Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
Episcopal Commission on Liturgy
Liturgical Guidelines on Cremation
In an instruction dated May 8, 1963 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 the Catholic religion and the Church”. The Instruction recommends, however, that the practice of reverently burying the faithful departed should be preserved. The 1983 Code of Canon Law (can 1176#3) makes the same provision.Although inhumation is still largely practiced in the Philippines, cremation has been constantly gaining acceptance, especially in urban areas where there are crematorium. Reasons vary from practicality, hygiene, economic conditions of the family, or personal choice of the departed. In recent years certain practices surrounding cremation have arisen that are not in accord with the mind of the Church. For this reason the Episcopal Commission on Liturgy, with the approval of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, lays down the following guidelines.
1. Cremation may take place after or before the funeral Mass.2. When cremation is held after funeral Mass, the rite of final commendation and committal concludes the Mass. While cremation is taking place the family and friends of the deceased are encouraged to gather in prayer. A liturgy of the Word may be celebrated or devotional prayers like the holy rosary may be said. After cremation the ashes are placed in a worthy urn and carried reverently to the place of burial.3. When cremation precedes the funeral Mass, the rite of final commendation and committal may be performed in the crematorium chapel before cremation. After cremation the funeral Mass may be celebrated in the presence of the cremated remains. If the funeral Mass is not celebrated, the funeral liturgy is held in the presence of the remains. The rite of final commendation and committal concludes the Mass or the funeral liturgy, if the rite has not taken place before cremation. Adaptations such as “remains” in place of “body” are made in the liturgical formularies.4. The cremated remains should be buried in a grave, mausoleum, or columbarium. The practice of scattering the ashes in the sea for form 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.
5. For the sake of reverence for the remains of the dead, it is recommended that in churches or chapels a worthy container be provided in which the urn is placed during the liturgical celebration.
6. Columbaria should not be constructed in the main body of the church but in a separate chapel adjacent to the church or in a crypt.
OFFICIALLY PROVIDED BY THE CBCP
with
Protocol Number 8319
(SGD.) +OSCAR V. CRUZ, DD
Archbishop
4 December 2001