What specifically, should we do for the dead?

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fakename

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What specifically, should we do for the dignity of the dead?

Why do dead people deserve dignity (since they are dead and it seems weird to say that a dead thing can be treated with either justice or injustice)?
 
fakename said:
What specifically, should we do for the dignity of the dead?

Why do dead people deserve dignity (since they are dead and it seems weird to say that a dead thing can be treated with either justice or injustice)?
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Rather than treat with justice or injustice, the thought would be to treat the dead body or ashes with the dignity reserved for a vessel which held a soul, and which will be resurrected at the Last Judgement. The Catechism of the Catholic Church has sections on this, which might be helpful to read (there is a “free” Catechism available on the Internet).

Other than that, we should pray for their souls. We do not know where they are; if in Purgatory, our prayers may help them obtain Heaven. Even if they are in Heaven (or, G-d forbid, the other place) our prayers are not wasted, but applied to those suffering in Purgatory.

In the funeral Liturgy, we pray for them…
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
 
So basically, bury the dead, fulfill their last wills, and etc.

Probably unless certain extreme conditions make not doing these things more moral than something else.
 
Have a mass or a number of masses said for them. It is a tradition for the Knights of Columbus to have 5 masses said for members who have passed away. Unfortunately not all councils follow that. Some only have one or two dedicated to fallen knights.

Most parishes ask a donation of about 10 bucks for such a request. Some do not charge at all.

Which may bring up the question of why pray for the dead. As Catholics we believe some folks end up in Purgatory first. Masses and prayers make their ‘time’ shorter or easier.
 
Doesn’t scripture say that we are temples of the Holy Spirit? (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Then certainly we should treat any place which has been touched by God with respect and dignity. For if God, who is prefect and Holy, resided in that temple, which is their body, then we should treat it with the same regard we do shrines and other holy places which were never alive. Though that temple has fallen and will return to dust, God promises to raise it up on the last day.

Have a respectful funeral, with prayer, and continue to pray for them.
 
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