Headstone Wording for a Priest, Deacon or Nun

A life given to the Church is often remembered with its milestones — ordination or profession — alongside birth and death. Religious orders and dioceses may have their own customs.

Opening lines

• Rev. Father
• Rev. Mr. (Deacon)
• Sister
• Monsignor
• Brother

Short epitaphs

• Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21)
• A priest forever
• I have fought the good fight (2 Timothy 4:7)
• Into your hands, Lord
• Faithful servant of God

Milestones and symbols

Add "Ordained 1975" or "Professed 1962" below the dates. A chalice, stole, cross or IHS monogram are traditional — see chalice meaning and IHS and Chi-Rho. Many orders bury members in a community plot with uniform markers; ask the order first.

Example layout

Remembering clergy at the parish

Many parishes honour their priests with a memorial beyond the grave:

• A plaque inside the church listing years of service.
• A named bench or garden on church grounds.
• A memorial Mass on the anniversary.
• A scholarship or charity fund in their name.

Parishioners can suggest these to the parish council. For religious sisters, their order usually coordinates memorials at the motherhouse.

Who arranges the memorial?

Clergy and religious are often buried in their order's or diocese's plot, which may have a standard stone design. In that case:

• The order or diocese usually chooses the wording.
• Family can ask whether a personal line may be added.
• A family memorial — a plaque at home or a church window — can carry family tributes.

If the person is buried in a family plot, the family chooses as usual. See Catholic headstone guidance.

Key Takeaways

• Titles and ordination dates are traditional.
• Scripture suits a religious life.
• Religious orders may set their own style.

Next Step

See pastor or minister ideas and Catholic symbols. Or lay out your wording with the Quick fill tool in the Design Studio.