Why must cremated people be buried?

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VACatholicMom

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I was listening to a Catholic radio show and a caller asked about cremation. The host explained that Catholics may request to be cremated after their death, so long as they aren’t doing so to reject the church’s teaching that we will all be resurrected (body and all) on the last day. It was clarified that the ashes must still be buried.

I was wondering if you can clarify that for me. Why must we bury the ashes? Is it because it is a work of mercy to “bury the dead” or is there another deeper meaning as well? My stepfather, who was a devout Methodist, was cremated after his death several years ago. Most of his ashes were sprinkled over various places. Some of his ashes were saved in small containers, and one of those containers is in my possession. What am I to do with these ashes? Should they be buried?

I would greatly appreciate your answer; I feel very uncomfortable to have these ashes in my home if it is not appropriate by the standards of my Church. God bless.
 
Hi,

The requirement is not that the ashes be buried in the ground, but that they be interred at a Catholic cemetery. Most Catholic cemeteries have a place where such receptacles are placed. Mass is offered at each Catholic cemetery for those whose remains are located there. Your stepfather could benefit from those Masses.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.
 
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