Hi all Just a general enquiry It has been suggested that the inscription R.I.P. or Rest In Peace when found on a gravestone signals a Catholic origin Have others found this to be the case as its not something I have found in my experience so wondered what others experiences have been Happy New Year to all by the way -- Nivard Ovington in Cornwall (UK)

Dear Nivard, Never in my whole *nutty life of chasing headstones* have I ever seen on another religion the words R.I.P. other than on a Roman Catholic Gravestone. I guess there could always be a day I do see it on headstone not related to this religion, nothing is set in stone ( pardon the pun) Requiescat in Pace (RIP) We have become accustomed to the three letters R.I.P on the headstones of those who have died; yet, few of us adequately understand the liturgical connection of these three simple letters to the Mass said for the repose of their souls. The expression R.I.P, despite modern understandings, does not stand for "rest in peace" but instead represents the Latin phrase "requiescat in pace", whose English equivalent is coincidentally "rest in peace". These three holy letters were not formerly placed on the tombstones of all of the departed or even all "Christians" but only on the tombstones of Catholics who have departed. The phrase "requiescat in pace" is taken from the final prayers of the priest at the place of burial: Anima eius et animae omnium fidelium defunctorum per Dei misericordiam requiescant in pace whose English equivalent is May his soul and the souls of all the departed faithful by God's mercy rest in peace. The letters RIP first appeared in the 8th century although it did not become common on the tombstones of Catholics until the 18th century. The Roman catacombs bear witness to prayers for the dead since many prayers for the dead are preserved on the tombs of the departed (e.g. Mayst thou live among the saints, 3rd century). The phrase refers not to our wish for their bodies to live peacefully in the ground but our prayer that their souls may be forgiven by Christ the Judge and found worthy - after the necessary purification - to enter into Heavenly beatitude. Namely, we pray that the souls of the departed shall one day be worthy for beatitude - to behold the face of God in Heaven. Hope that assists you, Regards Cara