Q: My family has always held the view that as Catholics, we cannot be cremated. I know that at one time, it (cremation) was considered taboo. What is the official church position on cremation for a Catholic?
A: The Catholic Church references cremation in the 1918 Code of Canon Law by stating "the Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body." (#2301) Previously, the church held that earth burial in a tomb was Christlike, and that destruction of the body by cremation denied the resurrection of the dead and the immorality of the soul.
Catholics are now able to choose cremation "in case of necessity" according to a 1997 publication from the National Conference of Catholic Bishops titled "Reflections on the Body, Cremation and Catholic Funeral Rites", although "The Church earnestly recommends the pious custom of burial be retained; but it does not forbid cremation, unless this is chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching". (Code of Canon Law, # 1176, revised 1983)
When a family chooses cremation, the Church prefers that the body be present for a Funeral Mass, then cremated following committal rites. The church does permit, when not practically feasible for the body to be present, the cremated body "enclosed in a fitting container or worthy vessel" to be present at a Funeral Mass.
Why such concern for the body, one may ask? People of Catholic faith believe that care for the deceased emphasizes the dignity of the human body. Proper care of the body following death emphasizes the church held belief in personal resurrection. Following a Funeral Mass, and once cremation is completed, church preference is for the cremated remains to be buried in a grave or committed to a niche in a columbarium at a consecrated cemetery. Scattering cremated remains over private property or at sea, or retaining the cremated body in the home, is considered contrary to a reverent disposition of a body.
Local Parish Priests will gladly answer your individual questions regarding cremation.
My family has created a brochure concerning cremation and the Catholic faith. You can receive a free copy of this brochure by calling us at 386-328-1414 or request online at http://wattsfuneralhomes.com/_mgxroot/page_10777.php
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