The Funeral Mass is a final opportunity to commend the deceased to God’s mercy, and that’s why it must be done with reverence.
Proper Treatment of Cremains |
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Previously banned for centuries because of its connotations with ancient pagan burial customs, cremation is becoming more popular in Catholic burial rites. The Church allowed cremations in 1963, with the understanding that the body would be cremated after the funeral Mass. The Church subsequently relaxed its rules in 1997 to allow cremains to be blessed during the funeral. However, it is strongly requested that cremation occur after the Funeral Mass. Under present canon law, cremains must receive a proper burial in consecrated ground, or be placed inside a cremain niche in a mausoleum. Scattering the ashes at sea or keeping them on a fireplace mantel are prohibited for Catholics. |