Diocese says Church still prefers practice of burying the dead
Although cremation is not prohibited, the Diocese of Kidapawan said the Church still prefers the practice of burying the bodies of the deceased.
"The Church still prefers the practice of burying the bodies of the deceased, because this shows a greater esteem towards the deceased. Nevertheless, cremation is not prohibited, unless it was chosen for reasons contrary to Christian doctrine," Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said in a circular letter dated May 25.
The circular letter which contains his pastoral instruction on cremation and conservation of the cremated remains, the prelate reminded the faithful that it is not permitted to scatter the ashes of the departed in the air, on land, at sea or in some other way, nor may they be preserved in mementos, pieces of jewelry or other objects.
"The funeral rites will be denied for those who notoriously requested cremation and scattering of their ashes for reasons contrary to the Christian Faith," said Bagaforo.
He said it is not also permitted to keep the ashes of the faithful departed in houses or in domestic residences nor should it be divided among family members.
"When cremation of the body has been chosen, the ashes of the faithful must be laid to rest in a sacred place, that is a cemetery or, in certain cases, in a church or an area, which has been set aside for this purpose, and so dedicated by the ecclesial authority," Bagaforo said.
"This is to ensure that the faithful departed is included in the prayers and remembrance of the family and the Christian Community. It also prevents any unfitting or superstitious practices," he added.
Bagaforo said without motives contrary to Christian doctrine, the Church, after the celebration of the funeral rite, accompanies the choice of cremation, providing the relevant liturgical and pastoral guidelines, and taking particular care to avoid every form of scandal or appearance of religious indifferentism.
"In other words, cremation will take place only after the celebration of the funeral rites with the deceased body," he said.
"However, in unavoidable circumstances like being infected with Covid -19 and for sanitary purposes that need immediate cremation, the funeral liturgy takes place after the cremation using the approved liturgical text," added Bagaforo.
The diocese said the circular was issued for the guidance of the clergy, men and women religious, and all the Catholic faithful regarding cremation and funeral rites.