Help me explain Cremation and Spreading of Ashes?

[josh_the_goat]

My grandfather just passed away, and in his will he’s asked to be cremated and to have his ashes spread around his farm. He was catholic, as is the rest of my family. My understanding is that cremation is allowed, but that the ashes should still be buried in an urn.

Should we respect his last wishes by spreading his ashes, or try to respect his remains by burying them? It’s really driving a wedge between the family, and I’m having a hard time deciding which side of the issue I lie on.

 

[Devon_Caffran]

The following links should assist you in better understanding the Catholic Church’s teaching on the norms for proper cremation and burial of ashes. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please [contact Catholic Answers (http://www.catholic.com/home/contact.asp) directly.

**Recommended Reading:
**

• Does the Church allow cremation?
• Is it correct to keep the cremains of a deceased relative in your home?
• How do I decline to scatter human cremains?