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Why Catholics Choose Urns Over Scattering Ashes?

Posted by Henry Kelsey on Oct 4th 2024

What the Catholic Church teaches on cremation and burial throws up a lot of do's and don'ts on how cremated remains should be handled. The most asked question is: "Why can't Catholics scatter ashes? " The reason lies in the deep sense in which the Church regards the human body, even after death. This explains why the proper choice of cremation urns forms a significant dimension in paying respect to a loved one.

When finding suitable ways of preserving remains, entrepreneurs like Spiritpet Urns address religious doctrine and individual taste through tasteful and respectful ideas.

The Catholic Church Regarding View on Cremation 

The Catholic Church upheld the importance of the human body, seeing it as a temple of the Holy Spirit. This respect also carries on even to the remains after death. For a long time, the Church proscribed cremation since burial is considered the most respectful way of giving the body back to earth. However, the Church has adapted to be willing to condone cremation but with strict and detailed guidelines regarding how the remains should be treated.

The Church teaches that cremated remains should have the same dignity as a body, so tossing ashes, keeping them at home, or dividing them between family members is considered incapable of recognizing the body's sanctity. Instead, the Church encourages people to place the ashes in a consecrated location, such as a cemetery or columbarium, in a proper urn for cremation.

Why Scattering Ashes is Not Allowed  

The Catholic Church forbids the scattering of ashes because of its concept of the human body and what is waiting for it in the afterlife. From the above, the scattering of ashes appears to symbolize an act of letting go, returning the deceased to nature, or spreading them in a place they held sentiment for. However, from the Church's perspective, it may be one's misapprehension about the afterlife and the resurrection of the body. The resurrection of the body is believed by Catholics, where all will rise again at the end of time.

The Church argues that dividing the ashes interrupts the symbolic integrity of the body, which needs to be resurrected. Keeping the cremated remains intact and in a humble urn has secured, in reverence, the body's integrity in the eyes of the Church today with what is believed by the Church about the sanctity of life, death, and resurrection.

Choice of the Right Urn for Cremation 

In its selection it may really be hard to choose or select an urns for human ashes, especially for Catholics who wish to be assured that the body parts of their loved ones are buried with dignity. It has to signify not only the personality and life of the deceased but also according to the directive of the Church. This is given that beautiful, respectful, and somewhat attractive urns exist, such as the ones from Spiritpet Urns, which can help families honor their loved ones in their faith.

We offer handcrafted cremation urns in America, made with beauty and dignity for any loved one, man or cherished pet. There are special and significant ones prepared according to the specific needs of a family and the doctrines taught by the Church for companies like Spiritpet Urns.

How Catholics Can Honor Their Loved Ones?  

While scattering might not be permitted within the Catholic Church, it has many meanings through which one could honor a loved one who has been cremated. Then, holding the remains in a dignified urn for cremation and placing it in consecrated space would be one of the most critical steps. Cemeteries and columbariums offer a place where the remains can be visited, which is considered a sacred place with specific rites and blessings the Church holds.

However, Catholic families can still celebrate the life of their dear in different personal and spiritual practices. Among these, memorial services, candle lighting, and praying for the dead stand out. It is also possible to order a Mass in their names. With words, one can say a prayer in a powerful form of the Catholic faith.

Catholics find solace in the fact that the Church allows the urn for cremation to be personalized. An urn that speaks about the life, values, or personality of the deceased is a meaningful way of remembering them. Personalized urns like Spiritpet Urns may be engraved or set with artwork or design that will interest the family personally and leave a lifelong tribute behind for them.

Read this: What to do with the ashes of loved ones?

Spiritpet Urns and the Building of Sacramental Memorials 

Spiritpet Urns is known for quality, handmade cremation urns. The company drew most of the attention it received with pet urns but maintained the values of craftsmanship, compassion, and personalization in all its urns. We specialize in helping families find just the proper resting place for their loved ones, ensuring that every urn is meticulously designed with care and attention.

The company handcrafts each urn and makes a special donation to pet rescue organizations in memory of the beloved pets they honour. This ethos of care and compassion extends to every sector of work in the company, making us a choice trusted by those who wish to give a respectful resting place of beauty to their loved ones.

Conclusion: Faith, Reverence, and the Importance of an Urn for Cremation 

The rights on cremation, as part of its observance in the Catholic Church, have gradually become more tolerated over time. However, stringent guidelines are kept in place to uphold the dignity of bodies in death, not caring whether it comes from which place or identity. Since the Church considers ashes and the human body to be holy and will rise again, dispersing it is unacceptable. Instead, Catholics are urged to keep the remains intact in a consecrated space, contained in a dignified urn for cremation.

This involves choosing the suitable urn that we have made available in elegant and meaningful options that are in agreement with what the Church teaches and the family's wishes. With a proper choice of an urn for cremation, families would honor principles that reflect their beliefs and reverence for the body's sacredness to pay respect to their loved one indeed.

While one may never get over a loss, there is peace found within the teachings and traditions of the Church. An urn, given to a family member or a cherished pet, may be the ultimate legacy of having lived a life well and will be accommodated by companies like Spiritpet Urns when the time of need arises.

Related Blog: Choosing the Right Urn for Your Loved One