‘Cremation now a viable alternative for Pinoys’

MANILA, Philippines - Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop emeritus Oscar Cruz yesterday said that cremation has become a viable alternative for Filipinos in dealing with their dead because it is more convenient.

“It is becoming more convenient to go to a columbarium where the ashes are deposited instead of going to the cemetery because of the traffic and other factors,” Cruz said.

He also believes many Filipinos are concerned that many cemeteries nowadays have limited space. This reportedly prompted some memorial parks to put up multilevel burial lots that would even require the use of a ladder.

Cremation is also the preferred mode when a corpse has to be transported from abroad.

In 1963, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Liturgy (ECL) Ministry of Liturgical Affairs issued Liturgical Guidelines on Cremation stating that, “Although inhumation is still largely practiced in the Philippines, cremation has been constantly gaining acceptance, especially in urban areas where there are crematoriums.”

It cited several reasons such as practicality, hygiene, economic conditions of the family or personal choice of the departed.

CBCP secretary-general Monsignor Joselito Asis said that while the Catholic Church does not object to cremation, it frowns upon the practice of scattering the ashes in the sea or from the air.

He added that based on the Liturgical Guidelines on Cremation, “the Holy Office permitted cremation as a legitimate mode of disposing the dead body of the faithful, provided the reason for choosing cremation does not stem from a denial of Christian dogmas, the animosity of a secret society, or hatred of the Catholic religion and the Church.”

However, it recommended that the practice of reverently burying the dead should be preserved. 

“The cremated remains should be buried in grave, mausoleum, or columbarium. The practice of scattering the ashes at sea or from the air is not in keeping with the Church’s norm regarding the proper disposal of the remains of the dead. Likewise the urn should not be kept permanently at home or family altar.

“If there is to be a delay in the proper disposal of the ashes, these may be kept temporarily in an appropriate place.”

Monsignor Asis said that the Catholic Church does not allow the scattering of ashes because it seems like “disregarding” the deceased.

Even if it is the dying request of the person to have his or her ashes thrown into the water or spilled from the air, the CBCP official said this request should not be granted.

“The Lord would be more angry if they scatter the ashes. It is more irreverence for the body because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit.”