creamation

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From the Catechism:

Respect for the dead

2299 The dying should be given attention and care to help them live their last moments in dignity and peace. They will be helped by the prayer of their relatives, who must see to it that the sick receive at the proper time the sacraments that prepare them to meet the living God.

2300 The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy;92 it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit.

2301 Autopsies can be morally permitted for legal inquests or scientific research. The free gift of organs after death is legitimate and can be meritorious.

The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body
 
In addition to what 1ke has posted, that cremation is generally permitted, we can also say that the Church *prefers *burial:
Can. 1176 §3. The Church earnestly recommends that the pious custom of burying the bodies of the deceased be observed; nevertheless, the Church does not prohibit cremation unless it was chosen for reasons contrary to Christian doctrine.
 
Also that the ashes cannot be scattered, but be buried or entombed as one would a body.
 
Another point is that the Church prefers that the cremation take place after the funeral, although funerals are allowed with cremains.
 
Also that the ashes cannot be scattered, but be buried or entombed as one would a body.
Why is it that they can’t be scattered? Does anyone know? I do accept the Church’s discipline about this, but I’m just wondering what the reasoning behind it is.
 
From:

LITURGICAL NORMS ON CREMATION
Congregation for Divine Worship

ORDER OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS
Appendix 2, “Cremation”

417 **The cremated remains of a body should be treated with the same respect given to the human body from which they come. **This includes the use of a worthy vessel to contain the ashes, the manner in which they are carried, the care and attention to appropriate placement and transport, and the final disposition. The cremated remains should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum or columbarium. **The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, or on the ground, or keeping cremated remains in the home of a relative or friend of the deceased are not the reverent disposition that the Church requires. **Whenever possible, appropriate means for recording with dignity the memory of the deceased should be adopted, such as a plaque or stone which records the name of the deceased.
 
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