Cremation

[CICCIO]

A few weeks ago my neighbors son passed away almost unexpectedly - It was only two months since he was diagnosed. Anyway, i live in South Bend Indiana, and the biggest thing around here is Notre Dame Football - there's virtually nothing else to do around here untill football season. June, my neighbor, had her son, Bill, cremated by his request, and made arrangments with Notre Dame to spread his ashes on the football field - this i thought to be something neat since everytime i go to see a game it will be like visiting him too. However, one of my freinds voiced his opposition to the spreading of the ashes, refirring me to the dignity that one should treat the body after death, "it wouldnt be respectfull to go charging ofer Bills remains," or something like that. Is this true? Can you explain how the church might feel about this situation?

[cappie]

From the Code of Canon Law:

Can. 1176 §1 Christ's faithful who have died are to be given a Church funeral according to the norms of law.

§2 Church funerals are to be celebrated according to the norms of the liturgical books. In these funeral rites the Church prays for the spiritual support of the dead, it honours their bodies, and at the same time it brings to the living the comfort of hope.

§3 The Church earnestly recommends that the pious custom of burial be retained; but it does not forbid cremation, unless this is chosen for reasons which are contrary to christian teaching

From the Catechism:

2300 The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy;92 it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit.

2301 Autopsies can be morally permitted for legal inquests or scientific research. The free gift of organs after death is legitimate and can be meritorious.

The Church permits cremation, provided that it does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body


I have been asked to scatter ashes over the sea for people's relatives but not on a football field! Personally I would need a place to come to pay my respects but I would not think a football field counts. But that's my opinion.