human remains

[debi_sheppard]

what is the catholic church policy on the keeping of human remains ? what constitutes desecration in this matter and should such remains be seperated?

 

[Tietjen]

what is the catholic church policy on the keeping of human remains ? what constitutes desecration in this matter and should such remains be seperated?

If you mean can ashes be kept, say on a mantle… no. They need to be intered. If you mean something else, please specify.

 

[debi_sheppard]

my reason for asking this question is because the erstwhile estranged mother of my late partner managed to take possession of his remains and against the wishes of his family has separated and distributed them among various parties. this is most distressing to us and we would like to know the implications of this action for the deceased person concerned, in the view of catholic theology. thank you for your reply already. also, what would be the moral obligation of the people in possession of these remains if we are unable to retrieve them?

 

[Tietjen]

my reason for asking this question is because the erstwhile estranged mother of my late partner managed to take possession of his remains and against the wishes of his family has separated and distributed them among various parties. this is most distressing to us and we would like to know the implications of this action for the deceased person concerned, in the view of catholic theology. thank you for your reply already. also, what would be the moral obligation of the people in possession of these remains if we are unable to retrieve them?

The estranged mother has committed a grievous act. From what you have said, no one else was involved other than “the various parties” who, if they knew this was wrong and that the remains had been divided, may also be at fault. There are no implications brought on to the deceased unless he/she knew what the estranged mother was planning and gave consent to her planned action. If that is the case, and we recognize that this action is indeed grievous, there still remains the possibility that the deceased may have been unaware of Church teaching on this issue as well as how much say the deceased had in the decision to do this deed. If the people who received the remains are able, they should reunite the remains and inter them. If this is not possible (and it were me) I would inter what remains I could (if any), offer a mass for the deceased, and pray for those involved in the act.

 

[debi_sheppard]

thanks for your reply. It is the case that the deceased had made clear his wishes otherwise, and in no event would have sanctioned the disposal of his remains in this way. The estranged mother was aware of this and only came into possession of these remains on condition of a verbal promise that they would be delivered to us intact.

 

[Tietjen]

thanks for your reply. It is the case that the deceased had made clear his wishes otherwise, and in no event would have sanctioned the disposal of his remains in this way. The estranged mother was aware of this and only came into possession of these remains on condition of a verbal promise that they would be delivered to us intact.

I am very sorry for your loss and will say a prayer for both you and your partner. God bless you for trying to make this situation right.