ASK FR BITAJU | KAIROS GLOBAL | APRIL 2024

Author: Fr Bitaju

Q. What is the Catholic view on cremation?

The Catholic Church permits cremation as long as it is not chosen for reasons that are contrary to Christian belief (CCC 2301). However, the Church also emphasises the importance of treating the remains of the deceased with respect and dignity. 

The Church teaches that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and that it will be resurrected on the last day (CCC 997).  Therefore, the preference is for the body of the deceased to be buried, as it reflects the belief in the resurrection of the body and the dignity of the human person.  This would mean that cremation is allowed as long as it is not chosen as a rejection of the belief in the resurrection of the body. 

If cremation is chosen, the Church recommends that it be done after the funeral liturgy, so that the body can be present for the funeral rites (CCC 2301). The ashes should then be treated with reverence and respect, just as the body would be. They should be kept in a sacred place, such as a cemetery or a church, and not scattered, divided, or kept at home.

The Church’s teaching on cremation emphasises the importance of honouring the deceased and expressing belief in the resurrection of the body. While cremation is permitted it is encouraged to choose burial whenever possible, in order to reflect the Church’s understanding of the human person and the hope of eternal life. 

YOUCAT 242 

Why should the Church take special care of the sick?

Jesus shows us: Heaven suffers with us when we suffer. God even wants to be rediscovered in ‘the least of these my brethren’ (Matthew 25:40). That is why Jesus designated care of the sick as a central task for his disciples. He commands them, ‘Heal the sick’ (Matthew 10:8), and he promises them divine authority: ‘In my name they will cast out demons; . . . they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover’ (Mark 16:17-18). [1506-1510]

One of the distinctive characteristics of Christianity has always been that the elderly, the sick, and the needy are central to it. Mother Teresa, who cared for those who were dying in the gutters of Calcutta, is only one in a long series of Christian women and men who have discovered Christ precisely in those who were marginalised and avoided by others. When Christians are really Christian, a healing influence goes out from them. Some even have the gift of healing others physically in the power of the Holy Spirit (the charism of healing).