Cleaning The Bones of The Ancestors

[CatholicLife]

In Pomuch , Mexico there is a tradition of cleaning the bones of the ancestors is this disrespectful? What does the church say about it?

 

[Mattapoisett64]

In Pomuch , Mexico there is a tradition of cleaning the bones of the ancestors is this disrespectful? What does the church say about it?

I believe that European monks in centuries past did essentially the same thing - maintained charnal houses where bones of deceased monks were cleaned and arranged, sometimes in rather grim “decorations” on walls. As long as done with respect, I wouldn’t think there would be a problem. I know in places where burial room is at a premium, a body is left to decay in a tomb until only the bones are left, and them removed elsewhere so that the space can be re-occupied by the next family member to pass. All done with respect.

 

[xebec775]

As long as it’s respectful, I don’t believe their is a problem with it. Just look at some of the OFM Capuchin tombs. Also, I believe monks used to carry skulls with them to use for contemplation…

 

[Ferds_Guiang]

I also do believe that there is nothing wrong or disrespectful as long as they do the cleaning with reverence.

 

[valient_Lucy]

It sounds to me a lot like the Church practice of keeping relics. At the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (my Cathedral), we have the relics of St. Christine. Her bones are in a glass box, and in a barred chapel ajacent to the sanctuary of the Church, called the Resurrection chapel, where the deceased bishops have been entombed.

saintjohncathedral.com/Pages/FrameAC.html

 

[Jermosh]

There is a good chance that your parishes alter has cleaned and polished bones of revered people in it. Death is natural, its only in our modern western culture that we think of it as unnatural.