Cremation and burial at sea

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MarieVeronica

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Dear Catholic Answers Forum… as we start approaching mid-life, we start having these thoughts, I guess. I will be 50 next February.😊 So, I’m kind of thinking… now and then… what will my final arrangements be? Of course, I hope for Masses to be said for me (as we all do)… and all that we as Catholics, hold so dear. Especially at those last moments of life. But what about burial?

I hope this isn’t a morbid question… but what is Catholic teaching on cremation and burial at sea? I think I read that cremation is now allowed. I’m not sure I would want to be cremated… but I’m curious about it. What does THE VATICAN have to say on the subject?

And even if cremation isn’t an option… can a Catholic be buried at sea?🤷
 
Cremation is acceptable, however, the ashes are not to be “strewn” (sea or ground) but remain in tact, preferably buried or encrypted.
 
There was quite a bit of discussion about this when John Kennedy, Jr. was killed. He and his wife were buried at sea, but nothing was ever said (at least that I saw) about the method of burial.

The Church officials who commented all seemed to agree that burial at sea was a permitted option if the remains were encased in an urn or coffin, as the link posted previously states, but that scattering of the ashes was completely unacceptable…
 
On cremation from the Catechism:

**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.
 
Thank you very much for the information, folks. God bless. 🙂
 
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