatorio you should inform them if you have insurance. We tend to want our loved one taking into the care of the Tanatorio from the very first moment but we should keep in mind that there are usually daily fees and so if there are family overseas and a day or two extra is needed, sometimes we can ask the hospital to look after our loved on a day or two extra but these are all very personal things to be decided and this depends on budget (for want of a more sensitive word) and, if there is insurance, what exactly it covers.
As your English Priest on the Costa Blanca I make no charge for my services and I am very happy to speak with either the Tanatorio, the Hospital or the Insurance company (or all three) if I can be of any help with this.
Bringing the deceased into the care of the Tanatorio
Once the paperwork has been done (which can happen very very fast), your chosen Tanatorio will then organise to collect your loved one and take them into their care. Things like discussing the funeral, choosing the coffin and so on may feel like they happen fast and its all too much but try to keep in mind the tradition in Spain that usually within 24 hours everything is done.
If you with for Reverend Steven, your English Priest on the costa Blanca to look after the funeral service for your loved one in Gran Alacant or Santa Pola you should make contact at the very earliest moment. You can contact me directly through the “contact” button or give the telephone number to the Tanatorio and ask for them to make contact with me. It is vital to make contact as soon as possible because firstly we have to be sure I am available and secondly we need time to make the arrangements so that your English Funeral in Gran Alacant is personal and the way that you want and your loved one would have wanted.
In the Tanatorio, things tend to work a little differently to the UK in as much as you may be used to a 7 day or even longer period where visits are by appointment. In Spain you will usually be given a lounge which is dedicated for you and your loved one. The coffin (open or closed as you wish) will usually be visible and often behind glass (in a temperature controlled area) and historically the family would remain vigil from the moment of passing until the funeral. Nowadays they often close at night but the family can come to visit during opening times and often out of hours by appointment.
But the beautiful thing is that you can choose how you do things, an open door for all who know you to come in and visit you and pay their respects or just quiet time for you and your loved one.
Reach Out
Remember that I am here for you to help in any way I can. Whether you are looking for someone to take care of the Funeral Service in Gran Alacant / Santa Pola or just spiritual guidance and pastoral care, I will always do my best to help. If I cannot be of assistance for availability reasons when it comes to the actual service I will certainly help you communicate with the Tanatorio who will be able to assist in finding a suitable alternative.
English, Spanish or Bilingual Funeral Service?
Reverend Steven speaks fluent Spanish and if you live in Gran Alacant, Santa Pola or anywhere on the Costa Blanca and are an English Speaker then it is most likely that you will have many friends and family who are also English Speakers but it is also likely that you will have Spanish friends who wish to come to the funeral. In these cases we can create a funeral whereby we use a hybrid mix of English & Spanish.
One example of this which was done beautifully at my own Mothers´ funeral was the “bulk” of the funeral in English but then certain sections which are well known in both languages such as the lords prayer were read in Spanish, allowing the Spanish guests to join in but the English to say it also in English.
My Role as a priest covering the Gran Alacant and Santa Pola areas, at the time of a funeral is to make sure that I listen, ask, help you with your grief and at the same time draw from those conversations the things needed for a fitting tribute to your loved one.
Where do you hold English Funerals in Gran Alacant or Santa Pola?
I don´t have a physical church as I am an independent priest operating purely out of the love of God (although I am looking to build a group in the Gran Alacant area so please check the website periodically for information). The majority of funerals in Spain where the deceased was not a regular church-goer are actually held in the chapel at the Tanatorio which usually have beautiful chapels.
Then we move on to the burial or cremation where I can be present for the interment if this is the wishes of the family.
Closing Words
Sometimes, we want to plan our funeral alone privately or with loved ones prior to the time coming, other times we can suffer a loss at an unexpected time. Either way, as your English Priest in Gran Alacant & Santa Pola I hope that when the time comes I can bring a perfect close with a fitting tribute and welcome questions from anyone at any time.
As an independent minister, Rev. Steven is ordained by the Universal Life Church (USA). We are a private group and offer spiritual guidance and meaningful religious ceremonies in Spain under the protection of the Spanish Constitution (Article 16) and Organic Law 7/1980 on Religious Freedom.
Our ministry is not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, the Spanish Evangelical Church (FEREDE), or any other religious entity. We represent a small, independent spiritual community dedicated to serving our members’ religious needs with respect and dignity.
Please note that we are happy to assist throughout Alicante and the entire province with Funerals or any other type of service that you need a celebrant to officiate. Our English Priest makes no charge for his services.